Anyone do home daycare?

[cwnhokie]

I am thinking about keeping a little boy. I stay home with my two boys and they would probably enjoy the company. It will be short term, about 5 months. Does anyone have any advice or information? Thanks,
Chrissy

 

[disneynutcase]

I have for 19 years. I have been registered with the state of Vermont for 15 years. I love it. It let me stay at home with my own children and I took kids that were of similar age to my children. I know in Vermont that you need to be registered if you watch more than two families children. Also I needed to get day care insurance which is very expensive because my homeowners insurance would not cover the day care. I also kept my childrens toys separate from the daycare. My kids needed their own space. My husband has also been a big help when he has a day off. Its also a great way to earn extra money if you like children.

Jean

 

[magiroux]

To try it on a short term basis is great way to see if is it right for you and your family. As Disneynutcase suggests, there should be daycare toys and your children's toys they shouldn't have to share. My dd was old enough to understand and seperated the toys herself. I only babysit for Moms I know and trust (have politely denied a few since I smelled trouble from the get go) and only teachers (I love the hours). Staying on a strict schedule is very important since kids, especially the younger ones, adjust so much better with repeativeness and structure.

 

[eowensby]

I have kept kids in my home for 5 years now off and on. They have all been friends kids that we knew from church. I kept 2 little boys on Mondays and Tuesdays for a couple of years up until I had my DD. I took a break for a while once I had her and then started picking up the oldest boy from kindergarten 2 days a week last year. Now I keep a 7 month old baby and have since he was about 9 weeks old. It's not a huge amount of money, but it certainly helps and I know I'm helping them out. It has definetely cut down on sickness for him since he's not in daycare. My DD, who is 3, enjoys playing with him and it will certainly help for when we have another child someday.

 

[alikat99]

I watched a little girl from my daughter's preschool class this past summer. My biggest thing would be that you get an extra carseat (if needed), just in case you ever need to go anywhere. Also, make sure that you get insurance information for the child, just in case something happens.

 

[100AcreWood]

Just outta curiosity what is the going rate for homecare?

 

[pjlla]

Set the rules IN CEMENT up front. For example, will you be willing to watch the child if he is sick? What are the rules about pick up and drop off time? Some parents take real advantage of this. If the parents are so many minutes late picking up, then it is so many dollars more per quarter hour, or whatever. I once knew of a daycare that charged $1/per minute after 15 minutes past regular scheduled pick up time. I felt bad for the Mom one day who locked her keys in her car and couldn't get to the daycare on time.... she was frantic!

I ONCE very briefly considered taking care of another baby. They were casual friends in the area and had a daughter just a month before I had my first child. I knew she was going back to work and was looking for child care. But I bit my tongue and decided to keep it just DD and me for a while. I figured if I decided to wanted to offer later, I could. Anyhow, I made the offer to watch her daughter one day on a holiday when her daycare was closed. Since we were friends I offered for free. Well, she showed up with her DD that morning, hands her over, and runs out the door explaining that the rash is "probably just roseaola and her fever is gone!" and out the door she goes!! I had the girls separated the entire day (far apart in the same room, each in their own exersaucer) and washed my hands CONSTANTLY. That made me really mad and rather soured our blossoming friendship. I felt that she really took advantage of me by handing over a sick child with no advanced warning. And it was especially frustrating since she KNEW I had my own child there who would be exposed to this!

Anyhow, like I said, make the rules up front!.............P

 

[leahannpen]

Hmm, well, I'll have to let ya know in a few weeks...

My last day of full time work is next Wednesday. Then, starting 12/1 I will be watching my best friends little girl 2 days per week. I will be charging her $30 day which is just about half of what she pays day care per day now. I will supply food and drink and she brings diapers. (The little girl is 19 months old.)

If this works out, I may take another one on, on the other days I don't have her. Maybe take someone elses child on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tonight, I finish my CPR training.

 

[cgcw]

I have been providing daycare out of my home for several years now. It gives me the flexibility of being here for my own children while earning an income. I will say up front that it's not a job for everyone. I see some daycare providers who I personally feel should not be caring for other peoples children. I take my job very seriously and realize each and every day that the parents have entrusted me with their most precious possession.

With that being sad, it's a great way to make a living. It's hard work, but the rewards are awesome. Nothing can bring a smile to my face as easiliy as some of the cute things the kids do. I love seeing them grown and accomplish each and every milestone in their little lives.

I have a license through the state of IL as well as the Village I live in. Both are required in my area. I would not fathom doing daycare with out either. I also carry a separate daycare insurance policy -- specifically insuring my daycare children in the even of an accident. And, I can tell you from experience, they do happen.

I started my business caring for friends and family. Never again. It's much easier to set the rules and guidelines up front with a stranger. I found family and friends expected extras. I have a contract and policy that each family has to abide by.

If I were you and I decided this was something I wanted to do, I would make it very clear from the beginning what the expectations are.

You want to make clear with the family whether or not they are looking to write off their daycare expenses on their income taxes. If they are, you have to claim the income (it's not cash money). There are certain deductions that apply to your expenses if you are claiming the income. If so, you might want to contact a tax accountant for those guidelines.

I hope you make the right decision for you and your family. It definately is a job that your family has to feel comfortable with you doing. Good luck!

Cindy