Please give me your thoughts on drop off childcare

[tracylynn]

Hello All-

I am starting my business and would like some tips from moms and dads, that could help me tweak my website. I want to make sure that all the information flows and gives a clear picture.

Thanks

www.kidazzlekidz.com

 

[My3DisneyBoys]

I think your website looks great! Wish you were here in Phoenix!

One thing I didn't notice was any age requirement?

 

[ArthurIhde]

ok,i am checking your website now

 

[barkley]

if i were interested in this kind of service i would want to know what kind of training the staff has, what kind of insurance is in place, and what the maximum number of kids one staff member would supervise (right off the bat i don't think i'm comfortable with the idea of one person supervising 10 kids in a public place like a bowling alley or movie theatre, and if there was only one person supervising many more than that it just would'nt be for me).

i think it would be helpful if you posted "the buddy system" so parents could see if it's something they would be comfortable with (i don't understand how if someone is supervising 10 kids alone, they can be personaly taking each child who needs to go to a bathroom).

if reservations have to be done by wednesday, is the parent guaranteed at the point of reservation that the activity will take place? or do they have to wait until after the cut-off for payment-and then do they get some kind of confirmation call or e-mail?

 

[lindsmom]

Hi - I love the idea, and would love to hear how it works for you. As a childcare provider, I see the potential and need! I'm still looking at the website, but I did notice a pricing discrepancy? You charge $30 more for second and third children, but $35 for the fourth child - is that accurate? Generally the rates go down per child with more children.

I was confused by the "about us" page states that "There is a minimum of six children each session and a maximum of ten children depending on site location." However on the FAQ's it states that "The maximum number of children in each session is 40 to 50."
It's probably a terminology thing regarding "session", but that popped out at me.

You state that children can attend at many sessions as are available. I'm thinking, as you stated, if a parent is attending a wedding on Saturday and would like 4 -5 hours coverage, they would register for two sessions back to back. However, the sessions don't "touch" each other. In other words, they come for the 2 - 5 session then there's a 6 - 9 session. Is there something for that hour in between?

I like that you don't reveal the location except after registration.

You likely will provide a cell phone contact number for the parents to check on their kids; make sure you have service in these locations as that would frustrate parents if they try to call and don't get answered. I'm thinking some concrete and steel buildings might hinder cell phone reception.

Your sample schedule shows three different locations on one day; do you actually need to move around the city? Can't you set up your sessions at the same place for the whole day? I know staff would be sick of the same location, but it would be easier for you and the location may give you a deal if you're spending all that time there. It would only be a problem for kids attending two sessions in one day, but I don't think that would happen often as parents would need to come and drive the child to the next location. I hope you're not transporting the kids, as that increases your liability potential.

Lastly, speaking of liability, make sure you're covered! As another poster mentioned, have a plan for kids going to the bathroom; the age group you're dealing with are VERY susceptible when out of eyesight of an adult. You also may want to do some kind of wristband thing for pickup (parents and kids have matching numbered wristbands).

I do really like the idea, and I wish you the best!

 

[lindsmom]

P.S. Just noticed a typo on the register page, left side: Payment and form must received 3 days prior to the session.

Should say "must BE received"

 

[Mommee]

Where did you get references if this is a new business? If I were a customer and found out that this was a new business I'd be a bit upset that it's been portrayed as an established one.

As a mom, I would not be comfortable with a general 1-10 staff ratio. I would want to know exactly what the max for my child's age group is.

I also think the prices are high, but maybe that's because I live in the boonies. Around here there is a business that does something similar near the holidays, but they're partnered with one location.They charge $20 for 2.5 hours and it includes admission to the location but not food. Do you have agreements with your locations?

As for the site, I almost missed the cost. Can it have it's own tab or be included in the FAQ?

 

[HM]

I didn't read you website, but your question led me to think you were starting a drop-off daycare at a standard location, with no reservations required. There is a place like that nearby in my town. One of my friends uses it (my kids are teens) and her kids love it. The place is near a major shopping center, multiplex, and restaurants. It gives parents the chance to leave their kids in a fun location with crafts, games, etc. while they shop, go out to eat, or take in a movie that they can't take the kids to. From the sounds of the replies, this isn't what you propose. I just wanted to mention this, in case you hadn't thought of doing something a bit less complicated.

 

[Desnik]

First, congrats on your new business! I think it is a great idea and the website looks great! I wish you much success!

I didn't see anything about the ages of the kids you take? Did I miss that? Also, how the groups are separated? Meaning do you just put 10 kids in a group or will you put the 5-7 year olds together in a group, etc....

As a mom, and a previous owner of a business that dealt with children, I have one issue with what you are doing. That is the 1 to 10 ratio of adult with children. I would not be comfortable with that as a parent. As a business owner I would be worried about one person being responsible for 10 four year olds. How will it be handled with the bathroom or watching all of them in a crowded place like Chuck e Cheese? Have you checked with your state if that is even legal? For example I know in daycares they have laws about how many adults are needed for a certain amount of kids. Also, as a parent I would like to see on the website what the liability is, that you have insurance, and who the staff is and their qualifications.

 

[luvsJack]

I would assume you would be bound by the same ratios as any regular child care setting. In this state, field trips mean smaller ratios and that is the ratio I would expect you to have to go by. I would think that would be information the parents would need to have.

I also agree that you need to specify what kind of training your staff has. Are they Child CPR certified? Are they trained to work with children of a specific age? Perhaps they were/are camp councelors and have been trained in that way.

Seperation of ages. A 4 year old girl and a 10 year old boy are MILES apart in activity level, maturity level, etc. Too much age mixing in a group like this is not a good thing.

Have you cleared having these groups with the business you plan to go to? I would think that Chuckie Cheese would want to know if you are planning to spring 15-20 kids on them in one group (the one here is kind of small) every Saturday and Sunday. I mean its like you are taking a birthday party there every week and those have to be preplanned. In this area, the only place that wouldn't care about a large group like that showing up would be the skating rink. Also, the businesses may need to think about their own liability in this.

It is a great idea and for a child from 6-10 I wouldn't have a problem with taking my child at all. Just make sure all your bases are covered.

 

[tracylynn]

I wanted to respond to a few of the post already. To all thanks for all you thoughts.

I was a Nanny for an NFL player when I was a college student, back in 1994. After working for him I realized that there was a market for parents to have a location to bring their children and the children can fun as well. Fast forward, I became a mom and than a single parent completing my PhD. I found myself in the same position needing a few extra hours to take my daughter so that she could have fun while I did whatever I needed too. This is a new and old business. I have had several test runs 6 times primarily over long school holidays.

My work schedule and daughter's schedule would never let me fully commit to Kidazzle Kidz. Now my daughter is 14, I have completed school and my full time job is no longer stressful. I am not as stressed out or stretched thin.

To answer a few questions below...

There is a buddy system!!! Of course depending on the age group of the children we would always have them supervised. Really regardless of age!!!!!
There is 3 staff members to each group
All staff members are teachers
We have all had a FBI background check, and first aid and CPR
One staff memeber is a CNA
References are from when we did the test sessions

We will have no more than 20 children per session

I have someone updating my site she has not corrected alot of information, but we are getting there.

I greatly appreciate all the thoughts and comments, keep them coming.

 

[wovenwonder]

I think you will have many kids picked up late with such a low late fee. I would double your charges for late fee's. You could then lower it on a case by case basis but at least you would have a very high fee to limit the chance of abuse.

I would not allow kids to bring along their own money. It's just not fair to the others that may not have extra money.

 

[tlbwriter]

I would not allow kids to bring along their own money. It's just not fair to the others that may not have extra money.

This was an issue at my daughter's daycare every summer. They tried forbidding kids from bringing money on field trips, but parents sent it anyway. So finally they went to "you can bring money, but your teacher will NOT hold it, and you are responsible for it."

 

[mistysue]

It might just be me, but i the FAQ, the response to why locations aren't provided sort of rubs me wrong. Maybe the real reason is the prevent unregistered kids, but to me that sort of makes it sound like you don't like or trust your customers. It might be better to say "for the safety of the children" or whatever, so it sounds like you are being proactive rather than avoiding people.

I'm not sure I agree about raising the late fee, I actually passed over a daycare once because I thought their late fees were too high. (mind you, in 7 years I have never once picked up a kid late) It just gave me the impression they were there completely for the money, and not at all for the kids. Depending on region your rates may be ok.

I just like to patronize businesses when I feel like they like me and want my business.

Generally I liked your site and it made me excited about the idea. Just keep in mind that many parents are going to judge where you are "kid people" and all the information they have is your website. It sounds like at this point people aren't sure if your staff is capable of keeping their kids safe enough. You need to list those staff credentials on the site because they will help.

 

[tlbwriter]

It might just be me, but i the FAQ, the response to why locations aren't provided sort of rubs me wrong. Maybe the real reason is the prevent unregistered kids, but to me that sort of makes it sound like you don't like or trust your customers. It might be better to say "for the safety of the children" or whatever, so it sounds like you are being proactive rather than avoiding people.

Actually, I like that part. It tells me that the provider is concerned about not having too many kids, and about making sure that registered kids get priority.

I'm not sure I agree about raising the late fee, I actually passed over a daycare once because I thought their late fees were too high. (mind you, in 7 years I have never once picked up a kid late) It just gave me the impression they were there completely for the money, and not at all for the kids. Depending on region your rates may be ok.

Late fees aren't about the money, they're about irresponsible parents.

OP, in the FAQ where you talk about someone else picking up the child, I wouldn't say a picture ID is "preferable," I would *require* it. Also, someone is going to want to know if they can reschedule a prepaid session if their child got sick. I'd be more explicit about whether that is allowed.

 

[allison443]

Just wondering about not disclosing the locations until after the parent registers. As a parent I might want my kid to go bowling, but might not want them to go to chuckecheese. I might want them to be at a location near where I have an appointment, etc. Can the parent really not see where they are sending their kids until they register?

Also, maybe you do this in the confirmation, but I would specify exactly what is included. Instead of "food" say one slice of pizza and a drink, instead of "tokens" specify how many, etc. That way there's no confusion later on.

Good luck! I think it's a great idea!

 

[MomToOne]

While it sounds like a great idea, I am afraid of the legalities you may face. You should research the laws carefully about the need for childcare licensing. I think you should also consult a lawyer well-versed in childcare licensing issues.

 

[lecach]

The price seems high to me. Before we moved I used a drop in center near my home in Durham NC. It was open from 10 am. to 8 during the week and later on the weekends. It was $10 an hour and the only time you had to make a reservation was for special parties - like New Years Eve. They werent required to have a child care license under the state laws in NC.

I wouldnt use something where I had to make reservations days in advance or where the location wasnt secure (like chuck e cheese or the park).

 

[dismichelle]

The general idea seems okay, but I don't think it's a service I'd use.

I wouldn't pay without knowing the location first. It may be on a side of town, where I'd not want to drive to, or my kids just may not want to do that particular activity.

I also think the price is really high. The most we pay for skating is $5-7 each. With a charge of $40/child, I think you may spend a max of $5/child for food. My 4 kids would cost $140. For less than that price I could pay a college student to take all of my kids to a place like that, spend more hours with them and have less than a 1/10 ratio. I think something more like a 2/10 ratio would be much better.

I think a better idea would be to take the kids someplace where they can be watched closer, perhaps a rec center room or a large basement if you have one and just do crafts with them and play a movie. I think it would cost less and be much safer for the kids.

I hope this wasn't harsh, I just wanted to give you some advice/feedback on my reasonings why I wouldn't use it.

 

[hffmnheidi]

You also need to have EXTREMELY SPECIFIC rules regarding late children. What will you do if you have a parent who doesn't show up to get their kids at all? How long are you planning on waiting until getting the police involved for child abandonment? In Illinois, it is 30 minutes after closing with no phone call/no contact from parents.