Can you tell me about offering childcare in my home

[shrijnana]

I work part time and would like to supplement my income by offering in home childcare/afterschool care. I know there's a lot of practicalities to think about to get ready, but before I even begin that I'm wondering how realistic this is as a supplemental income source?

First, I'm a teacher by profession so I know the basics of working with kids, dealing with parents, getting background checks, etc..., and I'm extremely safety conscious, aware of food sensitivities, trained in first aid and CPR though my certification has lapsed.

Second, I would just take in one or two kids at a time, so I wouldn't be running a whole in home daycare facility. I couldn't offer full-time M-F care, but could offer regular M, W, F hours, both first and second shift. I'm wondering how much of a market there is for part time care?

Third, my own kids will be 3 and 5 by that time and are great with other kids, both their age, older and younger.

I'm not looking to make tons of money with this, perhaps about $100-150 per week. Does this sound like it might be doable? I know these things can vary by region, so for comparison, going rates for baby-sitters in our area is $10-$12/hour, full time care rates range between $1200-1500/month depending on the age.

[doodah]

It sounds like you have a good foundation from your teaching experience. There IS a market for part time care but the fact that you are so limited to days and hours means that it is going to be hard to find families that want what you are offering. I think you need to check out your state regulations to see what an unlicensed provider is allowed to offer. Then put out some feelers and see what the demand is. You can make money doing this but I will be honest in saying that it is not something you want to go into lightly, especially if you do not have a dedicated playroom for the kids. There are additional things to be concerned with when parents and kids are coming into your home like childproofing the home, keeping things tidy basically at all times, dealing with issues with parents and kids, wear and tear on the toys/property/etc/etc. Do what you can to research options before you get in over your head. Its a lot of work and normally, part time daycare would not pay what a babysitter would charge. Like I charge $5 an hour for babysitting per child if the child comes to my house. I get paid less than half that per hour per kid for daycare. I put a lot into my daycare with food, supplies, toys, cleaning supplies, activities, etc and really don't make a whole bunch on it but enough to where I can stay home with my own children. If I had another option, I think I would take it because child care is really challenging and underpaid/underappreciated.

[jessiesmom]

You could check with your local social services as well. They may be able to refer you to someone that can answer all your questions because like the previous poster said it all depends on where you are on what regulations are. There may also be child care referral services you may be able to check with on regulations as well.

[MyKzooFamily]

Wow, full time child care there is insane! Here it's about $100-$200 per week, and $200 per week is the exclusive, very nice daycare that never has openings... so most home daycares and most centers are $100-$150 per week. Home daycares here charge $100/wk. for full time care.

I am on the fence about it, too. We have a small house, but we do have a large front living room (seperate from our back living room that is "our" main area). I have everything I need to make it into a playroom, and I'm working on my Child Development Associate's degree by taking online classes. One thing you have to think about .. is that the kids will be in your home. I use to be so stressed over making sure the house was perfectly clean every single day. No one wants to take their child to another person's untidy house (myself included). You also have to be available on some holidays or days that you would normally just spend with your family.

For me, I absolutely have to have a second income after I deliver this baby. And it has to be somewhere around $600-$1,000 per month. I could work out of the home and put my son in daycare for that amount, or I could watch children at my home. It's a big toss-up for me. I want to be home with my son (and future children).. because I just don't want someone else to share in those special growing moments. But working out of the home can be simpler, because you don't have to worry about people coming to your space and taking up your time.

I definitely think you would have a ton of success being available full time. BUT there may be people interested in part time, especially for good rates. I know that SAHM's would love breaks, and would love for their kids to go somewhere part time to play with others. And you may find mom's that do need care on those days, but normally they may have a crazy schedule or need full time care.

You never know! You could post an ad in the paper or on Craigslist or a local classified section online, and see what interest you get! I would check regulations first, though, because I couldn't post any ads or advertise in any way until I'm fully licensed to care for children.. wether it be 1 or 10.