Thinking of doing drop off childcare in my home, have some quesitons

[herbmama3-7]

Hi Colorado mamas,

I am quitting my job and in order to do so I have decided to do childcare in my home. Many moms have mentioned a need to me about drop off care and I am considdering doing this. I am just wondering what would be a reasonable price to charge. I need to make $$ but want to keep it fare and reasonable too. What would you think a reasonable price to ask. I will be providing a lot of 1 on 1 time, arts, music, trips to the park, not "just" drop off care where I supervise, but a sort of organized play based pre-school setting. I will provide a healthy organic snack etc.... so what sounds good to you?

[annettemarie]

I am moving this to the WAHM Well. We don't allow tribal areas to be used for business research, but hopefully some mamas there will have great advice.

[Aeress]

I saw this in new posts and thought I might be of help.

You will want to check the state regualtions for care of children in your home. Each state has their own rules and regulations and licensing.

Drop off care may have their set of rules, though I am not familiar with them.

The rate at which NY state reimburses daycare costs (family daycare- so in home care) was very low, like 4.00-4.50 and that is what my family daycare provider charged.

As far as food- You can sign up for reimbursement of food as long as you comply with their regulations. (Child Adult Care Food Program/CACFP)

Food for thought- Hours (non typical hours can bring in more revenue)
when and how long are you open?
Define what you mean by drop off- do you need a phone call or can they just show up?

Policies- you will want to have written policies outlining your fee schedule, health policy, medication policy, sunscreen/bug spray policy, discipline and general philosophy.

[lilyka]

Some thing to think about "drop off"
*find out what people mean when they say thy want drop off
* will only a select group of clientel be able to drop of their kids (suh as a pre-regestered group or is the general public welcome to drop by any time. if so this means you will be working with strangers which would wory me. )
* how will you do trips to the park and curriculum if people are coming and going?

as for money I think average around here is about $3- $5 per child an hour for drop in care.

i did drop-in care to a select group of people a while back and charged $3 an hour. now I would charge about $5. I needed 24 hour notice before taking their kids.

[yitlan]

I pay $4 for my over 2yo and $5 for my toddler. No organic foods and a lot of frozen convenience foods, but that's why my kids like to go!
But lots of fun for them, outings, pool in summer, etc.

[janasmama]

Drop-in daycare should have a higher rate than regular care. Personally, I would charge a minimum of $8 with a minimum of $25.

Scheduled care is different. Then I might charge $5.