Anyone with an in-home childcare?

[youngnhappymamma]

I am wanting to start one up and need some advice! How does it work for you (how many kids do you have at home, how it meshes, etc) How much do you charge? Did you aquire a small business loan to cover initial start up costs? Do you do any special things with the kids...or is it basically like hanging out? (I am planning to have it be like a pre-school sort of with lots of learning oppourtunities and outings and field trips, etc) What is your stress level? What are your favorite things about having an in-home childcare? What are your least favorite things? What are your little hints and secrets?

[Staceyhsmom1]

I just saw your thread. I have had an in home daycare for 6 years and would be happy to tell you all the ins and outs. Are you still interested?

[PuppyPrints]

I think a in-home childcare is a fantastic idea and would like to start one myself someday. best of luck with everything.

Im going to throw some ideas out for you. Walks in the park, trips to the pool, finger painting, story time, fun children stretches and such. I hope you have a blast with it, it sounds like such fun.

[CookieMonsterMommy]

Trips to the pool with a bunch of young kids is not the best idea. I mean, don't get me wrong, but I'm sure we all know the dangers, not to mention that many Mommies would not agree to such a trip on the basis of safety (I know I wouldn't!). Anyway, trips to the park and everything are great ideas-OT but my son has been in 2 home daycares (for only one day a week each), and I've had different opinions about both. The 1st one was great, but he choked on his lunch once-ended up fine-but they nevertold me about it. I would've understood, things happen, but they should have let me know instead of it coming from him the next day. Needles to say, that was his last day there, and I got a refund for that day. The second was pretty good, but the owner tried to say we hadn't paid them for 2 weeks, which was BS and the reason that I learned to pay with checks and/or get a receipt after each payment, not once a month.

I'd also like to start my onw homecare, but can't right now because I live in an apartment.

The only thing I can tell you is that there are some books at the library (sorry-have no idea of the names or authors-just search for "home day care" and "family day care" "child care", etc), and before you do ANYTHING-check your state laws. They can usually be found by contacting (via phone, mail, or internet) the Department of Social Services (in your state it may be called Dpt. of Children&Family Services, or something similar. Also, you have to go into it like a business-don't take IOUs and waive the fees for late child pickups-unless you plan to do that often and don't mind getting ripped off (but then you won't be taken seriously or respected-you'll be seen more as a babysitter than a child care provider...kindness is often mistaken for weakness).

Good luck!
Best Wishes

[BrooklynDoula]

I just watch one kid - my brother's son. so it is not really the same, but I would say that watching babies is really hard and makes the stress level higher (Jackson screamed for like 2 hours today and it killed me!). You have to have lots of space and activities for them to do. Perhaps give yourself a break with one 30 min video a day. Tell the parents about it and make it a routine. The break is SO needed.

Good luck.