Does anyone have an in-home daycare?

[tbs727]

I will be leaving my job soon to be a stay at home mom. DH and I are thinking about earning some extra money by me watching a few children in our home during the day.

I would like tips on how to start. I will be taking CPR and first aid this weekend (we have to do it for our adoption). Do I have to have a certification? or can I watch one or two children without certification?

[hylynn]

I had an inhome daycare. My suggestion is to call your local licence agency (DSHS) usually. If you get licenced you can charge licenced daycare fees (27$ day for under 2 17$ a day for older) You can also get hookied up with a nutrition agency that would reimburse the food you feed the daycare kids and your own!

bUT here you dont have to get a licence if you are only watching 2 kids, but there are the above benefits if you do. Good luck! ( I figured I saved over a 1000$ a month just not having to pay daycare for my own children!

[pkellyc]

I have done in home daycare for years in the state of CT you do not have to be a licenced daycare provider for 1 or 2 kids or family members. They do encourage us to register with them. But you will want to check your state regulations. I have only taken on kids that I knew their parents or that have been recommened to me. I also interviewed with them, hearing their expectations of me and telling my expectations of them. You must talk about all aspects of the day care in reguards to disipline, expected payment, hours of the daycare, meals and emergencies. Do not forget to ask about food allergies or any other kind of allergies. During an interview make sure to ask them why they are leaving their current day care. If you feel there is something wrong there don't hesitate to call the last daycare and get their side. Not to scare you but, there are some wackos out there with kids. I always made sure to let them know that I ran an open daycare and they were always wecome to pop in anytime. I also made sure I had references they could check. Encourage them to bring the kids to the interview so they can see you interact with them.

The only problem I encountered over the years was a 10 year old girl who would go into temper tantrums when ever homework was mentioned. The parents wanted it done before they were home because she did the same to them. After several frustrating attempts I had to tell them that they needed to handle it or find other daycare. I am not sure what they did but, they stayed and her behavior improved.

I have cared for several children over the years and other than that one incident my experience has been nothing but good.

I still have 2 boys that come after school 3 days a week, I have had them since their birth and the oldest is 11. They will be my last kids. I will be taking a break until I become a grandma. And I have loved just about every minute of it.

[Renee-2kids]

We have been talking to a neighbor about me watching her baby next fall.

DH has talked at work to some ladies who have done daycare. They recommend getting expectations of time, money, what the money covers (food, diapers or they supply them) discussed right in the beginning.

[sixfreds]

Well I did this for 2 years I was never certified. I didn't plan to do it either but I was staying home with the triplets and a neighbor asked me if I was interested in watching her nephew. I accepted and got an extra $150 a week for really no extra work he was almost the same age as my kids so it worked out very well. I treated him like he was one of mine he ate what we were eating for lunch and snacks he took naps the same time and when ever I had to go out he came with us.
If you plan to advertise I think you need a licence but if someone you know wants you to you can do that all under the table like baby-sitting rather then day-care.

Eileen

[mommyof8angels]

I am interested in doing this for extra money but how do I find out maximum number of children allowed? I mean I have 8 of my own so thats an important issue.