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Oct
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Posted by singlemom
October 23, 2008 |
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Providing childcare in your home is a great way to earn money, but it can be hard on your family. You have to be aware of this so that you can handle any situations that arise.
What situations? Well, you may want to have a few things in place for your family before you bring other children into your home. Consider the following:
- What rooms will the daycare children be allowed to use? It is obvious that they will use the kitchen, livingroom, and bathroom, but are there any other rooms they will be allowed to use? For instance, your children may, at first, think it is cool to have the daycare children in their rooms. However, after a while, they may decide they do not want them in there rooms any more. This can cause some stress for everyone. I do not allow the daycare children in my daughters room. Because of this rule, my daughter has a place where she can go to ‘get away from it all.’
- The noise level can be very disturbing to some people in your household. It may be a good idea to schedule quiet times: You could read to them, they could watch an educational program, or they could color quietly. Providing them with a few quiet activities throughout the day, rather than one a day, can also be very helpful.
- You cannot expect to be able to clean up after your children and the daycare children all day long. Your children should be able to clean up after themselves, and the daycare children can be taught the same. Then you can do the dishes and other small tasks throughout the day, while keeping everyone happy.
You will think of other things as you are planning your daycare business, but the issues above should be thought about first. Other things to consider are:
- How many hours would you like to work? Which hours will you be available?
- Will the parents provide food for the children? If so, will you allow foods that need to be cooked? What if a child in your care is allergic to peanut products or other foods? You will need a policy where other parents are limited in what they can bring. Or, maybe you will want each parent to provide certain foods for the entire daycare to share. You may also be willing to chip in. Will you provide a list of foods for each parent on Thursdays? These steps will allow you to cook just one meal at a time. Perhaps you would rather raise prices some and purchase the food yourself. Or, you could join a food program so that someone else is helping you with the cost of food.
- If you are providing meals, you will want to prepare menus. If a parent wants to send their child with a bagged lunch sometimes, you may opt to tell them that they have to send a cold lunch so that there is no extra cooking necessary.
- Which meals and snacks will you provide, and at what times?
- What activities will you do with the daycare children?
- What will happen if there is an emergency?
- Plan for fire and other disaster drills with the children. Where will you go? Where will you meet? What else will happen?
- What are the laws in your state regarding providing childcare in your home? Town? Will you need licensing? Are their courses that you will need to take?
- How much do you want to make an hour per child? Or a week? Will you offer discounts for more than 1 child per family?
- Will you accept voucher from the government for children in your care?
You will think of more things as you are planning your business. If you have any questions or concerns about beginning a daycare in your home, please leave a comment. I will be happy to reply, as can any of you.
Shannon
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