I was thinking about how bored I have been and how I really could handle having another kid around the house for a few hours a day (ESPECIALLY after my 4 yr old goes to preschool FT in mid Aug). Do you think I would have success if I offered a "mother's day out" type of child care service? I'd watch 1-2 kid per family for 3 hrs a week for $20 for 1 kid, $30 for 2 kids, so that parents could run errands each week or go to the doctor, etc. without having to find a sitter. Each family would have a set day, like Tuesdays...that way, if I could get 5 families, I'd be making about $100-150/wk. I'd also have time slots, like 8:30-11:30, or 1-4 (that way I can still feed just my kids lunch and get my kids down for naps before the next child/ren arrive.)
What do you ladies think? I'd love any suggestions about if you think it would work, if you would use such a service yourself, and if you can think of any potential problems with it.
ETA: Yeah, I only have 3 kids, and I'd only watch 1-2 additional, so I wouldn't have to go thru state licensing.
I think that's a wonderful idea!! I would definately be interested in something like that!!!!!
Best wishes!! =o)
Sure its a good idea and there is a need for it.
Just do your homework, you need contracts, payment/fee schedules, rules, business licenses etc.,depending on your States requirements.
Because, IF you are not licensed with a business license, and parents claim you on their Taxes.... you can get in trouble.
If you are not, claiming the income etc.
Also, think about what you will do, IF a parent is LATE in picking up their kid, and in relation to when YOU have to go and pick up your kids from school etc. and your own timelines....
And, you have to, be aware of your States laws, on child capacity per child to adult, ratio.
Per supervision etc.
Because, you have 3 kids, and you'd watch 1-2 additional... so that is 5 kids total, in your care.
I have thought of this idea, as well.
And did it on a casual basis, but for friends' kids.
Charging about the same as you.
Queen - really good idea...
check with your community to ensure you can run a business out of your home...if you don't want to consider it a business...then you won't be licensed or anything like that....
check with your home owners insurance to ensure that you can do this and what their restraints are should something happen while the children are in your home...
I know - I'm not trying to be a downer - however, you need to think of all the things that could go wrong as well as all the GREAT things you can do!!! I know there was a time when I had considered doing something like this but in Fairfax county - you need to be licensed to provide care for another person's child for a fee....I don't think I could lie about that....urgh!!
YOU GO!!! Bottom line? I think it's a GREAT idea!! just think it through!!!
If I knew you, I would use this and so would my friends. The key wouild be to stay within state guidelines(i think 6 max total including yours) and having it set up to play.
i think that sounds amazing!!!!!!!! i wish you lived here in missouri close to me because i would soooooooooooo use your service!!!
Sounds great! It's something I would utilize...depending. Do you have CPR and life-saving training and certification? Do you plan on being a licensed facility? (If not, there are many people who would not use your services. I would probably not, myself. However, I'm not sure what's required in your state.) Do you have a plan for sanitation/cleanliness? Are you truly going to be a sitter, or will you be having educational activities?
Things like that would be really important to me.
This is how I got started in full time child care years ago. I had a friend who was a SAHM but wanted to attend a Bible study on Thursdays but they didnt allow kids under 2, so I offered to keep her little girl for those 3 hours, every Thursday. Then another M. found out and asked if I could do that when she went to the gym on Tuesdays,, and then another gal joined the Bible study,, and word of mouth spread the news and in about a year I ended up with some parents who worked and needed full time. So, yes very possible, moms who dont have jobs outside the home would love to have a steady reliable sitter for those times they need a Dr appt, or banking or shopping for bras,lol,, you know, all the times you "could" take your child but would really rather not. Might be a great idea!
That is a great idea. I've thought of that too! Good luck!!
Great idea! Best of luck! My only advice is to have a stict policy, stated up front, that if a parent is say up to 15 minutes late they owe an additional $5. Or if it is really an inconvenience to have a late parent make it $10 for 15 minutes. My aunt ran a home daycare and unfortunately people really try to take advantage.
Also, unless you really want lunch time with just your kids you could consider a separate fee schedule if the child wants to eat lunch at your house. If I were you I would consider providing lunch for the child for an additional $10.
I think it sounds great!
Great idea! I'd use it!
Really like it. Would agree with the comments about having fair late fees and possibly allow for a lunch drop in before or after for a fee. I would also have people sign contracts at least on a month to month so you know what kind of cash flow to expect. I think you would also have to be clear that they have a set day and time as opposed to "I can't make this morning lets do this afternoon" or "older sibling is off today so we won't be doing it and won't pay either". I know that for the most part having a certain part of each week that I could count on for a sitter would be great but I would expect that people may try to get out of certain times or switch things up if you are not clear that you cannot do that.
I think it's a great idea - if the price is right and the environment safe I'd use it. I have someone close by who does this $8 hour and she has a young child. She is willing to look after 4 extra children. You'd have to check if 3 hours is long enough for the parents - Downtown Chicago you need at least 4 hours given traveling times around the city. I found her on Sittercity.
You mentioned time slots.. would you be offering this service during the weekdays when most parents are working? This was the only thing I thought of. Or, are you focusing on stay at home moms who want to do their errands w/o kids? Would you offer evening and weekend hrs? best of luck!
