Just Starting in Home Day Care, Need Input

If the 2 children are from the same family you do not have to be licensed by DCFS. The LAW is you may watch 3 children in your home including your own children or one other family. You should check with your home and car insurance. You may be able to put a rider on your home and car insurance just in case anyone gets hurt while in your care. It will depend on your insurance company. Also be sure you become CPR and First Aid certified. Children's Home and Aid offers many classes. Foundations is a great class to take when first starting out. Their # is ###-###-####. This is the North/Northwest suburb branch. I am sure they will be able to direct you the branch closest to you though. Also, be sure you have a contract for the parents to sign even if they are friends . If you are interested I can email you a copy of mine and all the other paper work I use. I have been doing family daycare for over 18 years. You probally have already done this since you have 2 children of your own but make sure all outlets have covers on them, cleaning supplies and medicines are locked away or stored out of reach. This is something that will need to be checked often. For some reason husbands have a problem putting the covers back on! A great early childcare magazine is Mailbox. I believe their website is themailbox.com. If you have any more question please let me know.

You should contact your DCFS rep. and they have a booklet on the requirements needed.

Dear Lynn
I agree with the other posts in regards to safety issues and payments. I have been doing home day care for awhile now and would also add other "rules" you would like to have. Making sure the kids come dressed for outside play no matter the weather, trips to the library or parks nearby and basic rules of the house... everyone who wants to play gets to play, no TV, everyone helps clean up, we only eat in the kitchen and the like. Good Luck.
J.

Hi Lynn,

I have been doing in home day care for over 4 yrs. I never did get licensed, my kids are part-time. I agree with the other post a contract is a MUST, even if a friend! I also recommend getting paid for your vacation time. I did not and regret it. It's just like a regular job, you deserve paid time off (especially if you are full-time!). Include late fees, and exactly when you expect to get paid, such as every Friday am. I can't tell you how many Friday pm's came and I didn't get paid. Also, in your contract ask for supplies 1x month. kleenex, box of snacks etc... Good luck-- staying home with your children is so rewarding, and enhancing the lives of children who come into your home is rewarding!