Child care is currently in a crisis. In our area and like most areas around the US child care is hard to find. Child Care Centers and in home child care are disappearing by the day. At lot has to do with how much stress comes with the business. I cannot speak for any centers, but I can speak on in home. I have been doing child care for almost 30 years age range 5 weeks old to 13 years old.
Over the years I have seen so much change. Some changes for the good, but most of the changes are not for the good and is actually hurting the child care industry.
If you are looking to start a home child care, I can help guide you in the right direction.
- Know your state’s regulations on home child cares. Some states do not require a home provider to be registered/licensed.
- Know your city/town’s regulations. Some towns do not allow child care businesses to be ran out of your home.
- Create a policy handbook, be strict with your policies and stick to those policies you put in place. Remember you are putting these policies into play because it’s only to help your business to thrive and not to let people to walk all over you. When in doubt, put into a policy.
- Have all the proper paperwork for each child.
- Be careful caring for family and friends. I’m not saying you can’t but make sure all policies apply to them as well. You are trying to run a business not a free for all.
- Make it loud and clear that you’re a child care provider and not a babysitter. There’s a huge difference between the two.
- Make sure your voice is heard. Do not let people use you as a doormat.
- Make sure your insurance will cover a child care in your home/vehicles.
- Start small. Don’t going into this thinking it’s going to be easy. It might be your passion, but it’s far from easy.
These are few things that I have covered. I could write a book on child care and how to get started.
I am here to answer your questions the best that I can about home child care.