Child Care
With more career moms than ever, child care has become more than a cottage industry. You must love kids, have a home that is child-friendly and have the patience of a saint. A background in child development is helpful, but not essential.
Before getting started, you must contact your local health department or social service agency to determine what licensing, certification and inspections are necessary.
Before getting started, you must contact your local health department or social service agency to determine what licensing, certification and inspections are necessary.
Also make sure that your homeowner’s insurance is current and covers day care. Any accident can be potentially devastating.
If you are operating alone, be sure to take in only as many kids as you can handle comfortably. And remember, this is not a job you can turn on and off. Working moms and dads will depend on your services. If you can only handle half a day, make sure that fact is known from the beginning.
You can charge by the hour, day or week – with a discount for customers who are on a weekly or monthly basis – and an extra charge if meals are served. Rates will differ from place to place, with higher rates in urban areas.
You can charge anywhere from $3.50 to $10 an hour, with $3 to $5 extra per meal. Your fee will also depend on the age of the child (whether or not you have to change diapers) and if the child has any disabilities.
For more information, contact the National Association for Family Child Care at 800-359-3817.
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If you are operating alone, be sure to take in only as many kids as you can handle comfortably. And remember, this is not a job you can turn on and off. Working moms and dads will depend on your services. If you can only handle half a day, make sure that fact is known from the beginning.
You can charge by the hour, day or week – with a discount for customers who are on a weekly or monthly basis – and an extra charge if meals are served. Rates will differ from place to place, with higher rates in urban areas.
You can charge anywhere from $3.50 to $10 an hour, with $3 to $5 extra per meal. Your fee will also depend on the age of the child (whether or not you have to change diapers) and if the child has any disabilities.
For more information, contact the National Association for Family Child Care at 800-359-3817.
Back to Topic Home
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