Any IH-DCPs.Q for you.

BunnyMendelbaum

I noticed that several people here have in-home daycares, so I thought this would be a good place to ask. 

I am going to be quitting my FT job soon (late may), working side jobs (I'm an architect) and providing morning only daycare for 3 kids in my house.

I want to make sure I have all my bases covered.

-In NC I don't have to be licensed by the state for half-day care.

-I will have the parents sign a contract including termination notification, liability waiver, agreements as to meds, sleeping, activities, etc. (Care to share yours?)

The only thing I have not checked into is my home owners insurance policy. Do you have a rider? A separate policy? Nothing? 

Anything else I'm missing? 

TIA!  

littlemommy1

Not sure about your state's licensing laws, but I believe most don't require a license if you have under a certain amount of children. That number probably includes your own children too.

As far as insurance, I have a rider on our home-owner's policy.  Our agent said it's a must in case something would happen while children are in your care.  He also said we must have a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and working smoke detectors in every sleeping room, hallway, and on every floor. Since I am licensed that is checked by the fire marshal.

In your contract, state your holidays and days off. Some examples from mine:

Major holidays I will be closed and paid.

Holidays such as Christmas Eve and the day after Thanksgiving I am not closed. If I am open but the children will not be coming, I will be paid.

I do 10 free days a year for a full-timer. They can use those on any day, whether it be for a sick day, snow day, or personal day/vacation.

Have set hours. I have one family who is normally here 8-5 Monday thru Friday. If they don't show up (and they never call) until 9 or 10, they are still charged from 8. If they are picked up at 4:30 instead of 5, they are charged until 5. If you don't have these rules, it will really start cutting into your income. This is how I pay my bills, so it needs to be somewhat consistent. 

 Good luck! Let me know if you need anything else!

BunnyMendelbaum

I checked, I don't need to be licensed. I'd like to do this at least for 2 years. Great idea about the major holidays.

I am going to call my insurance agent about getting a rider, if you don't mind, how much is it per month in general? $10? $100? I just need to know to factor it into my rates.

I'm sure I'll have more questions. Thanks for the help! 

littlemommy1

I'm thinking it was only around 20 or 30 bucks extra. Maybe not even that much.