At home DCP

RachelP10408 · February 2012

I was just asked by a close friend of ours if I would like to be a full time DCP for their son. They are tired of him getting sixk at DC. He is only 2 days older than my DD. They would pay me around $200/week. I'm very interested in this idea since I need to bring in some income but I want to stay home with my DD. Right now I'm just trying to figure out logistics and what exact items I would need. I know I will need another highchair but should I also buy a carseat? I use cloth diapers so I would assume they would supply disposibles for him. Plus what happens when I go on vacation or get sick? There is so much to think about. I know his parents and I could figure all of this out but I thought maybe some of you have experience with this and have good ideas. Thanks. Sorry for lack of format...bumping from iPhone.

LoCarb · February 2012

You will need to have a contract of vaca/sick/holiday policy including off site car rides. Personally, I would not want my DCP to take my DD's on a car ride unless it's an emergency. Also consider if there is a parenting issue you do not agree with will it terminate your friendship.

EVA116 · February 2012

I think another high chair would be great. I would ask teh parents about the car seat and see what they feel comfortable with...they might provide you with one. Let them know that you might like to go on vacation but would give them a good notice when this happens. I am sure that when you get sick they will understand. If you are still okay to watch the baby I would let them know you are sick but are still willing to watch their LO and then let them decide if they still want to send their LO to you.

They should bring all their own diapers and food. Also let them know your policy if their child is sick since you also have your LO to think about. Also you need to talk to them about pay. Will you still charge $200 a week if the LO only comes four days...that kind of stuff

RachelP10408 · February 2012

Wow now I have even more to think about...

kevin.amanda · February 2012

We're in the middle of interviewing daycares right now (we're looking for in-home) so I can tell you what we've seen. Pretty much every place expects parents to provide diapers/wipes/cream. It's standard that the dcp provides lunch and two snacks per day, and a couple have offered breakfast as well. They all have highchairs, or space saver seats that strap onto your kitchen chair. They also have pack and plays for each baby to sleep in. Only one place we looked at had outings with the kids that required car rides, and in that case the dcp provided the car seats. In terms of vacation/sick time, it really varies from place to place. A lot of places charge for stat holidays, even though they're closed those days. The dcp usually takes a couple weeks vacation time per year which is unpaid, and allows the family a certain amount of unpaid vacation time per year (eg 1-2 weeks) but anything over that amount is paid. Most places don't charge if the dcp is sick, but do charge if the kid is sick and not in attendance. There are a couple places we've seen that only charge for days that the child is in attendance, dont charge for sick days and don't have any limitations on the amount of vacation time taken per year, but that seems to be the exception. And it's understandable why that is the case, as the dcps are interested in protecting their income. Other things you might need to buy would be a double stroller or a wagon if you're planning for trips to the park/walks around the neighborhood. Also, indoor and outdoor toys and other supplies for activities such as a craft table, finger paints, etc. I agree that you should have a contract drawn up that specifies all of these things. There's probably some online resources you could find to help you work out the details. I'm my area there is a network of home dcps, that might be something for you to look into to get more info as well.