Starting a small in-home center?

stef9846 · November 2014

Has anyone opened their own in-home childcare? How has it worked out for you? I'm due with my second child next month, my first is 4. With 2 children, I don't know how financially beneficial it would actually be going back to work following the birth of my second child, so I'm thinking about taking on a few children in my home. I am a preschool teacher now, and could bring both children to the center with me if I continued to work, but work for a fraction of the pay as my childcare expenses would obviously go up. We wouldn't make it on just my husbands income, so if I quit my job, I would need to do something to make income. If I opened my own, I could be with my children and make income with the in-home, and we have the space for it if we make a few adjustments. Any thoughts?? Experiences??

lexusolsen · November 2014

I did it for a school year after I got laid off and I hated it. Because I needed the money, I couldn't be as picky with clients as I would have liked. In order to really make money doing it you have to watch several kids, which limits where you can go. Do you have a big enough car to transport these kids? Enough car seats? Would you be content at home all day every day? There will likely be a lapse of time between when you start looking for clients and when you are making money. Do you have a plan for the in between time? What about advertising costs?

Daycare hours are long. I had at least one child from 6:30 until 5. Getting multiple children on the same nap schedule (and each in their own space) is difficult and when it doesn't happen you are forfeiting your "break".

I also had to keep my house very clean, which was added time to my long day.

Also, what will you do when your own children are sick? Or you? What about when you want time off or have appointments?

Also many people are hesitant to leave their children with someone who has an infant of their own since they are so time consuming. You also need to consider if you can handle nursing or pumping while watching other people's children. That's a lot of time for you to be sitting out while watching someone else's child.

I recommend a contract, getting licensed, and adding it to your homeowners insurance policy.

stef9846 · November 2014

No, I don't, just my husband and 2 daughters. I've started the initial application process through my state's site. I'm more looking for real experiences from those who have been there, what worked/didn't work for them.

sschwege · November 2014

I do it, I only take on one other kid though. So I am very selective in who we choose, it really has to be a good fit for both families. Both times I found a child close in age to mine, (one was a month older than DD and this time 3 days younger than DS) and parents who had flexible jobs and their parenting styles seemed similar to mine. I enjoy what I do, but know I wouldn't want to take on anymore children. With just one other child and we can still get out most days. We go to the Farmers' Market and have a picnic, play in the park, story-time, walks, etc. I know I couldn't do all that if I had more kids. But of course, only taking on one child means this is not a substitute for a job outside of the home. It does help to build our savings and afford some of the niceties in life, like a house cleaner and the occasional vacation.

You are running a business out of your home, so there are tax benefits to it. Check the rules or hire a tax person, but we are able to write off a portion of our mortgage, utilities, groceries, portion of house cleaning service, any toys/books/games for our kids that are also to be shared by the children I care for, etc.

I've been doing this for less than 4 years, so I am by no means an expert, but if there's anything else I might be able to answer, just let me know!

MesmrEwe · November 2014

I know many Moms who have done this - one vents on my FB frequently about parents taking advantage of her because she's in-home instead of at a center, forgetting to bring the weekly check on payday, not enough money to pay her the full amount, etc. The other completely left the business of being an in-home DCP not because of the kids, but because of dealing with the parents.

Approach it as a business first and product (babysitting) second. Remember that you're going to have added expenses (license in many states, extra insurance, extra food, art & craft supplies, toys, etc.), then how are you going to deal with situations like "it's Christmas! you want to go spend time with your family" Or the Friday after Thanksgiving - not everyone gets the day off...

If it's something you'd consider - many counties need people to "babysit" individuals with special needs because there aren't the DCP willing to care for kids/babies with SN. You'd be employed through the county and go through the obvious background checks and such, but they're always looking for people!

alyshamarie007 · November 2014

I just got out of the daycare biz. I opened an in home daycare in June, so I could be home with DS and still make money. You definitely have to have the personality for it and I did not. Working with other people's children for long hours, especially with teething, temper tantrums, and kids that are raised with different parenting practices can wear on your patience, especially when it's in your home (aka sanctuary). It can be long hours and I had the stress of worrying that I wasn't paying enough attention to my own kid. DS started getting sick very frequent and there were days when all I did was wipe snotty noses. I realized quickly it wasn't my cup of tea and so I got out of it. I will say that if you have a personality where those things wouldn't get at you so much, it is a great opportunity to stay home and make money. My biggest piece of advice would be to be selective with the ages and children you take. The wrong kid (and parents!) can make all the difference. Best luck!

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