I need help with some details. I am considering taking one child into my home for care during the week (along with my 2). I am needing some guidelines since I have never done this before. How much to charge, vacation/holidays, food costs, etc. Also, i would be transporting here to the library, playgroup, etc. If anyone has a copy of a contract that they would like to share that would be awesome. I don't want this to be complicated, but at the same time I'd like to think through all of this as much as possible. Thanks for the help.
I am not certified, and don't plan on getting it. I do have a degree in Elem Ed and have been teaching pre-K for the past 4 years. And we live in a city in the mid-west. I don't know if that makes a difference in the pay scale.
tons of forms and such here that can help. as for the going rate, I would check out what is listed on craigslist and such for small in home providers. :
http://thedaycarelady.com/
You can find forms, online. All kinds.
Then just edit it to your needs.
Using it as a template or guideline.
Just Google search it.
You charge per hour, or a flat rate monthly.
State WHEN payment is due.
Before services will be provided.
MANY providers, take payment even if the kid is absent or on vacation. The parents still pay. BECAUSE, you the Provider, STILL has to keep their slot open. If the parent still wants their slot, then they need to pay.
It is your time too.... to keep that slot open. You could easily fill an open slot with another kid. You tell them that.
If you drive around the kid, you need a waiver.... of liability.
And what about car seats? Who provides that?
Then, IF the parents will be claiming you/what they pay to you, on their Taxes... you need to be licensed as well, or claim that income too.
Or you will get in trouble. Come tax time.
They pay you by check or cash. YOU designate that.
You also state, that IF the parent is late in picking up their child, IF you will be charging for it. MANY providers, charge $5 per every 15 minutes or 1/2 hour of being late. It is, your time too. If they are late.
And what about food/feeding of the child? WHO provides the food and/or diapers???? And snacks, daily?
You also state in your paperwork... about if you have CPR or First Aid, and about discipline and/or if there are problems, how you handle that.
Then, what about naps??? When is that? How do you do that? Where in your home? etc.
In case of Emergency forms too. And what will you do? Do you have fire detectors in your home?
You need forms and papers, for all of these topics.
And have the parent sign off on each one. Keeping the hard copy for yourself and the copy to the parent.
It is best... if you watch a child of a friend or someone you know.
Always, screen the parent/child first. Ask them questions about the child too. SO THAT, it is a good 'fit' for your children, too.
YOU are the Provider... so YOU choose.... who you watch. Not just accepting the first one that calls you.
Use your instincts.
Here is a link to Iowa's ste licensing.
http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/Consumers/Child_Care/Licensing...
I didn't know what area you were. Find the area to locate the local Resource and Referral agency. They may have a Rate Survey posted. Here in MN we do them. Remember that not being licensed or certified or whatever the term is in your state, means you might not be able to get the same rate as someone who has all the training and home and fire and safety inspections (here we do CPR, First Aid, Shaken Baby, SIDS, Transportation Safety if you transport, Food Program if you take part, etc..plus your home is inspected by the State Fire Marshall, and licensing peeps...and we do monthly crib checks, fire and storm drills, etc).
Good luck.
EDIT~S.H. stated about a waiver of liability of you are to drive the child. Don't even bother. You, nor any parents, have the legal ability to sign away their childs right to sue...up to their adulthood, should they be harmed in any sort of accident, get a scar, damages for an injury (at the park, your home, wherever). Please, really consider all the aspects of this. Your insurance companies job is to NOT payout on any claims..homeowners...car accidents, etc. If a child is hurt...they find out you are doing "regular" daycare/babysitting..as a job..as a course of a business transaction..they can and likely will NOT pay out on such a claim. Here in MN they can and have to many babysitters and daycare professionals if they don't carry commercial insurance for such things.
At least inform or call and ask questions of your insurance companies. Better safe than sorry.
I live in WA so the price may be different but I paid $25 per day. She supplied the food and fed my son breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch and afternoon snack. I furnished diapers, wipes, sunscreen, butt cream. She did not transport my son but they did walk to the park.
She took 2 weeks off during the summer that I did not pay her for, but I did pay her for the times I took off.
I paid the 1st and 15th of every month.
Her hours were 7 am to 5 pm. She did charge a hefty fee if children were picked up late. I never had that issue, but it is something you want to discuss.
My rate in Olathe Kansas is $40 per day. You'll need to check with in-home providers and larger centers to see what the going rate is in your area.
My theory when setting my rate was: I'll not charge as much as the centers (they are really high), but I give care that is at least as good and probably better than some centers, so I'll charge on the high end of the in-home rate. Does that make sense??
It is best to have some policies set in place just to avoid problems. (Unfortunately, most policies come from problems you've encountered!!)
Best of Luck.
M.
