What Is the Standard for Vacations for In-home Child Care Providers?

My 2.5yr old's babysitter takes two weeks of un-paid vacation per year. She takes them as unpaid because we have to pay someone else to care for him. If there are days she needs off during the year for doctors appts, etc., she also takes those as unpaid days (because I'll have to find care elsewhere). Now, if I have to take a week off or days off and she is still working keeping other kids, I will still pay her. For example, we were on vacation this week but she will keep my son tomorrow...I will still pay her for all 5 days even though he's only with her one of those days. Simply because she's still "open" and not on vacation herself.

hey L.,

i just today got onto the mamasource, thanks for telling me about this site, it's wonderful! i tried to send you an email but i'm not sure if it went through or not.

so great talking with you the other day,
tina

L.,
I have been a in-home childcare provider for the last 6 years. You are of course entitled to take vacations. The standard is 2 weeks a year. If you can cordinate with your family for when they are going also you could probably get paid also. If they have to find alternate care then you don't get paid because they are going to have to pay someone else to watch the kids. You can charge the parents full-price for any vacations they take or I charge 1/2 price for the week if I'm not watching their child. That way I'm not out all the money. It usually works out fine because I'm not spending money on food and activities. It really is up to you.
Good Luck!
J.

L.,

I am a in home child care provider and I have been doing it this time for a year. I did a lot of research on the subject before putting my policies together. Two weeks is the general amount of time but some people take two weeks paid and some take two weeks unpaid. So I decided to split it down the middle, one week paid and one week unpaid. They are paying for the spot. Just like a regular daycare. You have to pay for the spot even if you are there or not. I also have 3 paid personal days a year. I may think about raising that to 5 next year, but I am not sure. I know some people have 5. And most people take off more paid holiday days than me, like the days before and after a holiday. It is all up to you and how you want to do it. Most people understand how day care works and they also understand this is your "job" and you don't get the benefits that "normal" jobs get. Hope that helps.
T.
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