Originally Posted by debbiedoeszip:
I've never been self employed but I'm not daunted by what it entails. And, really, the agencies only help (business/paperwork wise) with recovering payments from clients and by potentially enticing new clients. The provider still has a ton of paperwork and accounting that they have to do themselves, both for tax purposes and to satisfy/aid the agency (attendance, menus, injury reports etc).
I AM daunted by the business details, so there's that. But also, the support I get is a lifesaver and immeasurable.We all know this work can be very isolating, so it's good to know help is just a phone call away. They've helped me deal with difficult parents, they provide and pay for professional development and arrange transportation for any of us who want it, they make sure we get all grants available to lincensed child care providers (they can be substantial), they provide backup care if I'm sick or on vacation...it's more than chasing down payments and screening clients.