When my kids were young I only did before and after school care, because I did not want to keep kids my own kid's ages. I was able to make it profitable at the time because the state allowed me to take 12 kids as long as they were 5 years and up.
I stayed full because the school system did not have after school care. I charged $35 ($420) per week and served heavy snacks. I did not do homework help because for many kids that is the only parental interaction they have during the week. I had a part-time job to make up the difference when my husband was home with the kids.
Now the state allows only 6 kids, no matter the age.
Bonus, the public schools now offer after school care for $5 per day until 5:30. That is less than I was making in 1997. I would make maybe $210, per week, tops, now. That won't even cover my mortgage payment.
