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New Members - Welcome to the Daycare.com Forum!>Should I or Shouldn't I?
IndyJen 06:46 PM 06-13-2013
So I'm sure there are tons of posts on this topic - should I or shouldn't I open a daycare? I feel somewhat different than other posts I have read. I do not have children and am not considering this due to wanting to be with my kids. I have a Master degree and work a professional job where I make a good living, but I am unfulfilled. Still, I feel like going for it would be such a huge risk.
I worked as a full-time nanny for four years throughout college and I loved it. In fact, I don't think I realized how much I loved it until I left it. I've worked in the corporate world for three years no and really do miss my kids so much. I also know that I am only remembering the good things though - I'm idealizing it and forgetting about those hard days, how physically demanding it is. Still, now I hate my job every day and that wasn't the case when I worked with kids. I got to spend time outside and build real relationships. I knew I was doing something good.
I have a solid business background and am confident with that side of things, but still, I am single and this would not be "extra income" while I stay home with my own. A few questions:
1.) When you started, how long did it take you once you started to get to a close to full or full "house"?
2.) How long does it usually take you to fill an open spot?
3.) Has anyone started an in home daycare that became so successful they were able to employer others and eventually expand in to a location outside of the home?
4.) How do you set yourself apart from others in the area?
5.) Is it really all about having the lowest/competitive prices or will people pay more for what they want (e.g. serving organic, food allergen free meals, montessori, ect.)?
I really appreciate all of the advise!
3.)
I worked as a full-time nanny for four years throughout college and I loved it. In fact, I don't think I realized how much I loved it until I left it. I've worked in the corporate world for three years no and really do miss my kids so much. I also know that I am only remembering the good things though - I'm idealizing it and forgetting about those hard days, how physically demanding it is. Still, now I hate my job every day and that wasn't the case when I worked with kids. I got to spend time outside and build real relationships. I knew I was doing something good.
I have a solid business background and am confident with that side of things, but still, I am single and this would not be "extra income" while I stay home with my own. A few questions:
1.) When you started, how long did it take you once you started to get to a close to full or full "house"?
2.) How long does it usually take you to fill an open spot?
3.) Has anyone started an in home daycare that became so successful they were able to employer others and eventually expand in to a location outside of the home?
4.) How do you set yourself apart from others in the area?
5.) Is it really all about having the lowest/competitive prices or will people pay more for what they want (e.g. serving organic, food allergen free meals, montessori, ect.)?
I really appreciate all of the advise!
3.)
ksmith 11:02 PM 06-13-2013
I like you, didn't realize how much I loved home daycare until I left it. Where I currently live I can't do home daycare anyways, but I am planning to re-open once we move. How long it takes you to fill a spot really is going to depend on your area, how many home daycares there are, and how many daycare facilities there are. I noticed for me it would be a cycle, a bunch of my spots would open up and be open for any where from a month to a few month, and then I would be bombarded with calls and fill all of my spots.
As far as becoming successful and opening up outside of the the home, that is my plan. I'm going to re-open my home daycare back in my home, get my name out there, etc and once it takes off, I plan to move to a commercial space, and start hiring staff.
This go round I am changing things up to set me apart from others. I am planning to only do pre-school. I am going to offer a rate for just those that want the pre-school aspect, and then another rate for those that want pre-school+care. I will be offering a preschool curriculum throughout the school year, and a more laid back approach during the summer months. I also am planning to get endorsed by the EHCC as an eco-friendly daycare, and want to offer organic foods.
No, you do not have to offer the lowest prices. To me that is setting yourself up to get clients you may not want. Maybe when you first open offer a "special" or some sort of discount to start getting people in the door, but I wouldn't do that long term. I think in this field you have to decide what you are worth. It will be hard to come to work everyday, working long hours, if you are not getting paid what you are worth. On the other hand you should look at the norm for your area and start there. Later on down the line, if you can make a good name for yourself, you can always up your prices as well.
Good luck, I hope this helped some!
As far as becoming successful and opening up outside of the the home, that is my plan. I'm going to re-open my home daycare back in my home, get my name out there, etc and once it takes off, I plan to move to a commercial space, and start hiring staff.
This go round I am changing things up to set me apart from others. I am planning to only do pre-school. I am going to offer a rate for just those that want the pre-school aspect, and then another rate for those that want pre-school+care. I will be offering a preschool curriculum throughout the school year, and a more laid back approach during the summer months. I also am planning to get endorsed by the EHCC as an eco-friendly daycare, and want to offer organic foods.
No, you do not have to offer the lowest prices. To me that is setting yourself up to get clients you may not want. Maybe when you first open offer a "special" or some sort of discount to start getting people in the door, but I wouldn't do that long term. I think in this field you have to decide what you are worth. It will be hard to come to work everyday, working long hours, if you are not getting paid what you are worth. On the other hand you should look at the norm for your area and start there. Later on down the line, if you can make a good name for yourself, you can always up your prices as well.
Good luck, I hope this helped some!
IndyJen 07:10 AM 06-18-2013
Thanks for the response. I too thought about doing organic foods and catering to those with special dietary needs (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc.). That does increase the costs though, although I think parents would pay for it. For me, the challenge is in the risk of it, which I know you can't remove. I don't have a space currently to open a daycare so I would have to invest in a home that could accomadate that which is a big risk if it doesn't work out. I'm also leaving steady, good income with benefits and I think my family would think I was crazy to take such a risk so I just have to think about it more and do my research. What I do know is that life is too short to work in a job you hate.
Blackcat31 07:35 AM 06-18-2013
My honest advice?
I wouldn't open a daycare in this economy. Families are resorting to using their own resources to save money and with all the legislative changes happening in the world of early childhood right now, family child care as we know it now will be non-existent in the upcoming years.
I venture to bet that within the next decade anyone caring for another person's child will be required to have at the VERY minimum a 2 year degree in early childhood and will have to follow so many rules and regulations that a majority of child care will be taken over by center run facilities.
Free pre-school is also something that will effect family child cares. Many states are offering this type of service for very little or no cost at all so there won't be many preschool age children needing child care.
I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer because you are so right about not working a job you hate but in my honest opinion, I don't think being a new child care provider now is anything like it was a decade or so ago and if I were a newbie looking into this field, I'd have changed my mind a nano-second knowing what I do now about the evolving world of daycare.
Just my 2 cents
I wouldn't open a daycare in this economy. Families are resorting to using their own resources to save money and with all the legislative changes happening in the world of early childhood right now, family child care as we know it now will be non-existent in the upcoming years.
I venture to bet that within the next decade anyone caring for another person's child will be required to have at the VERY minimum a 2 year degree in early childhood and will have to follow so many rules and regulations that a majority of child care will be taken over by center run facilities.
Free pre-school is also something that will effect family child cares. Many states are offering this type of service for very little or no cost at all so there won't be many preschool age children needing child care.
I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer because you are so right about not working a job you hate but in my honest opinion, I don't think being a new child care provider now is anything like it was a decade or so ago and if I were a newbie looking into this field, I'd have changed my mind a nano-second knowing what I do now about the evolving world of daycare.
Just my 2 cents
KnoxMom 08:18 AM 06-18-2013
For the 1st time EVER, I have to say I completely disagree with Blackcat! 
. Because of the economy, many mothers are being forced to work which requires them to find child care. In my area the statistics show that there are more children needing care than there are providers available to offer care. I strongly encourage you to do more research in your area and see if there is truly a need for what you're trying to offer. Here is an article that gives some basic data by state: http://www.naccrra.org/sites/default...tsheetbook.pdf. As far as pricing, I had to assess that I needed to make $X/month to live at a standard I am comfortable with for my family, so I needed to charge $X/child to meet that standard, cover taxes and business expenses. Do not underprice the competition or your clientele will reflect that and it isn't worth it in the long run. I haven't been operating long, but I was able to fill up because (outside of prayer) I was willing to invest my time, my money and my energy on creating a program that would meet the needs of my community. I knew that before I could quit my job, I would need to have at least 2 contracts signed and ready to go to pay my bills. You'd be surprised how willing people are to sign up before you even start if you tour effectively and have your space together, a solid handbook and can demonstrate that you are knowledgeable and competent enough to provide a learning experience worth paying for. I think you will be successful if you truly commit to doing this; just be prepared for the ups and downs, try to have 3 months of expenses saved up in case you lose enrollment and take this time in between to start prepping and putting out feelers via craigslist, facebook, etc. to see if you can gain interest. It's cliche, but like they say failing to plan is planning to fail. If this is your dream-not a phase, not a fad, not a spur of the moment decision-I believe you will do well. I hope this helps!
. Because of the economy, many mothers are being forced to work which requires them to find child care. In my area the statistics show that there are more children needing care than there are providers available to offer care. I strongly encourage you to do more research in your area and see if there is truly a need for what you're trying to offer. Here is an article that gives some basic data by state: http://www.naccrra.org/sites/default...tsheetbook.pdf. As far as pricing, I had to assess that I needed to make $X/month to live at a standard I am comfortable with for my family, so I needed to charge $X/child to meet that standard, cover taxes and business expenses. Do not underprice the competition or your clientele will reflect that and it isn't worth it in the long run. I haven't been operating long, but I was able to fill up because (outside of prayer) I was willing to invest my time, my money and my energy on creating a program that would meet the needs of my community. I knew that before I could quit my job, I would need to have at least 2 contracts signed and ready to go to pay my bills. You'd be surprised how willing people are to sign up before you even start if you tour effectively and have your space together, a solid handbook and can demonstrate that you are knowledgeable and competent enough to provide a learning experience worth paying for. I think you will be successful if you truly commit to doing this; just be prepared for the ups and downs, try to have 3 months of expenses saved up in case you lose enrollment and take this time in between to start prepping and putting out feelers via craigslist, facebook, etc. to see if you can gain interest. It's cliche, but like they say failing to plan is planning to fail. If this is your dream-not a phase, not a fad, not a spur of the moment decision-I believe you will do well. I hope this helps!
Blackcat31 08:46 AM 06-18-2013
@Knoxmom...the fact sheet you linked says that there are currently 23,363,909 children under age 6 in the U.S.
15,060,140 of them have a parent(s) working
But ONLY 10,000,000 of those children are in some type of child care
Broken down
Center based care (including Head Start, Preschools and Nursery schools) 26%
Grand parents caring for them 21%
Other relative care 21%
Family Child Care 6%
Other Non-relative 8%
To me that says VERY few families use family child care arrangements.
The #1 complaint about child care is cost yet, family child care providers on average make $21,320 per year
This profession has been fantastic for me personally and I have made more money doing this than I could have doing pretty much anything else I wanted to do AND I was still able to care for and raise my own children without using child care myself but my point was that this field is changing and a lot of those changes will have a HUGE impact on family child care.
I honestly and truly believe that family child care will be NOTHING like we currently know it to be within the next decade.
It won't be as easy for someone who wishes to stay home and raise their own child and make a little income as a child care provider...it won't be one of those jobs that requires only a high school diploma and a couple hours of training. It will have so many restrictions and regulations that only centers and caregivers with a degree will be able to manage the costs of this upcoming overhaul.
FWIW~ It's ok to disagree...we all see the changes differently and each state seems to be implementing QRIS differently but I DO know that changes are a coming....
15,060,140 of them have a parent(s) working
But ONLY 10,000,000 of those children are in some type of child care
Broken down
Center based care (including Head Start, Preschools and Nursery schools) 26%
Grand parents caring for them 21%
Other relative care 21%
Family Child Care 6%
Other Non-relative 8%
To me that says VERY few families use family child care arrangements.
The #1 complaint about child care is cost yet, family child care providers on average make $21,320 per year
This profession has been fantastic for me personally and I have made more money doing this than I could have doing pretty much anything else I wanted to do AND I was still able to care for and raise my own children without using child care myself but my point was that this field is changing and a lot of those changes will have a HUGE impact on family child care.
I honestly and truly believe that family child care will be NOTHING like we currently know it to be within the next decade.
It won't be as easy for someone who wishes to stay home and raise their own child and make a little income as a child care provider...it won't be one of those jobs that requires only a high school diploma and a couple hours of training. It will have so many restrictions and regulations that only centers and caregivers with a degree will be able to manage the costs of this upcoming overhaul.
FWIW~ It's ok to disagree...we all see the changes differently and each state seems to be implementing QRIS differently but I DO know that changes are a coming....
KnoxMom 09:05 AM 06-18-2013
Remember, they are only able to count licensed family day care homes. I'm pretty sure that 8% "other non-relative" consists of the unlicensed homes and SAHMs. So essentially we're looking at about 14% of 10,000,000 which is still 1,400,000. I personally am comfortable with those odds 
No matter how I do the math, there are always goint to be parents in need of child care. In the end, it is up to us to create quality programs that can compete with the centers. Now as far as the regulations and changes-I completely agree that things are evolving: such is life.
SN: I absolutely LOVE a good debate. That's the whole point of a good forum, right? ...to share knowledge, ideas and opinions. That's why I come here: to give advice and to gain some. I think we should always be willing and able to look at both sides of the issue. Thank you for sharing your perspective!
No matter how I do the math, there are always goint to be parents in need of child care. In the end, it is up to us to create quality programs that can compete with the centers. Now as far as the regulations and changes-I completely agree that things are evolving: such is life.SN: I absolutely LOVE a good debate. That's the whole point of a good forum, right? ...to share knowledge, ideas and opinions. That's why I come here: to give advice and to gain some. I think we should always be willing and able to look at both sides of the issue. Thank you for sharing your perspective!
KnoxMom 09:07 AM 06-18-2013
Double posting.
Blackcat31 09:25 AM 06-18-2013
Originally Posted by KnoxMom:
Remember, they are only able to count licensed family day care homes. I'm pretty sure that 8% "other non-relative" consists of the unlicensed homes and SAHMs. So essentially we're looking at about 14% of 10,000,000 which is still 1,400,000. I personally am comfortable with those odds :-D No matter how I do the math, there are always goint to be parents in need of child care. In the end, it is up to us to create quality programs that can compete with those centers. Now as far as the regulations and changes; I completely agree that things are evolving: such is life.
SN: I absolutely LOVE a good debate. That's the whole point of a good forum, right? ...to share knowledge, ideas and opinions. That's why I come here: to give advice and to gain some. I think we should always be willing and able to look at both sides of the issue. Thank you for sharing your perspective!
Totally agree about the debate part Remember, they are only able to count licensed family day care homes. I'm pretty sure that 8% "other non-relative" consists of the unlicensed homes and SAHMs. So essentially we're looking at about 14% of 10,000,000 which is still 1,400,000. I personally am comfortable with those odds :-D No matter how I do the math, there are always goint to be parents in need of child care. In the end, it is up to us to create quality programs that can compete with those centers. Now as far as the regulations and changes; I completely agree that things are evolving: such is life.
SN: I absolutely LOVE a good debate. That's the whole point of a good forum, right? ...to share knowledge, ideas and opinions. That's why I come here: to give advice and to gain some. I think we should always be willing and able to look at both sides of the issue. Thank you for sharing your perspective!
I disagree about the "non relative" care though. I don't necessarily count them in OUR numbers... If they are unlicensed in my state, they can only watch one family's kids (NO limit on the # of kids, just families) and since they are unlicensed or just SAHM's making a few dollars but not really running an all out child care business, I don't see that as countable as "one of us".....kwim? (FWIW...I am NOT talking about LEGALLY unlicensed)
I also absolutely agree that there is always going to be a need for child care but I think the way in which mother's find/use care will be different.
In my area, we just got an increased number of spaces for our Invest Early programs (Like Head Start) and dozens of families are leaving family child care to attend these early learning facilities. Plus the new regulations and QRIS standards are "forcing" many current and long term providers out of business (there are always tons of posts about this on several forums) and with the shift in parenting now days, it seems providers have to be HIGHLY skilled in many areas in order to even manage this job.
The burn out rate has increased tenfold since I first opened and everyday there are stories that shed a bad or negative light on family child care.
I belong to a forum of mothers and the things most of them say about family child care is astounding.... more and more parents want video monitoring, the right to breastfeed with daily visits to the care facility, parents want special meals, no naps, extended hours, holiday care and the right to be the one in charge.....ALL things that create provider burnout and high stress levels.
The right to run our businesses as we chose to run them will no longer be an option in a few years. My state is currently undergoing "unionization"
and that's a whole 'nother ballgame of stupidity but no one seems to care or even listen to the actual person doing this job....only the dollars and cents it could bring into our government/politicians. It stopped being about the kids a long time ago. WE (as providers) may still put them first, but sadly we are the only ones keeping them at the top of the priority list.
*Ask me any of this on another day, and I "might" feel differently but I just recently attended a meeting about child care and the future of our children and did not leave a happy camper.
I am ashamed of every one of our state's legislators
Laurel 09:30 AM 06-18-2013
I have been struggling for years (ever since the housing/economy bust) with having enough children enrolled. No problems before that. I do it because I love it and have a husband so it is a second income for us.
I agree with Blackcat pretty much but I'm sure it does depend on your area.
I also have a home to do it in. I heard using your own home was a tax advantage. Not sure though.
It is feast or famine in this economy. I also know how it feels to be doing a job you don't like so I'm torn.
I guess just do your research and if there is a child care provider association go to a few meetings and talk with actual providers. You'll find out soon enough if they have all the children they want. They don't here.
Laurel
I agree with Blackcat pretty much but I'm sure it does depend on your area.
I also have a home to do it in. I heard using your own home was a tax advantage. Not sure though.
It is feast or famine in this economy. I also know how it feels to be doing a job you don't like so I'm torn.
I guess just do your research and if there is a child care provider association go to a few meetings and talk with actual providers. You'll find out soon enough if they have all the children they want. They don't here.
Laurel
KnoxMom 10:19 AM 06-18-2013
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
In my area, we just got an increased number of spaces for our Invest Early programs (Like Head Start) and dozens of families are leaving family child care to attend these early learning facilities.
Really? In my area, you have to qualify for free or reduced lunch to even be eligible for free preschool and even then the spaces are limited. What ages are covered by Invest and don't they have an income cutoff?In my area, we just got an increased number of spaces for our Invest Early programs (Like Head Start) and dozens of families are leaving family child care to attend these early learning facilities.
Blackcat31 10:38 AM 06-18-2013
Originally Posted by KnoxMom:
Really? In my area, you have to qualify for free or reduced lunch to even be eligible for free preschool and even then the spaces are limited. What ages are covered by Invest and don't they have an income cutoff?
We have 3-5 year old preschool (Head Start and Jump Start) as well as Early Start which serves the under 3 crowd. Really? In my area, you have to qualify for free or reduced lunch to even be eligible for free preschool and even then the spaces are limited. What ages are covered by Invest and don't they have an income cutoff?
There are income guidelines but they only have to have 70% of the children meet those guidelines....the other 30% of space can be filled with anyone of any income level.
The CCR&R program in my area also only refers or recommends providers who participate in the star rating system and even offers additional scholarship funding to families who use providers who participate in the QRIS program (biased much?) and those scholarships have income guidelines that WAAAAY different than the traditional state assistance program so even 2 income familiess with REALLY good jobs can qualify.
EntropyControlSpecialist 11:44 AM 06-18-2013
It's extremely stressful when you are in a dry spell in this business. BlackCat's posts have truly alarmed me, and several of the things she described have been discussed on this board before. I suggest looking for the threads and reading them.
daycarediva 03:47 PM 06-18-2013
Originally Posted by EntropyControlSpecialist:
It's extremely stressful when you are in a dry spell in this business. BlackCat's posts have truly alarmed me, and several of the things she described have been discussed on this board before. I suggest looking for the threads and reading them.
Yes, it is very scary. It's extremely stressful when you are in a dry spell in this business. BlackCat's posts have truly alarmed me, and several of the things she described have been discussed on this board before. I suggest looking for the threads and reading them.
I am the bread winner in our family. I NEED 4 full time kids to pay my basic minimum bills/food. I NEED 5 kids to pay our health insurance premium.
We don't live lavishly by any means.
I have an associates in early childhood education, and I am at capacity, and have been for 2 years now, by the skin of my teeth. It's pretty much all from word of mouth.
In my area licensed family homes are closing due to lack of enrollment, and new centers are popping up that offer sliding fee scales (right down to free) for ANY age child. I have only been in this business for 7 years, and I LOVE it, plan to do it until I retire BUT that's 30 years away, and right now it's a scary time to be a provider here.
Moppetland 11:50 AM 06-19-2013
I have worked in the corporate world myself in advertising, and I wasn't fulfilled. I've always wanted my own home child care. I quit and was always full. Then after 3.5 years, I decided to close to give myself a break and to also renovate my basement for bigger space of my day care.
While renovating, I took a substitute job at a preschool as a Assistant Teacher. At first, I thought that I would just give up my child care altogether and just work in the preschool center while I finished my education. But I missed my business for lots of reasons.
Here in my state, we get a lot of incentives for accepting CCAP (child care assistant program) families. I'm constantly adding to my credentials because I WANT to be known as a quality child care provider like I was before. I agree with BlackCat. There will be more requested of us home child care providers in the future and I'm okay with that. I think that the reason why a lot of home child cares will leave in the future is because there will be a lot of providers who just don't want to go through the new regulations in order to stay open. The day care centers are also going through changes too, so why not the home providers?
There are a lot of families needing child care, and it does depend on what you offer in your program. So it's important to keep up and be competitive. My parents were sad that I closed. But when I open again, I have a whole new idea and motivation. So, follow your heart. You only have one chance to do this thing called LIFE, and I would want to do what I love. The rest will take care of itself if you believe.
While renovating, I took a substitute job at a preschool as a Assistant Teacher. At first, I thought that I would just give up my child care altogether and just work in the preschool center while I finished my education. But I missed my business for lots of reasons.
Here in my state, we get a lot of incentives for accepting CCAP (child care assistant program) families. I'm constantly adding to my credentials because I WANT to be known as a quality child care provider like I was before. I agree with BlackCat. There will be more requested of us home child care providers in the future and I'm okay with that. I think that the reason why a lot of home child cares will leave in the future is because there will be a lot of providers who just don't want to go through the new regulations in order to stay open. The day care centers are also going through changes too, so why not the home providers?
There are a lot of families needing child care, and it does depend on what you offer in your program. So it's important to keep up and be competitive. My parents were sad that I closed. But when I open again, I have a whole new idea and motivation. So, follow your heart. You only have one chance to do this thing called LIFE, and I would want to do what I love. The rest will take care of itself if you believe.
Starburst 11:02 PM 07-06-2013
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I honestly and truly believe that family child care will be NOTHING like we currently know it to be within the next decade.
It won't be as easy for someone who wishes to stay home and raise their own child and make a little income as a child care provider...it won't be one of those jobs that requires only a high school diploma and a couple hours of training.
Call me crazy (I probably am... JK... maybe) but honestly I think that's a good thing (in a way). I think it makes this field look more professional. I think it helps with increasing the quality of care and insuring that less people who are only doing this because they think its "easy money" and taking jobs away from people who are serious about this job and possibly also decreasing the amount of unlicensed and unregulated home daycare by lowering the amount of kids that unlicensed providers can take (in my state you can only care for the children of 1 family not related to you without a license). One of my ECE teachers said that possibly (in California) within the next 40-50 years all ECE professionals (including FCCPs) may need to have a BA or some type of B-16 (birth to 4 year college) teaching credential.I honestly and truly believe that family child care will be NOTHING like we currently know it to be within the next decade.
It won't be as easy for someone who wishes to stay home and raise their own child and make a little income as a child care provider...it won't be one of those jobs that requires only a high school diploma and a couple hours of training.
Because of this economy many people are doing home daycare to just get by on their bills and charging less than more qualified providers causing them to go out of business. My former boss used to go to food program/child care workshops and there used to hardly be anyone there but when the economy started dipping those classes were FULL! But what happens when the people who aren't serious about it go out of business either because of burn out or because they find another job? Lots of families would scrambling to find child care and may not have many options so have to go to a program that they are not 100% comfortable or that their child hates with because they don't have time or many options but the serious providers had to go out of business to find a more stable careers, so then the families suffer as well as the providers who had to stop doing what they love to find a more stable career. Its a vicious cycle! (Okay, maybe I need a nap).
But the good thing about a down economy (as my history teacher pointed out) is that everyone decides to go back to school to get a degree to help them find a job when the economy is better, so there is still a need for child care.
Blackcat31 08:33 AM 07-07-2013
Originally Posted by Starburst:
Call me crazy (I probably am... JK... maybe) but honestly I think that's a good thing (in a way). I think it makes this field look more professional. I think it helps with increasing the quality of care and insuring that less people who are only doing this because they think its "easy money" and taking jobs away from people who are serious about this job and possibly also decreasing the amount of unlicensed and unregulated home daycare by lowering the amount of kids that unlicensed providers can take (in my state you can only care for the children of 1 family not related to you without a license). One of my ECE teachers said that possibly (in California) within the next 40-50 years all ECE professionals (including FCCPs) may need to have a BA or some type of B-16 (birth to 4 year college) teaching credential.
Because of this economy many people are doing home daycare to just get by on their bills and charging less than more qualified providers causing them to go out of business. My former boss used to go to food program/child care workshops and there used to hardly be anyone there but when the economy started dipping those classes were FULL! But what happens when the people who aren't serious about it go out of business either because of burn out or because they find another job? Lots of families would scrambling to find child care and may not have many options so have to go to a program that they are not 100% comfortable or that their child hates with because they don't have time or many options but the serious providers had to go out of business to find a more stable careers, so then the families suffer as well as the providers who had to stop doing what they love to find a more stable career. Its a vicious cycle! (Okay, maybe I need a nap).
But the good thing about a down economy (as my history teacher pointed out) is that everyone decides to go back to school to get a degree to help them find a job when the economy is better, so there is still a need for child care.
Your argument is a valid one for those families seeking early childhood education but there are still families who simply want good quality CARE without the education part and a provider or caregiver does NOT have to have a degree or a diploma to provider quality care. Call me crazy (I probably am... JK... maybe) but honestly I think that's a good thing (in a way). I think it makes this field look more professional. I think it helps with increasing the quality of care and insuring that less people who are only doing this because they think its "easy money" and taking jobs away from people who are serious about this job and possibly also decreasing the amount of unlicensed and unregulated home daycare by lowering the amount of kids that unlicensed providers can take (in my state you can only care for the children of 1 family not related to you without a license). One of my ECE teachers said that possibly (in California) within the next 40-50 years all ECE professionals (including FCCPs) may need to have a BA or some type of B-16 (birth to 4 year college) teaching credential.
Because of this economy many people are doing home daycare to just get by on their bills and charging less than more qualified providers causing them to go out of business. My former boss used to go to food program/child care workshops and there used to hardly be anyone there but when the economy started dipping those classes were FULL! But what happens when the people who aren't serious about it go out of business either because of burn out or because they find another job? Lots of families would scrambling to find child care and may not have many options so have to go to a program that they are not 100% comfortable or that their child hates with because they don't have time or many options but the serious providers had to go out of business to find a more stable careers, so then the families suffer as well as the providers who had to stop doing what they love to find a more stable career. Its a vicious cycle! (Okay, maybe I need a nap).
But the good thing about a down economy (as my history teacher pointed out) is that everyone decides to go back to school to get a degree to help them find a job when the economy is better, so there is still a need for child care.
All family child care providers also do not want or need professionalism. We have several financially successful providers on the board who run their child cares as FAMILY based and don't bother or care so much about the professional or business end of this field.
There are two very distinct types of child care and forcing ONE side to do something isn't fair or right. I think there should be a way for ALL providers to operate in any manner they choose (family based, play based, educational based, academics etc).
I also think that just because they charge less than other providers who have a degree doesn't make them bad or someone that should be "run" out of business... Many GOOD, QUALITY providers don't do this for the money...they do it because they either want to, love to or simply because it works for them at the time.....doesn't make them a bad or less than quality provider.
A down economy may mean more people working, but it doesn't always mean more kids needing to be in licensed child cares, it means more families needing their own relatives and friends to step in and care for their kids.
Starburst 01:45 PM 07-07-2013
I am not saying that they are bad providers because they don't have a degree or certificate but personally to me I think the more time you put into something the more initiative it shows and that it makes you look more serious about your business/career, which to me looks more professional. Honestly, I think if you own a business you should always try to make yourself come off as professional- especially to your clients.
Lyss 05:55 PM 07-07-2013
The SAHM's and childcare ads in our area have doubled since I began. I feel like lately its been harder to fill spots (in the last year anyway here) because there are some people offering really cheap care (I don't understand how they can even cover food costs 
)
I have great families overall and I plan to continue but like BC said there are many changes coming.
My licensor literally says "FCC as we know it won't exist in a few years" and expects 1/2 of her caseload to no longer meet requirements. Not because they didn't take the required trainings or are terrible providers but because they just cant turn their homes or programs into "mini centers"
I do a play based/Reggio inspired program but according to my licenser that is not a "curriculum" and won't be acceptable in "family child care" down the line. They want us to be mini head start programs and currently that is NOT what my families are looking for. I personally hate that we are pushing formal education on toddlers and pre-k kids. Can they just be kids for a bit? (ETA... Just clarifying I'm talking about the gov't not any specific users or posts on this or any other thread!)
) I have great families overall and I plan to continue but like BC said there are many changes coming.
My licensor literally says "FCC as we know it won't exist in a few years" and expects 1/2 of her caseload to no longer meet requirements. Not because they didn't take the required trainings or are terrible providers but because they just cant turn their homes or programs into "mini centers"
Originally Posted by Starburst:
I am not saying that they are bad providers because they don't have a degree or certificate but personally to me I think the more time you put into something the more initiative it shows and that it makes you look more serious about your business/career, which to me looks more professional. Honestly, I think if you own a business you should always try to make yourself come off as professional- especially to your clients.
I think my definition of "professional" is what's throwing me off in all these recent threads its mentioned on. I'm thinking appearance of home, quality of toys, dress, handling sticky situations diplomatically, interactions with parents, meeting state regulations, activities provided... not solely a formal education. I am not saying that they are bad providers because they don't have a degree or certificate but personally to me I think the more time you put into something the more initiative it shows and that it makes you look more serious about your business/career, which to me looks more professional. Honestly, I think if you own a business you should always try to make yourself come off as professional- especially to your clients.
I do a play based/Reggio inspired program but according to my licenser that is not a "curriculum" and won't be acceptable in "family child care" down the line. They want us to be mini head start programs and currently that is NOT what my families are looking for. I personally hate that we are pushing formal education on toddlers and pre-k kids. Can they just be kids for a bit? (ETA... Just clarifying I'm talking about the gov't not any specific users or posts on this or any other thread!)
Heidi 05:31 AM 07-08-2013
Originally Posted by Lyss:
The SAHM's and childcare ads in our area have doubled since I began. I feel like lately its been harder to fill spots (in the last year anyway here) because there are some people offering really cheap care (I don't understand how they can even cover food costs)
I have great families overall and I plan to continue but like BC said there are many changes coming.
My licensor literally says "FCC as we know it won't exist in a few years" and expects 1/2 of her caseload to no longer meet requirements. Not because they didn't take the required trainings or are terrible providers but because they just cant turn their homes or programs into "mini centers"
I think my definition of "professional" is what's throwing me off in all these recent threads its mentioned on. I'm thinking appearance of home, quality of toys, dress, handling sticky situations diplomatically, interactions with parents, meeting state regulations, activities provided... not solely a formal education.
I do a play based/Reggio inspired program but according to my licenser that is not a "curriculum" and won't be acceptable in "family child care" down the line. They want us to be mini head start programs and currently that is NOT what my families are looking for. I personally hate that we are pushing formal education on toddlers and pre-k kids. Can they just be kids for a bit? (ETA... Just clarifying I'm talking about the gov't not any specific users or posts on this or any other thread!)
That's exactly what I've been ranting about every other day..lolThe SAHM's and childcare ads in our area have doubled since I began. I feel like lately its been harder to fill spots (in the last year anyway here) because there are some people offering really cheap care (I don't understand how they can even cover food costs
) I have great families overall and I plan to continue but like BC said there are many changes coming.
My licensor literally says "FCC as we know it won't exist in a few years" and expects 1/2 of her caseload to no longer meet requirements. Not because they didn't take the required trainings or are terrible providers but because they just cant turn their homes or programs into "mini centers"
I think my definition of "professional" is what's throwing me off in all these recent threads its mentioned on. I'm thinking appearance of home, quality of toys, dress, handling sticky situations diplomatically, interactions with parents, meeting state regulations, activities provided... not solely a formal education.
I do a play based/Reggio inspired program but according to my licenser that is not a "curriculum" and won't be acceptable in "family child care" down the line. They want us to be mini head start programs and currently that is NOT what my families are looking for. I personally hate that we are pushing formal education on toddlers and pre-k kids. Can they just be kids for a bit? (ETA... Just clarifying I'm talking about the gov't not any specific users or posts on this or any other thread!)
One benefit of living in a rural area (besides the natural beauty around me) is that everything takes 10 years to catch up, if not longer. By the time all this is mandatory and the parent community actually starts expecting it, I'll be retired. I hope...
itlw8 01:00 PM 07-08-2013
I love my job and make a good living BUT if it was not for dh working and covering our health ins I might think differently.. In fact if he retires when he wants to I may have to seriously rethink my career.
It depends ho how much you make I guess. sit down and figure it all out. you need to allow for all your costs and include selfemployment taxes, health ins and retirement. Since so much of your income is written off for taxes that means not much gets paid into SS . That means you need to put even more into your retirement plan. Remember there is no employer match on 401 K nor will you have an employer paying 1/2 your SS taxes.
have you thought about going back to school for a teaching degree. There seems to be a growing need for early childhood special ed. You get to work with kids and get benefits
It depends ho how much you make I guess. sit down and figure it all out. you need to allow for all your costs and include selfemployment taxes, health ins and retirement. Since so much of your income is written off for taxes that means not much gets paid into SS . That means you need to put even more into your retirement plan. Remember there is no employer match on 401 K nor will you have an employer paying 1/2 your SS taxes.
have you thought about going back to school for a teaching degree. There seems to be a growing need for early childhood special ed. You get to work with kids and get benefits
misslori50 03:41 PM 08-20-2013
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Totally agree about the debate part
I disagree about the "non relative" care though. I don't necessarily count them in OUR numbers... If they are unlicensed in my state, they can only watch one family's kids (NO limit on the # of kids, just families) and since they are unlicensed or just SAHM's making a few dollars but not really running an all out child care business, I don't see that as countable as "one of us".....kwim? (FWIW...I am NOT talking about LEGALLY unlicensed)
I also absolutely agree that there is always going to be a need for child care but I think the way in which mother's find/use care will be different.
In my area, we just got an increased number of spaces for our Invest Early programs (Like Head Start) and dozens of families are leaving family child care to attend these early learning facilities. Plus the new regulations and QRIS standards are "forcing" many current and long term providers out of business (there are always tons of posts about this on several forums) and with the shift in parenting now days, it seems providers have to be HIGHLY skilled in many areas in order to even manage this job.
The burn out rate has increased tenfold since I first opened and everyday there are stories that shed a bad or negative light on family child care.
I belong to a forum of mothers and the things most of them say about family child care is astounding.... more and more parents want video monitoring, the right to breastfeed with daily visits to the care facility, parents want special meals, no naps, extended hours, holiday care and the right to be the one in charge.....ALL things that create provider burnout and high stress levels.
The right to run our businesses as we chose to run them will no longer be an option in a few years. My state is currently undergoing "unionization" and that's a whole 'nother ballgame of stupidity but no one seems to care or even listen to the actual person doing this job....only the dollars and cents it could bring into our government/politicians.
It stopped being about the kids a long time ago. WE (as providers) may still put them first, but sadly we are the only ones keeping them at the top of the priority list.
*Ask me any of this on another day, and I "might" feel differently but I just recently attended a meeting about child care and the future of our children and did not leave a happy camper.
I am ashamed of every one of our state's legislators
I would never have imagined how hard it has been to get parents to come to my childcare. I have had two home child cares in the past. It has been almost 10 years since we have done childcare and I can not believe how hard it has been to just get anyone to commit.Totally agree about the debate part
I disagree about the "non relative" care though. I don't necessarily count them in OUR numbers... If they are unlicensed in my state, they can only watch one family's kids (NO limit on the # of kids, just families) and since they are unlicensed or just SAHM's making a few dollars but not really running an all out child care business, I don't see that as countable as "one of us".....kwim? (FWIW...I am NOT talking about LEGALLY unlicensed)
I also absolutely agree that there is always going to be a need for child care but I think the way in which mother's find/use care will be different.
In my area, we just got an increased number of spaces for our Invest Early programs (Like Head Start) and dozens of families are leaving family child care to attend these early learning facilities. Plus the new regulations and QRIS standards are "forcing" many current and long term providers out of business (there are always tons of posts about this on several forums) and with the shift in parenting now days, it seems providers have to be HIGHLY skilled in many areas in order to even manage this job.
The burn out rate has increased tenfold since I first opened and everyday there are stories that shed a bad or negative light on family child care.
I belong to a forum of mothers and the things most of them say about family child care is astounding.... more and more parents want video monitoring, the right to breastfeed with daily visits to the care facility, parents want special meals, no naps, extended hours, holiday care and the right to be the one in charge.....ALL things that create provider burnout and high stress levels.
The right to run our businesses as we chose to run them will no longer be an option in a few years. My state is currently undergoing "unionization"
and that's a whole 'nother ballgame of stupidity but no one seems to care or even listen to the actual person doing this job....only the dollars and cents it could bring into our government/politicians. It stopped being about the kids a long time ago. WE (as providers) may still put them first, but sadly we are the only ones keeping them at the top of the priority list.
*Ask me any of this on another day, and I "might" feel differently but I just recently attended a meeting about child care and the future of our children and did not leave a happy camper.
I am ashamed of every one of our state's legislators
Familycare71 07:53 PM 08-20-2013
Originally Posted by Lyss:
The SAHM's and childcare ads in our area have doubled since I began. I feel like lately its been harder to fill spots (in the last year anyway here) because there are some people offering really cheap care (I don't understand how they can even cover food costs)
I have great families overall and I plan to continue but like BC said there are many changes coming.
My licensor literally says "FCC as we know it won't exist in a few years" and expects 1/2 of her caseload to no longer meet requirements. Not because they didn't take the required trainings or are terrible providers but because they just cant turn their homes or programs into "mini centers"
I think my definition of "professional" is what's throwing me off in all these recent threads its mentioned on. I'm thinking appearance of home, quality of toys, dress, handling sticky situations diplomatically, interactions with parents, meeting state regulations, activities provided... not solely a formal education.
I do a play based/Reggio inspired program but according to my licenser that is not a "curriculum" and won't be acceptable in "family child care" down the line. They want us to be mini head start programs and currently that is NOT what my families are looking for. I personally hate that we are pushing formal education on toddlers and pre-k kids. Can they just be kids for a bit? (ETA... Just clarifying I'm talking about the gov't not any specific users or posts on this or any other thread!)
I agree! Yes I want my kids to learn and grow but NO I don't think they need a classroom setting! I want them to have fun, laugh, explore... The SAHM's and childcare ads in our area have doubled since I began. I feel like lately its been harder to fill spots (in the last year anyway here) because there are some people offering really cheap care (I don't understand how they can even cover food costs
) I have great families overall and I plan to continue but like BC said there are many changes coming.
My licensor literally says "FCC as we know it won't exist in a few years" and expects 1/2 of her caseload to no longer meet requirements. Not because they didn't take the required trainings or are terrible providers but because they just cant turn their homes or programs into "mini centers"
I think my definition of "professional" is what's throwing me off in all these recent threads its mentioned on. I'm thinking appearance of home, quality of toys, dress, handling sticky situations diplomatically, interactions with parents, meeting state regulations, activities provided... not solely a formal education.
I do a play based/Reggio inspired program but according to my licenser that is not a "curriculum" and won't be acceptable in "family child care" down the line. They want us to be mini head start programs and currently that is NOT what my families are looking for. I personally hate that we are pushing formal education on toddlers and pre-k kids. Can they just be kids for a bit? (ETA... Just clarifying I'm talking about the gov't not any specific users or posts on this or any other thread!)
I am so scared of what is coming to fdc! I would be legally unlicensed if it were an option-
My state has just become unionized and is just starting to introduce the star program- I have many years left until I retire and I hope I can continue doing what I love until then!