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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>What A Difference A Few Hours A Week Makes!
Sugar Magnolia 10:12 AM 03-22-2013
A bit OT......
My husband and I run a small center, enrollment anywhere from 12 to 15. The first 5 years we were in business, we did it ALL ourselves. About 2 years ago, we had a parent lose her job. She started volunteering here. Her daughter graduated to Kindy, so we hired her as an employee. It was wonderful to have an extra set of hands. She got a job in her field, and we were so happy we hired another gal to replace her. Both of these employees worked from 9 to 1230. We didn't NEED to have them to meet ratios, just enjoyed a lighter load. Out 2nd gal was a student and graduated, so she also left to go work in her field. Then we had a brilliant idea for our next hire....get someone to work 230 (after nap) to 530, so my husband could go home early. Great.

I started getting a little jealous of his early departures. I didn't think as the Director, I was ever able to NOT be here. I thought I was required to be here at all times we.were open. I knew I had read it somewhere in the regs. Before Christmas, licensing came. She inspected my files and asked where my husband was. I explained we hired someone so he could go home early every day. She says "Well, what about YOU?! Why.don't you leave early some days?" I thought it was a trick question. I said " I can't because I am the Director and required to be here." She said "No,.silly, your facility is licensed for less than 20 children. You only have to be here 4 hours per day. Go home sometime!"

OMG!!! YES!! Going home early, usually 2 or 3 days a week has made an incredible difference in my life! I cook, I clean, I shop, I can pick my son up at school and.save $80 a week in after care charges for him! Oh its so sweet. Honestly, I don't know how I did it ask those years before now. Thank you, licensing lady, for pointing out my stupidity, and giving me a few precious hours a week!
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EntropyControlSpecialist 10:15 AM 03-22-2013
That is so fantastic!
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SilverSabre25 11:41 AM 03-22-2013
that sounds so great SugarMag! I have been not starting work until 8:30-9:30 lately after YEARS of 7 AM or earlier 5-6 days a week, and it really is amazing how much better it is with just a few more hours "off".
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LK5kids 12:22 PM 03-22-2013
Hooray.
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countrymom 12:27 PM 03-22-2013
that sounds awesome.
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frugalmama4 12:28 PM 03-22-2013
Happy Dance!!!!
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itlw8 12:36 PM 03-22-2013
smart licensing lady
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originalkat 12:36 PM 03-22-2013
That is awesome!! A few hours can make quite a difference!
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itlw8 12:39 PM 03-22-2013
I love my grandkids but the last year has been rough. ds is a single parent and works some evenings and going to night class. We have had the kids many overnights each week. for 2 weeks now they have not spent the night and we had a hole weekend off. I love it. In fact I may even offer to let them stay tonight..as he works till 9 much better to just be grandma instead of also fill in mom and childcare provider.
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KnoxMom 12:41 PM 03-22-2013
Great way to save from burnout! :-)
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allsmiles 01:59 PM 03-22-2013
CONGRATS!! awesome!! one more reason to rent a house and become licensed as a daycare LOL
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Sugar Magnolia 03:16 PM 03-22-2013
Originally Posted by allsmiles:
CONGRATS!! awesome!! one more reason to rent a house and become licensed as a daycare LOL
We own the house, but every time something breaks I wish I could call the landlord. It's a 100 year old house, so that is often.
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momofsix 03:19 PM 03-22-2013
How awesome. It is amazing what only a few hours can do to relieve some stress or change the outlook on your day or week!
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Heidi 03:33 PM 03-22-2013
Your DH is pretty cool to give back some of the time he got off so that you can have it. Yeah for both of you!
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Meeko 04:24 PM 03-22-2013
YES! Enjoy it!!
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