Daycare.com Forum
Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Newbie Mistakes By...A Newbie
gracepatiencelove 04:59 PM 08-10-2013
I only just decided to become a home daycare provider. It started because a friend recommended that a woman who needed care for a newborn to contact me.
At that point I realized that I had a "waiting list" of people who wanted more long term, regular care (I would babysit some off and on). I realized that as a single mom of two, and a student, I was not only not making ends meet, I was on the verge of total poverty so... here I am. A total newb... totally trusting... and realizing I am going to get burnt, bad, if I don't fix that!
So, since I've already made verbal commitments with some of these mamas, I need a few suggestions.
How do I implement a sick policy?
How do I explain that, yes, I will be taking on more kids?
How do I learn to grow a backbone instead of adjusr?
How do I demand pay ahead of time?
And other questions..
Do I need to provide back up care, or do the parents? Do I need to have that in my contract? How much notice do you give them? What happens if you're deathly ill, suddenly, in the AM?
Is state certified the same as licensed? Whats the difference between illegal and legal unlicensed? Who do I contact?
Does renters insurance usually cover daycare stuff?
How do you factor in paid holidays?
How much should I save of each pay for taxes? For state assisted clients, does the state take out taxes?
Sorry, guys! I don't mind if you only have the answer/time to answer one or two of those! And sorry if I come off as very naive -it's been a long day and the end isn't quite in sight!
At that point I realized that I had a "waiting list" of people who wanted more long term, regular care (I would babysit some off and on). I realized that as a single mom of two, and a student, I was not only not making ends meet, I was on the verge of total poverty so... here I am. A total newb... totally trusting... and realizing I am going to get burnt, bad, if I don't fix that!
So, since I've already made verbal commitments with some of these mamas, I need a few suggestions.
How do I implement a sick policy?
How do I explain that, yes, I will be taking on more kids?
How do I learn to grow a backbone instead of adjusr?
How do I demand pay ahead of time?
And other questions..
Do I need to provide back up care, or do the parents? Do I need to have that in my contract? How much notice do you give them? What happens if you're deathly ill, suddenly, in the AM?
Is state certified the same as licensed? Whats the difference between illegal and legal unlicensed? Who do I contact?
Does renters insurance usually cover daycare stuff?
How do you factor in paid holidays?
How much should I save of each pay for taxes? For state assisted clients, does the state take out taxes?
Sorry, guys! I don't mind if you only have the answer/time to answer one or two of those! And sorry if I come off as very naive -it's been a long day and the end isn't quite in sight!
craftymissbeth 06:10 PM 08-10-2013
Welcome! This place is awesome for us noobs.
What state are you in?
What state are you in?
gracepatiencelove 06:49 PM 08-10-2013
Originally Posted by craftymissbeth:
Welcome! This place is awesome for us noobs.
What state are you in?
West Virginia.Welcome! This place is awesome for us noobs.
What state are you in?
I didn't know ANYTHING about licensing, etc until I jumped on here from a link from Pinterest. I am working on the state certification but it's pretty complicated and I don't think it's the same as licensing... I have to ask on Monday, though. So far I've spent a couple hours trolling, realizing some issues that will probably come up and referencing this forum for contracts, hand books, etc - it's awesome
Familycare71 07:03 PM 08-10-2013
Hi- welcome!! Sounds like daycare found you .
As far as licsensing hopefully someone near you can advise-
I would suggest you look at writing a simple contract to start that includes things like days care is provided, payment required and when that payment is due (there you can change to ahead of time). Also add that by signing the contract the parents agree to the policies.
Policies is where you can get into more details- there is a ton of good info on here. If you have specific questions ask and someone will help
I personally, would write a letter to my current families once you know what your liscense process is and tell them you plan to change from what your currently doing to a daycare business. Then you can tell them all of the benefits this will provide their families
. I would give them the new contract and policies and a time frame in which they need to return them (with first weeks payment) to you to ensure their child's spot
HTH! And feel free to ask questions!
. As far as licsensing hopefully someone near you can advise-
I would suggest you look at writing a simple contract to start that includes things like days care is provided, payment required and when that payment is due (there you can change to ahead of time). Also add that by signing the contract the parents agree to the policies.
Policies is where you can get into more details- there is a ton of good info on here. If you have specific questions ask and someone will help
I personally, would write a letter to my current families once you know what your liscense process is and tell them you plan to change from what your currently doing to a daycare business. Then you can tell them all of the benefits this will provide their families
. I would give them the new contract and policies and a time frame in which they need to return them (with first weeks payment) to you to ensure their child's spot HTH! And feel free to ask questions!
gracepatiencelove 07:07 PM 08-10-2013
Originally Posted by Familycare71:
Hi- welcome!! Sounds like daycare found you.
As far as licsensing hopefully someone near you can advise-
I would suggest you look at writing a simple contract to start that includes things like days care is provided, payment required and when that payment is due (there you can change to ahead of time). Also add that by signing the contract the parents agree to the policies.
Policies is where you can get into more details- there is a ton of good info on here. If you have specific questions ask and someone will help
I personally, would write a letter to my current families once you know what your liscense process is and tell them you plan to change from what your currently doing to a daycare business. Then you can tell them all of the benefits this will provide their families. I would give them the new contract and policies and a time frame in which they need to return them (with first weeks payment) to you to ensure their child's spot
HTH! And feel free to ask questions!
Hi- welcome!! Sounds like daycare found you
. As far as licsensing hopefully someone near you can advise-
I would suggest you look at writing a simple contract to start that includes things like days care is provided, payment required and when that payment is due (there you can change to ahead of time). Also add that by signing the contract the parents agree to the policies.
Policies is where you can get into more details- there is a ton of good info on here. If you have specific questions ask and someone will help
I personally, would write a letter to my current families once you know what your liscense process is and tell them you plan to change from what your currently doing to a daycare business. Then you can tell them all of the benefits this will provide their families
. I would give them the new contract and policies and a time frame in which they need to return them (with first weeks payment) to you to ensure their child's spot HTH! And feel free to ask questions!
Thank you!
What is HTH?
Familycare71 07:12 PM 08-10-2013
Originally Posted by gracepatiencelove:
Thank you!
What is HTH?
Hope that helps! Thank you!
What is HTH?
EntropyControlSpecialist 07:17 PM 08-10-2013
Originally Posted by gracepatiencelove:
Thank you!
What is HTH?
HTH means hope that helps!Thank you!
What is HTH?
If you would like for me to e-mail you my parent handbook I would be more than happy to do so. Just private message me your e-mail address and I will send it on over.
You will need a parent handbook before opening. For me, it really helps to have all of the rules in writing. When an issue comes up I can briefly touch on it and reference the parent to a page number for additional information.
My contract includes who I am caring for, what day they will begin, what meals are included, when they are paying (bi-weekly or monthly), what the fee is, when it is due by (it states in advance on or before the due date), what the penalty charge will be for not paying it on time, the times the children will be in care between and the days, the fee for care outside of business hours ($1.00 per minute, although I DO offer early day and extended day care these are not on this contract. I draw up a separate contract for those that pay a fee to have their child here an extra hour in the evening. The $1.00 a minute is a late charge.), and how many weeks notice they will give prior to leaving (2).
It has a place for their signature and my own.
I also have them sign a parent handbook agreement, they fill out an enrollment form, sign a sheet stating what our discipline and guidance policy is, fill out a health form, and they fill out a child assessment form that tells me more about their child.
Your state will likely require certain forms and you can add in your own.
I found this for West Virginia:
http://nrckids.org/index.cfm/resourc...a-regulations/
It has a packet of licensing requirements. I am seeing the option to be licensed or registered.
This is from the licensed packet:
Originally Posted by :
4.1.a. Any family child care facility that operates in West Virginia shall apply for and obtain a certificate of license from the Secretary before beginning operations and accepting children for care.
§78-18-5. Inspection and Investigation.
5.1. Before issuing a certificate of license, the Secretary shall investigate the facility, its proposed program, and any persons responsible for the custody and care of children placed in that facility. This investigation shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
5.1.a. An evaluation of a facility’s proposed services and the facility’s ability to maintain compliance with this rule; and
5.1.b. A review of information including background checks, medical records, character and financial resources of the applicant, owners, employees, and other household members.
5.2. A facility shall cooperate in the investigation of complaints against the facility including submission of items such as health or psychological examinations, and other third party verifications.
This is from the registered packet:4.1.a. Any family child care facility that operates in West Virginia shall apply for and obtain a certificate of license from the Secretary before beginning operations and accepting children for care.
§78-18-5. Inspection and Investigation.
5.1. Before issuing a certificate of license, the Secretary shall investigate the facility, its proposed program, and any persons responsible for the custody and care of children placed in that facility. This investigation shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
5.1.a. An evaluation of a facility’s proposed services and the facility’s ability to maintain compliance with this rule; and
5.1.b. A review of information including background checks, medical records, character and financial resources of the applicant, owners, employees, and other household members.
5.2. A facility shall cooperate in the investigation of complaints against the facility including submission of items such as health or psychological examinations, and other third party verifications.
http://nrckids.org/default/assets/Fi..._19%2C2012.pdf
Originally Posted by :
4.1. Application for Registration.
4.1.a. Initial. The Department shall issue an initial certificate of registration to a family child care home upon application and self-certification of compliance with this rule.
4.3. Departmental Action on Applications for Registration.
4.3.a. Within sixty (60) days of receipt of an application for certificate of registration, the Secretary shall provide a written decision to the family child care home that does one of the following:
4.3.a.1. Issues a regular certificate of registration if the family child care home certifies compliance with all of the requirements of this rule;
4.3.a.2. Issues a provisional certificate of registration if the family child care home is temporarily unable to certify compliance with all of the requirements of this rule; or
4.3.a.3. Denies a certification of registration if the family child care home does not certify substantial compliance with all of the requirements of this rule.
4.1. Application for Registration.
4.1.a. Initial. The Department shall issue an initial certificate of registration to a family child care home upon application and self-certification of compliance with this rule.
4.3. Departmental Action on Applications for Registration.
4.3.a. Within sixty (60) days of receipt of an application for certificate of registration, the Secretary shall provide a written decision to the family child care home that does one of the following:
4.3.a.1. Issues a regular certificate of registration if the family child care home certifies compliance with all of the requirements of this rule;
4.3.a.2. Issues a provisional certificate of registration if the family child care home is temporarily unable to certify compliance with all of the requirements of this rule; or
4.3.a.3. Denies a certification of registration if the family child care home does not certify substantial compliance with all of the requirements of this rule.
I do not provide back up care. I have a list of paid closings (both vacation and holidays that total 16 days) and it discusses that other closings will be unpaid and credited back to their account. If I became severely ill that morning I would call and close immediately. You can't predict when you will be deathly ill and it would be unreasonable to assume you could.
I pay in quarterly taxes. I send in about 20% of my income. If you look in the tax forum you will find a lot of information! Tom Copeland is wonderful.
Tag searches are a GREAT way to obtain information around here. Type in something like "parent handbook" or "quarterly taxes" and you are bound to pull up an abundance of useful threads.
https://www.daycare.com/forum/tags.php
I was a real softie when I started out. I wanted to accommodate everyone and make a good name for myself. I quickly realized, especially with the help of this forum, that not having a backbone meant I got walked all over. I am still nice, but I am professional. This is my business and I do not allow the families to dictate the rules to me. I create the rules, they are reviewed prior to enrollment, and the family decides if they can abide by them or not. I usually get "tested" on my rules by clients at some point and I don't waiver anymore nor am I apologetic about the policies that are in place that they agreed to abide by. Friendly but professional has gotten me a lot more respect and allowed my love for this job to return. No one has ever left because I have used my backbone like I assumed they would so be confident in the policies you create!