Curious Of The Ages Of The Providers

[SandeeAR]

I've only been on the forum for a short time, so I don't know much about any of you. I'm just curious, If your willing would you post your ages?

I have a feeling from the posts, that I am one of the oldest at 51.

Thanks!

[AmandasFCC]

I'm 26. STarted daycare when my dd was 8 months old.

[DCMomOf3]

I'm mid thirties.

[BentleysBands]

35 yrs...been doing childcare since age 11yrs/home daycare since i married and had first son at 17yrs

[Mom4two]

I am 29, I am just starting out open to the public. I have done care for my friends for the past 3 years. I have a 8yr. old and a 4 yr. old. I am new here also. I love this forum. it is so helpful in many ways.

[boysx5]

I'm 43 starting doing daycare 14 years ago after I had my second son think I will be eighty and still doing it

[DanceMom]

I am 36

[momma2girls]

I am 43 as well- I have been providing in home care for over 7 yrs. now.

[DCMom]

I'm close to you in age, I'm 49 and I've been in the child care biz for nearly 22 years.

[safechner]

I am 32. I started my daycare 9 years ago when my first daughter was 10 months old.

[MyAngels]

I'm 46, I've been doing home daycare for 18 years, with a few years of center care prior to that.

[SandeeAR]

Glad to hear a few of you close to my age LOL. I was afraid I was on here with a group of young folks only LOL.

[WImom]

I'm 33 and I've been doing childcare for 5+years.

[MommyMuffin]

I am 25 and just starting out! So excited!
I never post my pic on my website or in brochures because I have found that people judge me because I am young. I find that in lots of things I have to prove that I am educated and professional more than the (I say this lightly) older providers. I look like I am 20 but I did graduate from college and many do not think I am old enough.

[Crystal]

39 years old. Been in business for almost 14 years. Have a 19 year old son, a 17 year old daughter and a 13 year old son.

[Lilbutterflie]

I just turned the BIG 3-0! Hahaha, yeah I'm still a youngin'. I started daycare about a year ago.

[JJPlaycare]

I will be 28 years in November! I started doing daycare when my daughter (Zoe) was 3 months old she will be 6 in Dec. My other daughter (Ava) will be 4 in Jan! I am expecting number 3 in December, not sure of the gender!!

[momofsix]

I'm 44, been doing daycare for about 19 years, with a short break in the middle after we adop0ted 2 and I was homeschooling 6-took about 2 years off then.

[broncomom1973]

I am 37 and have only been doing childcare for 1-1/2 years. I got into childcare after the birth of my 3rd child, my son. My 2nd daughter and son are only 14 mos apart and my son was a "surprise" pregnancy. I used to be a lab nurse 3 days/week but it made no sense to continue working if everything I made was going to be to pay for part-time childcare for 3 kids. I ALWAYS wanted to be home with my kids but dh didnt want me to give up the benefits I had at my previous job.

I was always very appreciative of the daycare provider my girls went to, but am even more so now. I honestly dont know how she did it with 10 kiddos. She has been doing it 23 years. She did a great job with them. I have so much respect for her and for all childcare providers. I plan to do this at least until my son goes to kindergarten and then I will re-evaluate my situation. I initially said I would go back into nursing at that point, but I do love being home and will have to really think about it. Childcare is soooo challenging at times but is also so rewarding.

[marniewon]

41 here

[AnythingsPossible]

I am 33. Have had my home daycare for a little over 8 years, plan on closing next fall if not sooner!

[Pammie]

I'll be 48 next month...and have had my daycare now for 24 years! Wow! Half of my life

[melissa ann]

I'm 37. Started my business in March 2008 when my kids were 3 1/2 and 1.

[Blackcat31]

I will be 42 on Halloween. Been doing family childcare for 17 years. My own kids are 22 (daughter)and 19 (son).

[tenderhearts]

I'm 41 and have been doing daycare for almost 13 years since my youngest was about 2 yrs old.

[grandmom]

I guess I'm the oldest so far. 56 - licensed for 19 years. One of my first babies is safely back from Afghanistan.

[kitkat]

I'm 32. I've been providing care for almost 5 years, started when DS was 1. DS will soon be 5, DD just turned 2, and Baby #3 is due in March.

[Childminder]

I am 54 been licensed since age 17, so 37 years. Started watching children at age 9.

[newtodaycare22]

So far, I'm the the youngest....I'm 23. Some parents look at me like I'm crazy, but most are very respectful (even if they could be my parents!)

I graduated college at 21, taught kindergarten for 2 years, and then started this a few months ago!

[TGT09]

30 in February. Had home daycare for just over a year. Been a nanny/babysitter for the past 17 or so years (off and on).

[daysofelijah]

34 for two more days~

[tmcp2001]

I'm 27 and have been doing daycare for just over a year. I have four children of my own (9, 6.5, 3.5 and 2.5) so even though I'm young I have a pretty good handle on this! Plus, I thought it was pretty darn funny to go through licensing knowing that I could do my licensor's job - I'm a Licensed Social Worker by trade......but I make a heck of a lot more money doing daycare!

[Former Teacher]

Just turned 37 on the 1st. Been in childcare since I was 17 years old

I signed out for this one! So many people won't take me serious, or think I have any REAL knowledge or experience just because of my age. I know how Newtodaycare22 feels! I'm 22 yrs old...

[Francine]

I'm 44, started my daycare when my oldest was 7 and my youngest was 8 months, took a two year break back in 2008 and just reopened in June.

[kendallina]

I'm 31. Been doing in-home preschool for 3 months...lol. Been working with children and families in various settings for 8 yrs.

[SilverSabre25]

just turned 25 in August. I have a 3 year old of my own and a Bachelor's degree in early childhood development and education. I think some parents have decided not to use me because I'm young...but oh well. Most of the parent's I've got seem to see me totally as an equal and respect my education, experience, and ideas about things.

[juliebug]

31 been working for or home daycare since i graduated in 99 with my associate degree in child development

[mainemomma]

I am 29, been licensed for less than a year now...I have a 4 year old, a 2.5 year old and trying for baby #3! I am a coastie wife, and really wanted to stay home with my boys and still be able to make some $$$. I advertised, got one, and then another and then...well, I am full with 12...wouldnt want to be doing anything else. Growing up my mom ran an inhome daycare so to me, this is normal and fun!

Melissa

[misol]

Mid 30's. I have worked with children in some capacity for 13 years and I opened my daycare business just over a year ago.

[sierrastreasures]

LOL so far I win.... 58 here.

[Lucy]

47. Worked outside the home for 13 years then got married and decided to work at home. DC seemed like a good solution, as I grew up with Mom doing it. It has been going well for over 16 years now.

[melskids]

32 here....been caring for children since i was 12, in my own home since i was 22, and licensed 2 years. both my kids are in school now, but i dont ever see myself doing anything else. its not what i do, its who i am...lol

i'm just starting now to work on getting a degree in ECE, not because i need to, but because i want to. better late then never i guess...lol

[melskids]

oh yeah....i wanted to add....

i met a provider at a training last weekend, she was 68, and had been licensed for 44 years!!!! she is now watching her 1st clients' grandchildren. how cool is that!!!

[Michael]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I signed out for this one! So many people won't take me serious, or think I have any REAL knowledge or experience just because of my age. I know how Newtodaycare22 feels! I'm 22 yrs old...

You can be a great mother and daycare operator at 22.

[momofboys]

I'm 38. Been doing childcare for about 1 1/2 yrs.

[MarinaVanessa]

Originally Posted by MommyMuffin

I am 25 and just starting out! So excited!
I never post my pic on my website or in brochures because I have found that people judge me because I am young.

Ditto here, I'm 28 and rarely wear make-up and people say I look barely legal to drink lol. 2 years ago I had my Driver's License cut up by a bouncer at a local pub . It wasn't funny, he thought I was way too young and that my DL was a fake. Had to go back the next day during the day to talk to the manager and he was very apologetic and reimbursed me.

I never tell people how old I am when I talk to them on the phone, oddly enough people rarely ask. When they meet me they always look surprised and I have to start by telling them about myself and always start with my age, then they look surprised again like they're surprised that I'm actually 28 and not 12 .

[TGT09]

Originally Posted by MarinaVanessa

2 years ago I had my Driver's License cut up by a bouncer at a local pub . It wasn't funny, he thought I was way too young and that my DL was a fake. Had to go back the next day during the day to talk to the manager and he was very apologetic and reimbursed me.

I would have flipped my lid...but that's just me! I was asked a few years ago if I had my driver's license yet?! OK, I don't look "that" young.

[SunflowerMama]

I'm 33...I'll be 34 in February. I started my childcare last February.

[missnikki]

I'm 36. I've been working with kids professionally since 1996.

[laundryduchess@yahoo.com]

Im 38, 39 in Feb,... Been working in the field since 89.

[gkids09]

I'm 22..Have had my daycare going on 3 years. My grandmother had it for 23 years, and I grew up here, worked here, and then took over.

[ddnanny13]

24, And often have the same problem as mommymuffin. Although I can see benefits of having experience and honestly who couldn't, I also see benefits of being young and new to the game. And hey, everyone has to start somewhere right?

[bgmeyers]

I am 47 years old and have been doing this for 15 years.

[SandeeAR]

Originally Posted by ddnanny13

24, I also see benefits of being young and new to the game.

One is for certain.....YOU can get up and down off the floor eaiser!!!

[DCMomOf3]

Originally Posted by SandeeAR

One is for certain.....YOU can get up and down off the floor eaiser!!!

And I bet you have more energy to play tag.

[Live and Learn]

Mid 40's

[DEBBIES DAYCARE]

I just turned 47. I had a daycare for many years but when I got divorced I thought it was best if I go out of the house to work. I worked for 10 years in an office and loved it, but never liked I loved my daycare. I thought about doing it again but its scary to quit your job and start all over, especially as a single parent.
I was laid off last year and saw that as an opportunity to make the jump! Its even better this time around! I have a wonderful husband who is so helpful and my own kids are grown so I have my DCKs to ease the empty nest feeling ( which goes away just around 5 pm!) and although I cant get on the floor or run and jump around like I used to, I find I have so much more patience. I am able to take the time to really watch and enjoy the wonder of these little people. And I certainly do not miss the drama and rat race of the 9 to 5 world!

[Brookers]

Im 26 turning 27 tomorrow. I started my daycare last year in september.

I'm 49! On my 13th year! Planned on no less than 5 and no more than 10!

I'm 56 and will be starting my 24th. year in home daycare in January, 2011

[MarinaVanessa]

Originally Posted by TGT09

I would have flipped my lid...but that's just me! I was asked a few years ago if I had my driver's license yet?! OK, I don't look "that" young.

But at the same time doesn't make you feel good?? . Oh I was pissed off for sure at first, I laugh about it now but it feels great to walk into a pub or bar for a drink and they look at you, then at your DL, then back at you, back at the DL, bend the DL, flick the sides and corners of it, flash a little flashlight at it or put it under a black-light and then hand it back and finally say "Okay". I think it adds years to my life. It's just such a happy place for me. Ahhh, it's the little things that make me happy.

[Abigail]

I just turned 24 last week....

[SandeeAR]

Thought this needed a bump, as alot of new members have joined since I posted it!

[dEHmom]

25....26 in May.

Been "babysitting" for 15 yrs, figured i'd try make a living at it. Been going for a year in my home in May

[MissAnn]

Originally Posted by grandmom

I guess I'm the oldest so far. 56 - licensed for 19 years. One of my first babies is safely back from Afghanistan.

Oh good.....I thought I was the oldest! I am 51

I am a YOUNG 52!! And I have been doing childcare almost 30 years! But I feel like I am 25. I crawl on the floor, play on the floor all day long with my children and I have so much energy!

[cillybean83]

I'm 27 and 2010 was my first year of home daycare! Before that I was an LPN at a home for adults with developmental disabilities, I graduated college when I was 22 with 2 degrees (international relations and economics) and I'm currently in grad school getting an education degree

[Zoe]

28. Been doing in-home daycare with just one family since 2007. Before that I was an elementary and special ed teacher. Getting licensed hopefully this month! I have a three year old son and five year old daughter in the daycare with me. I've only been asked once how old I was by a dcm, but it was over the phone. She moved on quickly with no comment, so it must not have been an issue.

[lil angels]

I will be 33 in march. I have a 4 and 8 yr old both boys and have been licensed in home since 2000 almost 11 yrs.

[KEG123]

I'll be 24 in May. Do you guys think I should take my picture of me off my website?!?!? Ha! Now I'm all paranoid parents are judging me by age and that's why they aren't calling!!!

[dEHmom]

Originally Posted by KEG123

I'll be 24 in May. Do you guys think I should take my picture of me off my website?!?!? Ha! Now I'm all paranoid parents are judging me by age and that's why they aren't calling!!!

http://kidegarden.weebly.com/index.html is that yours?

I think it's a great picture and I wouldn't change it....BUT I would change the boyfriend part to partner. just a suggestion.

[AfterSchoolMom]

I'm 31. Started babysitting at 14, did at home care off and on for a year here and there after the age of 20. I've been doing B/A for 3 years and just started with littles again.

[jenh171]

I'm 42, but prefer to think of it as 21 twice.

[jen]

Originally Posted by jenh171

I'm 42, but prefer to think of it as 21 twice.

Love this!

[jen]

43 and I've been doing this for almost 10 years, I have a 16, 11 and 7 year old!

[littlemonkeys]

I'm 32

[laundrymom]

next week Ill be twenty nineteen.

[cillybean83]

Originally Posted by Brookers

Im 26 turning 27 tomorrow. I started my daycare last year in september.

happy birthday!

[Gurdy]

I'm 40. Have been doing dc from home for a little over 6 years.

[Cat Herder]

39 for a few more weeks.....

[SandeeAR]

Originally Posted by jenh171

I'm 42, but prefer to think of it as 21 twice.

I always say I've been 18 for 33 years!.....I'll do the math for you, I'm 51

[DCMomOf3]

I thought I replied to this. I'm 33

[SandeeAR]

Originally Posted by DCMomOf3

I thought I replied to this. I'm 33

You may have. I bumped it up, b/c we have added a lot of new members since I posted it. I know I found it very interesting to see how varied the ages were when I first started posting. It also helped me understand some of the posts being made, when I could see how old they were. I don't mean that in a bad way, just somethings you learn by the more life experiences you have, kwim?

[E Daycare]

Im 28 and will be 29 this coming may. My hubby and I will be married 11yrs this year and I started my own home daycare to stay home with our now 1 1/2 yr old son last June. I worked in Marketing for the 4yrs before this, health care before that and have 5yrs exp in Child development centers and a year exp in Child psychiatric centers.

I get a lot of slack in the beginning too for being so young until they hear my background. Then I sound more like I feel, which is about 35. LOL

[DCMomOf3]

Originally Posted by SandeeAR

You may have. I bumped it up, b/c we have added a lot of new members since I posted it. I know I found it very interesting to see how varied the ages were when I first started posting. It also helped me understand some of the posts being made, when I could see how old they were. I don't mean that in a bad way, just somethings you learn by the more life experiences you have, kwim?

no, I looked back and I didn't although I did reply to someone else. LOL I guess I didn't want to answer at that time.

[Luna]

I'm 52, but I don't often feel like it. Depending on the time of day, I feel 35 or 85

[countrymom]

I'm 36 and I've been providing care for a little more than 6 yrs. I have 4 kids too (12,19,8 and 6) so I'm always surrounded by kids, but I use to be a nurse.

[snbauser]

I am 39 and have 3 boys of my own - 19, 10, and 8. I've been a licensed childcare provider for 8 years now. I started when my youngest was about 4 months old and planned on doing this until he started school full time. Instead I expanded from 5 kids to 12 kids when he started school LOL!!

[Missani]

I am 32. I graduated from college 10 years ago with a degree in biology, worked in a center for 10 years, then worked in the medical field for 8 years (some overlapping). I have two boys that are 4 and 20 months and we are TTC #3. I opened my daycare almost 6 months ago and haven't regretted it for a second.

[KEG123]

Originally Posted by Baybee0585

http://kidegarden.weebly.com/index.html is that yours?

I think it's a great picture and I wouldn't change it....BUT I would change the boyfriend part to partner. just a suggestion.

Yes, that's me! However, "partner" makes me think lesbian.... No thanks!

[bookbabe32186]

I'm 24 and have been doing daycare for the past 4 years and I have no children of my own...people look at me like I'm insane because I do it and have no kids. I get questions from people all the time asking me if I'm ever going to get a 'real job'...UGH! I love doing daycare and I love kids!

[QualiTcare]

Originally Posted by KEG123

Yes, that's me! However, "partner" makes me think lesbian.... No thanks!

i might change the picture. i had an eyebrow piercing when i was younger and i have a tattoo on my wrist. i chose to ditch the piercing bc it got torn out and got sore, etc. and wore a watch or bracelet when i was teaching - and still wear one when i go to meetings or put myself in any situation to be judged.

so, i personally don't have a problem with piercings/tattoos etc. but people DO judge you by them and the judgement is usually not on the positive side. it doesn't mean you have to change - i would just have a more "professional" first impression picture. once they know you, it won't matter. JMO and experience.

[Symphony]

I'm 29. I have a masters degree in Child Development and an additional 2 year teaching credential for birth-5 in my state. DH gets ticked all the time at how long I went to school versus how much I make. Sorry babe! I love what I do

I have done home daycare for a combined 6 years and taught preschool 2 years in between that.

Three sons, one daughter, and due with #5 in July!

Im 25 and this is my 2nd year doing child care in my home. Nobody (clients anyway) have ever asked how old I am. I have my special ed license so I guess people assume I am older than I am. Started preparing for in home daycare when I was pregnant with our first. Took off 6 months and then started taking clients.