Can You Watch My Kids?
So you really like kids? Not just your own, but you also have tolerance for other people’s brats. You are a rare breed! There is a way to turn that rare gift into money and freedom for you.
According to the Children’s Defense Fund, the average day-care center charges $4,000 to $6,000 annually for a four-year-old child. In some cities, child care is so pricey that it costs twice as much as a year’s worth of public college tuition. Middle-income parents are spending an average 11% of their income on day care, compared with just 8% for college. That’s money you can earn while working in your own home by opening an in-home day care center.
If you’ve watched Eddie Murphy’s Daddy Day Care or hosted a huge slumber party you have an idea of how it can be. But it’s the business you need to worry about first. It’s nothing like dropping a kid off at grandma’s and picking them up when you get off. You’ll need to find out if your state requires a license for in home daycare businesses. Plus how many children you’re allowed to provide care for. Obtaining a license isn’t a hard process. Depending or your location you may have to have experience caring for a child under a certain age or complete training courses. (Parenthood may be considered as experience). A background check is necessary as well. Providers generally must complete annual in-service training to keep their license valid.
You also need to know if it requires any changes or additions be made to your home. Your house will be inspected for safety and cleanliness before you can be cleared for business. States have different guidelines and regulations on these things, so know what your state requires before you invest in a great backyard playhouse or swing set.
Also, in home daycare businesses probably will be required to have CPR and First Aid certification. While it may not be, you’ll most definitely want to become certified in both. You never know when accidents might happen, and you want to be prepared. Check you local YMCA or regional licensing office for class listings.
If you are ready to get your day care up and running it can be done in less than a month’s time. So come up with a catchy name and get ready to make some money because “you love the kids”.
