How to Start Home Daycare

J.,

I had my own daycare about 17 years ago before I had kids of my own. I was licensed and would suggest from my experience going that route. I know it's more work with taxes, etc. but I was able to get some assistance with meal reimbursements etc. I had business cards made up and put flyers up around my town - at the library, local businesses, churches, schools. I had clients pretty quickly and I think most parents feel better if they know that you are licensed. You have to have CPR/first aid training, etc. so they probably feel safer.
Having you own daycare has pros and cons to think of before you take the leap...pros: extra income, being able to work from home, having friends for your kids to play with, getting to play with kids and feel like a kid yourself...cons: your kids will have to share you, your house will be more trashed, no matter how much you pick up, you are tied to the house alot more, you will have a lot less "me" time, even though you're home, you will have to put the job 1st, and not catch up on laundry, cooking, errands, phone calls, etc.
I liked having my day care for the most part and really got attached to the kids, but it got to be too much for my husband and I because he worked afternoons and I worked days from our house and we never got to just be alone except on the weekends. I hope I gave you some insights and didn't discourage you if this is something you really want to do. Just think through the good and not so good aspects of it and that will help you make your choice. Good luck! :)

I got licensed two and a half years ago to stay home with my son. It was the best decision I've made! I don't know where you're located but I get a ton of calls from the Office for Young Children in the Lansing area. They complie a list of qualified people, parents can call and get the list to find licensed providers in their area.

The hardest part was getting our house ready for inspection. We actually had to go back and fix a few things, make sure that you follow the regulations to a "T"!
It ends up costing quite a bit too, I think it was close to $500 for us but we had to have a few extra tests done because I use the basment. You should be able to contact someone in your area or through the website. Good Luck, it can be such a rewarding job.

You get more support and questions answered going the licensed route...

I am licensed and can say that yes, it can be a bit of a hassle to go thru the process of paper work, inspections, regulations, and trainings... It also makes me a better mom. I know my home is safe for not only my kids but others also. Things like makeing sure there are proper escape routes in your home, fire extinguishers, furnace inspections, cpr and first aid training, etc.
Having to continue my training I have taken classes on child development that have helped explain my own children to me. lol

You also have to be licensed to participate in food programs which repay you a percentage of the cost of feeding day care, and in some cases, your own children.

The state also has grants that you can qualify for to maintain and equip your "business"... also known as your home.

Using your home as your business means you can write off a good portion of your living costs. Phone, heat, utilities, car useage, gas, auto and house insurance, groceries, supplies, maintenance, etc. Why? Your home IS your business place and if you use your auto to do field trips, car pool, or even grocery runs it counts as a business vehicle.

Last I checked (unless they changed it in the last year or so) legally you HAD to be licensed or be biologically related to the children you were caring for.

Most parents, when looking for care would much rather have someone who is licensed than someone who is not. At least in my area to advertise in a paper that you do care requires a license number... There are listings FOR licensed providers that parents use to find providers. Trust me, it cuts down alot on advertizing costs and hassles...

Plus, with orientation, when I first got licensed they gave me a 3 ring binder filled with things I have pulled out over and over again... Sample contracts, health forms, etc. Things parents EXPECT you to have.

There are referal services that if you are licensed you can list in. And there is a good chance in MI that you may be asked if you accept DHS payments... To do that you have to either be licensed or related.

Also for liability issues it is better to be licensed just in case.

It really does not take that long to go thru the licensing process and at times I wonder WHY i NEED to be licensed... But the benefits sure out weigh the cons...

The only time I would feel comfortable with sending my children into some ones nonlicensed home care would be if I knew the WHOLE family for years VERY closely... Licensing lets the parent know that there is a standard of responsibility and its not just Joe schmo... There are criminal checks and could be a suprize inspection ANY TIME...

Plus, the parents who you care for can then claim the $ they pay you on their taxes also...

Good luck and congrats on the baby!!!

J. - If you decide to do this, I would definately go the 'licensed' route. You can get in a lot of trouble if you don't.

I don't know where you are at, but just last fall a lady in the Grand Rapids area was told by DHS that she was breaking the law and could face penalties for watching a couple of her childs friends for less than an hour without pay before school - the bus stop is in front of her house and their parents had to leave for work before the bus came.

If she got this much trouble without getting paid for it, imagine what you could face if you do get paid and aren't licensed.