I've recently been asked if I would care for a 5 month old little girl. The days needed are M-W, from 7:30-5:15. She'll supply the essentials. I'm thinking of charging $85 for the 3 days. I paid $140/wk per kid, when my kids were in an in-home daycare 2 years ago. I just used that as a guide, and it is about what she currently pays. I'm just wondering if there any tips I could use or things I should do or ask of the mom? I made one request, which was to be able to drive around town with her so I wasn't limited as to what I could and would do with my own kids. She is completely fine with that. I'm not interested in adding more kids, just this one is fine. I'm doing this for a friend's cousin, to help her out. Any tips or advice would be great. Any legal issues that I should be aware of? Thanks in advance!! I want to add, she currently pay $90 for 3 days in a small town. She will provide supplies while the child is a baby....I did that too when I had my kids in childcare. As the baby gets older, she gets easier to care for...I will keep the cost the same since I will start providing my own food & beverages for her once she is off formula and baby food, even though she is easier to care for.
Thanks for all the helpful advice and things to consider. We've met and agreed on many things and I start watching her soon! She thought I was offering her a fair deal, as did I. :) I'm being very flexible with her, as though she was family...she kind of is. So, anyway...looks like it will work out really well. Now I am excited to have a little girl in my home. :) Thanks again!
I think your price sounds about right. I would google legal un-licensed daycare in your area just to see that you are following the guidelines to cover yourself. Better to be safe than sorry I guess :) I would also think about anything you may want to put in writing for either one of you and then sign it.
Take a local child/infant CPR and first aid class, it's always nice to be prepared and nver need it. You may already have it being you have children, but if not they are very informational and have changed a little since years ago.
Fire extinguisher, fire alarms in any sleeping rooms, and outlet covers.
Wow. That would be great money because I agree with the first post that says it sounds like a lot.... Have the 2 of you discussed what she is going to pay? Can she continue to afford that or is that why she is looking for an alternative to a licensed daycare??? As a licensed daycare, (I PROVIDED THE FORMULA!) I only charged $75 for that many hours......
And DEFINITELY still write up a "contract". Include that you are allowed to transport the child, that you do NOT have daycare insurance, how much you will get paid every week -- INCLUDE THE HOURS YOU ARE TO WATCH THE CHILD--, who is to provide diapers, formula, spare clothes, etc., how to handle vacations days (for BOTH OF YOU), what illnesses you expect her to keep the baby home with, and anything else you can think of. HAVE BOTH OF YOU SIGN AND DATE IT AND BOTH OF YOU KEEP A COPY!!!! This is just one of those things you need to do to protect yourselves.....
Last year, we had a similar situation with our daycare--a SAHM watching only her own child and ours. Here are some things to think about:
One thing to consider is how you will handle time off--both the mom's and yours. For example, if you want a day off, how much notice do you need to give her? If she has any paid time off of work (holidays, medical leave) will you also get paid?
You also need to think about taxes.... Does she plan to claim the daycare expenses on her taxes? If so, she will need your social security number when she files. (If you don't want to give out your social security number, see if you can get a tax i.d.) You will then have to report the income when you file. I would ask that she pay you by check or some way other than cash, so you have "proof" if you ever get audited. At the end of the year, you should double check with each other to see that you both have the same figure. You should also find out if it is likely that you will owe income tax, and if so, the best way to pay it (quarterly, etc.).
Now would also be a good time to double-check your auto and homeowner's/renter's insurance coverage. The bare minimums allowed by the state are not always adequate. I realize you are not running a full-fledged daycare, but you will have a young child in your home and car several days a week. I would see that you have adequate coverage in case the unthinkable were to happen.
Lastly, write up a contract on EVERYTHING you decide. Put it all in writing and both sign it. It seems like a formality, but it protects you both.
I charged $25 per day when I was watching an infant. The mom is supplying the supplies, so you don't have to purchase anything. When your kids were in daycare and you paid $140/wk, were you supplying any supplies, or did your daycare person supply everything. Even when I was licensed, I think I charged $28/day.
Hi J.,
I am doing this right now actually. Our neighborhood is really close and lots of us have worked out our deals. I paid $40 a day for mine that age and provided all the supplies (same age). Now I watch my BFF's little boy and she pays us $30 for half days and provides all the supplies. (Lots of us are teachers so the days are a little flexible.)
I would agree the biggest issue that has come up for us, is 'time off'. Have a plan before hand for if you ever want a day off, or if she randomly takes a day off.. do they still pay... how much notice before they dont' pay, etc. Also sick kids that was a biggy. For me, I didn't care who was sick, I just cleaned a little more. But, the lady who watched mine NEVER wanted to take my little girl when they were sick, so I was constantly missing work... not good.
Also, the tax deductable thing... no one in our neighborhood ever does that... we're getting enough of a deal we figure having our friends watch them.
Blessings to you,
Amanda
