I now keep my sister's child, and when I was working, I had my child in a home day care. So I will give the info on both situations.

1.) How much should I charge? Daycare here ranges from $73.00 to 85.00 weekly.
I charge my sister the same as daycare, this is agreeable to her. She counts it off on her taxes, knows her child is safe, and I also watch her school age child when she is out of school, and when she goes to church on Wed. night. If I did not watch her children at these other times, I would probably charge 75-80% of the going rate. My babysitter charged half of the going rate, she was in a small town (where I worked) and this was standard in the area. Around here, home day care is not much cheaper, if at all.

2.) How much more should I charge for a second child in the same family? I think that day care gives a 10% discount, but I have no personal experience.

3.) What arrangement to you have in case of emergencies? (Such as your own child being sick, death in family, anything that would keep you from being availiable.)
If my child became sick, I would have to take my neice with me. When my babysitter's child became sick, she had friends or neighbors that would come sit until the parents could pick up their children.

4.) What are your hours? And do you take a vacation or have different holiday hours? My babysitter kept about 6 kids, she tried to keep a 6a-6p schedule.
5.) What kind of snacks/lunch do you provide? (hot meal everyday or a sandwich on some?) Varies, your state should be able to give you menu ideas. Tennessee has a lot of info on their website, even though I don't have to be licensed, I try to go by the state guidelines.

6.) How do you handle your own older kids' schedule, such as sports, cub scouts, etc.? ( I also have a 6 yr. old that enjoys extra activities.)
My 4yo does miss out, since I don't want to drag the toddlers out a lot. I can't help you here.

7.) Do you have a contract and require a once-a-year supply fee like most daycare centers?
No, in both situations. I tried to respect my babysitter and give her plenty of notice when I was leaving my job. Me and my sister discuss it at the beginning of each school year.

8.) How do you handle doctor visits for your own child?
My babysitter took one Friday a month for herself, I didn't use her on Fridays, so it wasn't and issue. I try to schedule my appts late in the afternoon. My getting an appt takes an act of congress trying to get someone else to watch the kids.

I think the best thing is to go into it like a parenting "co-op" situation. Everone supporting the others. I stay home, so I do all the homey stuff. When I need to do some "grown up" stuff, I depend on my DH,sister, BIL or neighbor for help. I would suggest having a good back up person in mind, and try to find children to keep that you can keep open communication with the parents. I do not think I would be real comfortable keeping a strangers child. I kept a friends child for awhile, but it was too many babies at one time for me. I doubt that I have helped much, but I would suggest calling other home daycares in your area. Good Luck.

I used to do in home daycare. Rates vary widely depending on where you are, you can call around to different daycares to find out what they are charging for what services. If I had an emergency come up, I had a back-up sitter that I would call to come over if she was available, the fact that she might be the one watching the kids was included in the contract. When my own kids were sick, I would call all the parents to let them know- I don't think any one of them ever had a problem with bringing their kids to my house where my kid was sick. I would just try to keep my sick kid away from the daycare kids. My hours were usually 6 am to 6 pm, sometimes I would be done earlier. I would let the parents know if I was taking a vacation way in advance, and some of them would plan their vacations at the same time, and others would find family to sit for them. Holidays I wasn't open, but I didn't take a lot of holidays, just the major ones like Christmas Eve and Christmas, and the Fourth of July.I provided all breakfasts, lunches and snacks. I never did a cold breakfast and lunch on the same day, I made sure I gave them at least one hot meal. If I was to do it again, though, I would probably have them bring their own lunches at least. My kids were smaller then, and only had Bible School one day a week, so I arranged my schedule so I didn't have too many kids on the day they had Bible School, so I could fit them all in my car and bring them with me for drop off and pick up. Same with doctors appointments I couldn't schedule for any other time, I would make sure to have the appointment on a day and time when I didn't have too many kids and I would bring them with me. Even though most of the parents were friends of mine, I knew most of the kids from when I was their teacher at a school that closed down or from church, I did have very detailed contracts, stating hours and rate of pay, allowing me to drive the kids in my car without notice, to allow me to obtain medical care for the child in an emergency, releasing me from liability should their child become accidentally injured while in my care, ect.

I did enjoy it very much, it allowed me to be able to stay at home with my kids, but it was a whole lot of work. Even after the kids left for the day I still had to finish cleaning up, make dinner for my kids, make sure the meal and lesson plans for the next day were done, and spend some time with my kids because even though I was home with them I still didn't get to spend too much time with them. But even though I was exhausted, I had a great time.
My advice to you would be to pick the kids you watch very carefully- I started doing home daycare when the school I worked for shut down, and I only offered my services to the kids I really enjoyed, I don't think i could have done it otherwise. It is also best to have an area of the house that is just for the daycare, an area that you don't care if it gets messed up and stuff broken. Good Luck!

My friend has done this for a few years now in Canada, she charges $25 per day per child for a whole day with breakfast if needed and lunch. She charges the same for 2 children in the same family but I would lower it $10.

As for emergencies with a family member of your own should be watching the kids or have an emergeny contact for each child that they can go to if needed.

She takes kids from 6 am since that is when her husband leaves for work until 6 pm if needed. If she needs time off to go away she lets the parents know well in advance so they can make other arrangements.

If they are there for breakfast they have ceral, eggas, pancakes whatever she and the kids feel like. And for lunches some days it is a peanut butter sandwich or hotdogs with salad or some days it is spaghetti or homeade maccaroni and cheese. Different each day and once you figure out who likes what it is easy.

All of our activities are after her hours, unless she does crafts with the kids.

Never heard of suppy fees

If her kids have to go to the dr. they all go together

As an Early Childhood Specialist, former nanny, teacher, daycare admin, and now mother of almost 2little ones-lucky enough to work from home offering INFANT/TODDLER CARE, here's my advice

1.) How much should I charge?
*This depends a lot on HOW many children you plan to care for at any one time, and HOW OLD the children are....You can charge MORE money caring for infants and toddlers, or if you provide more one on one private care for 1-2children or families only..This is what I do, and it works out quite well! I charge $125 per wk for a full time/5days a week infant, but keep in mind, my rates are high b/c other than my own son, I only care for the one infant..Parents are usually willing to pay for this type of care..especially for an infant. *Even though most providers in my area charge considerably less..I hold my own! If you are chosing to care for a larger group size, then I would charge more along the lines of $80-$90 per week-the higher end of the scale you mentioned,keeping in mind your education and experience..make sure you get what you feel you deserve. Decide on your minimum of how little you will accept for any one situation. You can offer PART TIME or FULL TIME CARE> you can make your own hours, and set your own rates,...I do not have the same hours or set rates for everyone, each family is different, and I charge them solely based on their individual care needs..not by a generic standard...Not all parents need the same hours, the same days of the week, ages of children vary as far as responsibility...

2.) How much more should I charge for a second child in the same family? *You can make this decision on your own, but I would probably give a small discount to a family with more than one child needing care..but it would depend on the situation..

3.) What arrangement to you have in case of emergencies? (Such as your own child being sick, death in family, anything that would keep you from being availiable.)
*I have this clearly stated in my contract, my policy on such things as illnesses, emergencies, etc...I state what I will and won't do in these situations, and have it clearly written that the parent of the child in my care is to have reliable backup for their own child in the event that I am unavailable. If you write it up, the parent will either agree to it or not...you make your own rules in these cases.

4.) What are your hours? And do you take a vacation or have different holiday hours? This is dependant on YOU and what YOU WANT to do...Personally I don't like LONG hours as some daycares have their home open 6-6...this is too much on my own son, and my own life, I wouldn't work a job that long each day outside of the home, and I won't inside...My home opens each day at 730am and closes by 4pm each day. There are many families who need either part time or shorter daycare..or even late starts such as parents who work 11am-7pm, or swing shift workers, you can chose to cater to whomever you'd like..My hours are based upon each individual situation..Otherwise if you want to have a regular FT work week, offering care for many children, A good general is 730am-530pm--this seems to suit most families. Again, you make your own rules.

*in regards to vacations and holidays, I clearly state my intentions...for example in my contract I state that I will take at least one week of vacation per year and that I am closed on most major holidays, and the week of Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Years..parents are not obligated to pay me during those weeks or days. Again, most parents do not mind this..as they have families and time off of their own!

5.) What kind of snacks/lunch do you provide? (hot meal everyday or a sandwich on some?) Because I care for only infants and toddlers-many eating jarred foods and still on formula, they are required to provide their own food and supplies, diapers,wipes,formula,cereal etc..Most parents do not mind this. However again if you are caring for a larger group, you can adjust your fee scale accordingly if you plan on providing meals out of your pocket...THIS ADDS UP so make sure you aren't spending more on food than you are getting paid!

6.) How do you handle your own older kids' schedule, such as sports, cub scouts, etc.? ( I also have a 6 yr. old that enjoys extra activities.)
This is where offering PART TIME or limited hours of care may come in handy...I have a friend who only does daycare on T/W/TH...with mondays and fridays off...and she is a booming care center! This is quite normal in my area..Also, if you know you have activities after 4pm or so, you can make your hours accordingly..

7.) Do you have a contract and require a once-a-year supply fee like most daycare centers?
I always have a contract, even if it's only 1hr per week of care...my contract is VERY DETAILED and clear so as nothing is left out or in question..I also give copies to myself and the family to refer to. I charge no fees other than weekly or monthly payment.

8.) How do you handle doctor visits for your own child?
Again, this is dependant upon the hours of care you provide. If you fill your week, caring for other children, you may not be able to make it freely to a doctor appointment during the middle of the day with 6kids! Be sure if you DO PLAN on taking any children in care to appointments, or errands, that you have full permission from their parents. This again, is why caring for only a small group of 1-2 children beside your own may be more realistic way to go.

Hope this information helps! If you have any further questions, or need help writing up a contract I'd be glad to help!

Enjoy !
~JEN. ECE SPECIALIST and mom to 17mos old, 31wks preg w/ #2~

I too run a small daycare in my home. You asked some very important questions! Here are my answers:

1.) How much should I charge?
I charge different prices for each family. I babysit for a good friend of mine so I charge her less than the other family I babysit for. Not to sound arrogant or anything, but I really don't have to work so I like knowing that I am helping these families out and also providing a little extra spending money for myself as well.

2.) How much more should I charge for a second child in the same family?
I usually charge $5.00 less for the 2nd child

What arrangement to you have in case of emergencies? (Such as your own child being sick, death in family, anything that would keep you from being availiable.)
I notify the parents as soon as possible. It's funny you should ask because I have something I need to do tommorow so I warned the parents 2 weeks ago that I couldn't watch their kids on the 7th. If my kids or I get sick, I call in the morning and tell them, there really isn't anything else you can do since you can't really plan for it.

4.) What are your hours? And do you take a vacation or have different holiday hours?
I work M-F from 6-6, the kids I watch don't get here until around 8:00am but if they need to come earlier that's fine with me. I am very strict about my pick-up time. I charge $1.00 per minute for any child that is still here past 6:00pm. I have in my contract that I will take off 2 weeks a year for vacation. I also have in the contract which holidays I will take off also.

5.) What kind of snacks/lunch do you provide? (hot meal everyday or a sandwich on some?)
Some days I prepare a hot lunch, some days it's PB&J.

6.) How do you handle your own older kids' schedule, such as sports, cub scouts, etc.? ( I also have a 6 yr. old that enjoys extra activities.)
Luckily, I have never ran into this problem. When my son was in preschool, I just took the other children with me, of course I had the parents permission and a signed statement by them stating it was okay and that they wouldn't hold me responsible for any accidents that might occur.

7.) Do you have a contract and require a once-a-year supply fee like most daycare centers?
I have a contract, I wouldn't work without one!! I don't charge a supply fee. The only thing I charge extra for is in the Summer. We go on a field trip once a week and I charge $5.00 per child to help pay for the expenses of the trip.

8.) How do you handle doctor visits for your own child?
Luckily the only children I watch in the morning go to kindergarten all day on M,W and every other Friday. It's nice because I know I have until 3:30 (M,W,F) to do whatever I need to do. If the kids didn't go to school like that, I'd probably just take them with me or ask someone else to help out for an hour or so while I am gone.

If you'd like anymore information feel free to email me. I have sample contracts and forms that I would be more than willing to send you.

Good Luck!
Mac

I have a 2 1/2 month old and am planning to watch 2 children in my home to supplement our income as well. I am a teacher so when school lets out in May I will be done. DS will be 6 months on May 7. I can't wait to be with him. I have already started getting a neat toy room together and planning hours etc. If you search on the web you can find many sample daycare contract to choose from that help you figure out how to word things, sick policy, holiday policies, days off, late fees, what to do when Daycare kids are absent etc. There is also a lot of info about the tax write offs that are available as well. Make sure to keep all receipts if you are going to be writing things off. Best of luck.

Aspen

I started watching 2 kids (age 1 & 2-1/2) 2x/wk. I charge $70 a day for the 2 of them. I hate it though & will be doing it only as a partial favor through the end of the Summer while my friend's mother recuperates from hip surgery. The sitter I used to use charges $50 a day for one child with no discount on additional siblings.

Michie

Whoops, forgot to answer the rest of the questions.

2.) How much more should I charge for a second child in the same family? I came up with my price on $40 for 1st child & $30 for 2nd.

3.) What arrangement to you have in case of emergencies? (Such as your own child being sick, death in family, anything that would keep you from being availiable.) I woudl call up my friend & tell her I can't do it. She has a flexible work schedule. Tomorrow for example I have a school fundraiser & I will only be watching her kids a 1/2 day.

4.) What are your hours?

8:30-5:30

And do you take a vacation or have different holiday hours?

Over the Summer when my daughter's school & activities are different my days will change & yes I booke dmy vacations & let her know.

5.) What kind of snacks/lunch do you provide? (hot meal everyday or a sandwich on some?)

It depends: sanwiches (cold cuts, peanut butter), chicken nuggets & fries, we made homemade pizza, I've ordered in pizza, pasta with butter or with sauce. we always have fruit for dessert after lunch. Our afternoon snack is often somethign we make - cookies, cake, cupcakes, chocolate pudding so we can incorporate it as an activity too & they are proud to eat their works.

The 1 yr old comes with her meals but I give her snacks form my home.
6.) How do you handle your own older kids' schedule, such as sports, cub scouts, etc.? ( I also have a 6 yr. old that enjoys extra activities.)

I made myself available on the 2 days my daughter doesn't have school or activities. She's only in nursery though. In Sept she'll go to Pre-k 5 days a wk & I will no longer be available for sitting.
7.) Do you have a contract and require a once-a-year supply fee like most daycare centers?

No

8.) How do you handle doctor visits for your own child?

Havent' had to yet. I graduated nursing school & my friend is a pharmacist so we've got a good handle on most mdeical issues.

Also, if I may ask, do you enjoy it? Or do you sometimes feel tied down?

Hate it! The kids are clingy. My child knows how to play on her own & doesn't need me in the room every given moment plu sthe 2-1/2 yr old questions everytime I reprimand my own daughter as if I need to answer to him. Since those are the 2 days I used to get most of my things done including errands now all I can do is think about how far behind I'm falling when they are over.