Written by providers for
providers. These articles are the opinions of the individual providers and
not expressly the views of Family Child Care, Inc. They are to be used as
a guide for your own business practices.
The price of childcare can be very
shocking, especially to first time parents.
Each provider runs her own business and as such can charge what she sees
as reasonable. But in general
terms, there are a few explanations that may help to make sense as to why
childcare costs what it does.
One consideration is the particular license class the provider holds. Many parents do not realize that there are 7 different licenses in MN. What a provider charges may be based on her license and the number of children she cares for in many instances. For example, a provider that elects to take care of infants only can only have 3 infants; and as such charges much more for these infants than a provider that takes care of 12 children of all ages. When an infant/toddler provider loses l of the 3 children she cares for, one third of her income is lost! Parents have the decision to make whether they want more individualized care for their infants and toddlers, or if they feel comfortable having their child in a larger group setting with the provider taking care of more children and paying a little less money. With the specialized infant/toddler provider, these children will be moving on to another childcare when they are older.
There is a C3 license that allows a
provider to care for 14 children, with an adult helper.
To enable the provider to pay for a helper, she must charge enough to
make to cover her expenses and also pay her employee’s wage.
The expense of before and after school care can also be surprising for parents. Many providers do not charge by the hour. They charge by the spot. If they have a Class A license (caring for a total of 10 with 4 being school aged) they may charge by the spot. The provider has 10 spots per day. Even though the school aged child may not be at her home long, they still take a spot that she cannot fill with another child.
The same holds true for part-time care. If you do not need daycare 5 days a week and yet your
schedule varies, the provider may charge you a full-time rate because you would
then have the guarantee that a spot would be available no matter what days you
work that week. In the case of
people requesting part-time care and their working days are always the same, a
provider can charge a part-time daily rate that is a little higher than the full
time daily rate, but it is less than paying for a full time 5 day week.
The provider then has the option of taking another family on the opposite
days. Finding such a mix does not
always come about, however, for the provider.
If she cannot find an opposite family, she is actually losing money
taking a part time family rather than holding out for a full time family.
For this reason many providers may not be interested in taking
part time families as they need income they can count on.
A provider may only figure that one
third to one half of what she receives in payments from families is what she
actually gets to keep as income. The
other half to two thirds goes to pay daycare liability insurance, food for
children, paper products, higher utilities, our social security taxes, state and
federal taxes, toys, preschool curriculum, holiday party supplies and gifts for
birthdays and Christmas and the wear and tear expense of maintaining a home
filled with beautiful children.
Is a provider worth the expense?
Of course she is! After all,
what is more important than your children?
A provider that is able to have a dependable income will be more
successful and be in the childcare field for a longer period of time, thus
increasing the quality your child receives.
Parent Interview
Questions:
Has your child been in day care before? If so, for how long? If not, who has
provided child care?
Why are you seeking new child care? (If applicable.)
Is someone available to pick up your child by closing time?
Do you have emergency backup care?
What is your method of discipline?
How do you approach potty training?
Will you be giving two weeks' notice to your former child care provider?
If not, why?
Does your child have any special needs based on religious or health issues? Are
there any activity or food restrictions?
Are you available to participate in occasional day care activities and special
events?
Are you willing to sign a contract?
Are you available to chaperone an occasional field trip?
What is your child's favorite activity?
What general observations can you give me about your child's development,
activities, etc.?
What are your expectations of a child care provider?
May I have the names of references? (If possible, ask for name of a former
caregiver. Be sure all contract obligations (final payments) were met.)
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The
Mind Set Of A Day Care Provider
>An Article Written by Janet K. Irwin
> Tthemind set of a day care provider is influenced by many factors. It
includes the following but is not limited to this list.
Their family structure while growing up
Their educational background
Their family structure while they are providing care and any changes that occur
while they are providing care
The environment in which they provide the care
The ages and sex of the children in their day care program
The family structure of the families of the children in their day care program
The climate in their neighborhood with regard to how the neighbors feel about a
program in their midst
The attitude of their spouse concerning the day care program
The attitude of their children concerning the day care program
Their own feeling of self worth
The ability of the provider to interact with other day care provides
The ability of the provider to have a positive relationship with the licensing
agency
The ability of the provider to have a positive relationship with a resource and
referral agency
The opportunity for the provider to be involved in a support group for providers
or a local or state association
The connections that the provider has within their community i.e.. The school,
the library, the nursery schools, other providers, the health dept.
Looking at this list, it is easy to see that occasionally or even on a daily
basis a provider is pulled in many different directions. It may be from their
own family, the children they care for, the parents of these children, the
licensing agency, their food program vendor or any number of
other forces. Some of this is well within their control and some of it is beyond
their control. We must understand that there comes a point that we must draw a
line. We must learn to put the needs of ourselves and our families and our
businesses first. Yes, we have parents and children who depend on us. We must be
sure though that we do not allow them to be so dependent on us that we become
enablers of behavior that is unacceptable.
We must find ways to be sure that the parents actually do the parenting and that
the children are just that, "children". We cannot constantly make
allowances and changes in our policies that disrupt our family schedules and
time. Our families already make great sacrifices because of the nature of our
business. We should not be afraid to do what is necessary in the business in
order for our families to function well. When we actually do these things we
find a hidden respect for ourselves and from the families we serve. If you are
not finding respect from the families you are
providing a service for you may need to rethink providing services for them.
Mutual respect is a two way street. Without this respect you cannot and will not
have a positive relationship with the child or the parent.
Please take time to think about the list and how it impacts
you and your family and your program. We provide a service that has become
necessary for many families. It is not a luxury for many but a definite need to
survive in today's world. For others it is an avenue to pursue further wealth.
The perceived need on our part should not be something we are concerned with.
Our concern should be to provide the best care for each child presented to us.
When we get caught up in the perceived need our families and we suffer.
In closing please take some time to look at the list in this article and
think how each of these things impacts our ability to go about our daily rounds
of providing care and then the after hours needs placed on us by our families.
This thing that we do, this all-encompassing thing that we do in providing child
caring services is not a state secret. It is something that needs to be nurtured
and contemplated and shared with each other. We need to be here for each other,
but first we need to be here for our families and ourselves. Janet K. Irwin ©
2/12/2000
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Avoiding
Burnout Have
you ever had one of those days? The kids were whiny or wound up all day,
the baby wouldn't nap, the kids were all on different schedules, and you
are tired because you were up until 11:30 the night before trying to
catch up on laundry, and then needed time to relax before going to bed?
Only it doesn't seem to be just one day--it's all the time! I
don't need to tell you the signs of burnout. You aren't satisfied with
your daycare or your home life because neither is running smoothly. You
spin your wheels doing the same things every day, never having time to
get to those other tasks that also need your attention. There doesn't
seem to be an end in sight. But
what can you do? Do the BOP! Balance, Organization, and Preparation. You
must achieve a balance between home and work life, you must get and stay
organized, and you MUST be prepared to take care of yourself and your
family. Remember, you chose this profession so you could be home. This
is the most important reason to get things under control. Balance If
you resent the low pay and the number of kids you have to care for in
order to make a living, it's time to review your rates. Make sure you
are being paid enough so that you don't have to take large numbers of
children. You are worth it. Quality child care is hard to find. Take
a look at the hours you spend watching kids. How many other jobs do you
know of that require 10-12 hour days with another one or two on top of
that? Set your hours from 8-5--a "normal" work day. Granted,
you will have additional time behind the scenes cleaning, preparing
activities, etc. But you won't be as stressed as if you were watching
kids for 12 hours first. Do
you resent the parents that bring their child to daycare, but then
inform you they are heading back home to get some rest because they are
sick? I don't know of any providers having this luxury. Then look into
trading or hiring some help. Take a day off if you are sick! Guilt
can play a big part in feeling burned out. Do you feel guilty asking for
time off because your parents don't have a backup provider--even though
you've suggested it several times? But since it puts them in a bind, you
don't ask. Know what? If they don't have a backup, it's not your fault.
In the long run, what will make you feel more guilty and stressed out?
Not taking the time for a doctor's appointment or attending your kids'
field trips--or making your parents realize that it's not your fault if
they don¹t have a backup? The fact is that you need time for your
family. Be
creative. Schedule the first Monday or Friday of each month as your day
off to volunteer at school, run errands, schedule a hair appointment, or
just loaf around the house. When was the last time you spent on a hobby
or read a book? Tell your parents it's their opportunity to schedule
time with their backup provider so the children will stay familiar with
their backup caregivers. Give
yourself some benefits. Make sure you are getting paid holidays. You
deserve the regular perks that others receive in their jobs. Balance
your work so you are not overworked. Organization Are
you too busy with feedings and changings to make sure that the kids are
occupied? Are transition times less than satisfactory because the kids
won't stop playing or running around just because the clock says it's
naptime? Then make sure you have plenty of age-appropriate activities so
that while you're busy with one matter, the kids are self-entertained.
Buy a book or attend a seminar on transition times to help ease the
tension in moving from one activity to another. Don't
know what to feed the kids every day for lunch? Then make out a weekly
menu or a six-week cycle type of menu. Do your grocery shopping based on
the menus so you'll have ingredients on hand. By organizing or even
cooking the night before, a quick reheat may be all you need. This cuts
down on preparation time and you can organize your day better. Do
you face an endless load of laundry every week? Then do a load every
day. Sure, no one looks forward to always doing laundry. But by doing
one load a day and putting away a small basketful, you'll feel a sense
of accomplishment and at least keep your family in underwear and socks! The
kids never seem to have anything to do even though there's a toybox full
of toys? Then take the time to organize some activities or incorporate
themes into your daycare. Coloring, music, videos, etc. can all be found
relating to a particular theme, plus be educational. Figure
out what isn't working and brainstorm some solutions. You might be
surprised at how one little change can effect the whole day. What
about your own kids? Do you have set homework schedules? Chores for them
to accomplish? Have every member of your family be a productive part of
your family. No one says you have to do it all. If the kids get out
toys, make sure they--not you--put them away. If they make a snack and
leave dishes out, have them clean it up. Organize your household so that
it runs smoothly. The kids may balk at first if they aren't used to
doing chores, but they will soon feel a sense of accomplishment if they
have their own tasks to do. Preparation Prepare
to take care of YOU. Yeah, right. How many of us take the time to get
out and do something for ourselves? The most some of us do is plan a
night of grocery shopping without taking our own kids. Not exactly the
kind of break I'm talking about. Try
trading babysitting once a month with another friend with similar
aged-children. You don't have to pay a babysitter, thereby saving money.
Saturday night from 5-9 is enough time to take in an early movie or have
a nice relaxing dinner with your spouse or friends. You'd be surprised
at how often once a month rolls around when you're not used to getting
out at all! Hire
a babysitter. Your kids might welcome a break from you, and you will
feel refreshed if you do something you like once in awhile. Money tight?
Go browsing in a bookstore or the library. Take your spouse out for
dessert and coffee. Walk through the park. There are lots of creative
ways to spend your time without emptying your bank account. Get an early
start on Christmas shopping or get gift ideas by cruising the mall. Do
whatever you find relaxing that you don't seem to do often. Join
an association or set up a network of other providers to talk to.
Sometimes it helps just to vent or run ideas past them. You are not
alone. This should not be an isolating business. Arrange playdates at
the library or McDonald's. It gives you some adult conversation and
gives the kids new experiences. Remember,
burnout is often caused by feeling that things are overwhelming and out
of your control. Take that control back by realizing that you can make
changes. Incorporate whatever you can in small increments or as they
arise. Remind yourself that it always seems greener on the other side of
the fence. If you work outside the home, you wish you were at home.
Being home, you wondered why you quit work. List your priorities, and
focus on what's important to you, your family, and your business. You
may find a fresh sense of renewed energy. Who says things have to stay
the same? Change is good. Change is necessary. Do it and don't feel
guilty!
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Redleaf
National Institute |
More Than Diapers and Naps: Infant Care Redefined
In light of current research pointing to the importance of the first three years of development, many providers and early childhood teachers are questioning what should be happening in an infant care program. Quality child care programs recognize that infant care is much more than just custodial care. Knowing about how infants grow and develop helps us define what practices are best.
There is no denying that care-giving routines will form much of the day in infant childcare. Each child will most likely have their own needs and require an individualized schedule. Routines such as diapering and feeding should be much more that a quick task to get out the way. These are wonderful opportunities for caregiver interaction and learning. Take the time to interact with the infant. This may be as simple as labeling what they are seeing or feeling or responding to their verbalizations.
A warm and responsive infant caregiver is key. Simple one-on-one games can help a baby develop trust, language and other early cognitive skills. Don’t forget the classics including: This Little Piggy, Peek-A-Boo and Patty Cake. Head Shoulders Knees and Toes and always lots of fun. Also remember to sing simple songs or nursery rhymes. Young infants are not music critics.
Young infants need plenty of opportunities to explore and manipulate things in their environment. They learn best by direct hands-on sensory experiences. There any many toys appropriate for infant care. Here is a basic list: mirrors, nesting toys, mobiles, plush toys, soft books, and noise makers.
Remember just because you are not following a written lesson plan or mapping out academic skills, the day to day activities and interactions you have with infants in your care are crucial to their development and growth.
Ever wondered how parents choose a child care provider to take their child/children to? Listed below are the Top Ten Reasons Why Parents
Choose Child Care. Use them to evaluate your business and decide if there are changes you could make to enhance your business.
1. LOCATION OF THE CHILD CARE HOME: Parents prefer child
care arrangements close to home.
2. TELEPHONE INTERVIEW SKILLS: Be prepared. Keep a smile in your voice. If
a parent calls at a time when it is difficult for you to focus on them,
it's OK to let them know you are interested, but will need to call them back
shortly.
3. EXTERIOR APPEARANCE OF THE PROVIDER'S HOME AND SURROUNDINGS: Homes need to be in good repair and the yard area surrounding the homes need to have curb appeal.
4. CHILD CARE PROFESSIONAL'S GROOMING: Sometimes, individuals who work at home can succumb to indulgences and let their professional attitude or appearance slide.
5. CLEANLINESS OF THE PROVIDER'S HOME: First impressions can make or break a business relationship. No matter how wonderful a provider is, if their home/center is not clean and organized, parents will typically be turned off.
6. PERSONAL INTERVIEW SKILLS: Parents often do not know exactly what they are searching for when they start looking for child care. Providers must know what they have to offer and be able to promote their program to parents.
7. PERSONAL AND GENERAL HOME ORGANIZATION: For providers to really look and feel like they are professional in their business, they need to be organized. No matter how great a provider is with children, if their business is in disarray, parents will think they are not very professional or serious about their business.
8. SPECIFIC ORGANIZATION OF CHILD CARE SPACE: Parents want to be sure their children will have enough organized activities and age appropriate toys to play with during the day.
9. WRITTEN POLICIES AND AGREEMENTS TO CLARIFY THE PROVIDER'S SERVICES: Providers need to have a contract or agreement to be sure they have clarified rules and policies, which helps to eliminate misunderstandings with parents from the very beginning. Verbal agreements lead to hard feelings and possible broken relationships.
10. PROFESSIONALISM: What is professionalism in child care? In short, it is the eagerness to constantly better ourselves. It is continually updating training and skills, building new skills, and learning and sharing with fellow child care professionals. Professionalism is constantly refreshing ourselves to offer our best.