Question for those who have taken in day care kids

[Tutor]

I have been contacted by a family through dh's university about their need for day care for their two kids (ages 2y and 4m). I have offered to get to know them and maybe watch their kids over the next year (first we're going to see how everyone gets along, etc). What would you charge for daycare in your own home? I don't know anyone in the area who does in-home daycare, so I don't have a reference point. Would knowing what local, day care centers charge be a good starting point? The most recent data I could find said that in 2007, our state averaged $350-400/ month for a 2yo in a center; in 2005, the average for an infant was $364/ month. These costs assumed care took place in a center and that parents provided formula, diapers, and wipes.

 

Also, how do you handle homeowners insurance and auto insurance? I would like to be able to bring the kids with us on our weekly library outing.

 

Thanks.

[Renee in NC]

My 2yo's care in a center is $761 per month.

 

(FYI: I work FT.;))

[Joanne]

Would knowing what local, day care centers charge be a good starting point?

 

Yes, it would help since the question is *very* region specific.

 

Your state likely has a list of home providers that you can search and call. There may even be an organization you can hook up with to talk, schmooze and learn about the professional aspects of providing care.

 

Regarding the insurance, I never disclosed to my company based on the advice of BTDT home providing moms.

 

A good forum for care providers used to be at childfun.com.

[TheJoyfulMom]

I used to watch kids in my home. I watched a 3 year old boy and his infant sister and was paid $240 a week. They arrived at 7:15am and were picked up at 5:45-6pm. She brought diapers, formula, wipes, and breakfast. I supplied lunch, snacks, and water/juice.

 

It was a lot of work- but I miss them a lot! I watched the older boy from the time he was 10 months until a month before he was 4. And his sister was here from the day she was 4 weeks until she was one.