Family Daycare

[JeSsIkA]

Hi

Just wondering if anyone does family daycare at their own home. i am thinking about starting but was wondering if it is worth it money wise.... as i would be doing it to make a little extra cash.

Thanks

[draught]

I don't do family day care but have used it in the past and am involved in the management of a scheme that provides family day care. The money depends on children and hours (obviously) but if you have the standard 4 children (including your own) you will get about $12 - $15 an hour. I highly recommend registering with an existing scheme as they provide support, equipment, and guidance and will find the children for you to care for and help you with replacing children who leave. It is a great way to work and still have your children at home with you.

Some of the downsides to it to think about - your home is not just yours - someone else will be telling you how clean, safe etc it needs to be; you can't have a day off easily (not that you can with your own kids anyway!); and there isn't normally sick leave or recreation leave. Even after factoring those in those I think it is worth looking at - as we all know, child care is in short supply and having access to caring, warm people to look after children is a bonus for parents who have to work.

[draught]

I think that it is worth checking your local scheme for costs etc.

With the scheme that I am involved in the carers do get paid for public holidays, and for days that children booked to attend don't turn up. If the kids are sick or on holiday, then the parents still have to pay. If a child is booked from 8 - 5 and only attends 9 - 3, the parent still has to pay for 8 - 5.

The hourly fee involves a small fee that goes to the scheme, but that covers them providing you with equipment (cots, car seats, toys, etc).

I think each scheme is quite different so you need to work out the costs for you with your local scheme and then look at whether it is worthwhile.

[Chickadee]

With the scheme that I am involved in the carers do get paid for public holidays, and for days that children booked to attend don't turn up. If the kids are sick or on holiday, then the parents still have to pay. If a child is booked from 8 - 5 and only attends 9 - 3, the parent still has to pay for 8 - 5.

Yes, the family day care we use is like this too. We pay sick days and full days even if we leave early. Bonus is that it's cheaper sometimes to pay for a full day ($50 + scheme fee) than to pay the hourly rate ($10 per hour) for a shortened day. We have to advise of holidays in advance (2 weeks I think) and pay in advance for those days. We are also limited on the number of days holidays we can take per year - I assume so that people don't try to hold a place that another child could use. Like everywhere, day care is in short supply here.

I've had good experiences with using family daycare, but haven't ever been on the other side of the business, sorry. Good luck with it though.

[jaydensmum]

Hi Im a family day carer in the blue mountains. I have been doing it since Jan this year. I chose to start it because of the same reason as you, i needed the extra cash. I started family day care when i was 6 months pg. It's not that hard to get into. You need to talk to your local council and see if they do it in your area. If they do, you just ring them up and inquire about becoming a family day carer. They will give you all the information that you need. They have to do an inspection of your property, to make sure it's up to standard with their regulations. Once all thats done it's up to you. They are there for support so if you needed help with anything they are there for you. What normally happens the parents ring up the centre and ask for care which then they pass the parents onto you if you are in the parents area. You can also hand out your own pamplets and try and get people that way. You have to remember its a home based business, its your business! The centre is only there for your support.
With the money, well you have to make your own fees. Normally its around $4 or $5 an hour but its up to you. The amount you pull in at the end of the week depends on how many children you have in care. The more children you have, the more money you make.
Well I hope that helps a little bit. If you need more info i recommend you talk to your local family day care centre. They will be of more help and have all the resources for you to start.
Good luck with starting it up and i hope you enjoy it.

jaydensmum.