Hmmm, was your name newbie on the other board? I'm trying to place
you. Yes, this board could use a little activity. Not sure why it
has never really taken off.

My DH was a teacher at the HS, and some teacher friends were having
some problems and needed help with their new baby. I pitched in to
help, and that was the beginning. I intended to help for one year,
but fell in love with that little baby. Word spread through the
district, and here I am today, 20 yrs. later still loving my work.

Because my DH was a teacher and my children were still in school, I
decided to work our district's schedule, so I would be off when my
family was. When non-teachers called, I would tell them that I
follow the district schedule. They quickly realized my schedule
wasn't what they were looking for and it went no further.

My thought is, you set the schedule you want to work and you charge
for the hours you are open. For instance, a couple of schools
close when the others are open. I have to work that day because
some of the teachers are in school, so everybody pays me, whether
their school is open or not. And since they are paying for that
day, they can of course bring their child, even if their school is
closed. I have people that do that, but I always admire the mom's
that would rather have that precious time off with their little
one, even if they are paying me.

Some people do charge for days they are closed, or for
holiday/vacations. I have heard of that. Maybe somebody on this
board has more ideas about that. But if I'm closed and not willing
to take children that day, I do not charge.

I'm open 7:15 - 5:00. (Set a definite open / close time. Some
parents will drop their children off as soon as they can and leave
them until the last minute, whether they are at work or not.)

We have snack at 9:00, lunch at noon, snack at 3:30. I prepare
while the children are here. They often help in the cooking and
preparation.

I do not have a contract of length of time the child will be here,
such as year to year. Parents have generally reserved a spot when
they are expecting (or when they are planning to get pg) and their
child stays with me through kindergarten.

I do have in my contract that I follow my district's schedule for
holidays, snowdays, and summer break.

Only bad thing about teachers children is no pay in the summer,
holidays, and snowdays. Have to be sure you can go without pay
during those times before you commit to just teachers.

You have a good reputation - that's a great advantage for getting
clients and staying full.

I hope this makes sense. Let me know if I need to clarify anything.

On 11/13/08, newbie wrote:
> thatnks, Shari, for your reply. I had also considered going for
> the teacher crowd as we are within blocks of the elementary
> school and not that far from middle and high schools either. How
> did you get started in that direction? I mean you can't
> advertise "Hey, I only want teacher's children so I can have
> some summer month's off?" lol Do you say you are open on those
> school holidays in order to get paid, or are you open anyway for
> that one or two children who will come anyway so that Mom can
> have some personal time(I know that happens sometimes).
>
> Do you provide lunches, breakfast and snacks? Do you prepare
> those while the children are present or do you do those after
> they go home?
>
> Do parents sign a contract to reserve that full time slot and
> for how long is that contract? Do you have in that contract
> those holidays and vacations you are closed?
>
> Those are the only questions I can think of right now. I know
> many questions in this regard will be answered in our next
> licensing orientation early next month. However, I want to have
> a pretty good idea as to what I want to do. I can see a
> difference between what I want to do and what my husband is
> thinking so if I know what I want in concrete terms, I can win
> this one!
>
> I am well known in this community for my ece work, so I am sure
> teachers in particular would be very interested in my services.
> With all my years of experience, I have all the materials I need
> for my curriculum. I am just downsizing due to personal
> situation, economy and getting older! Thanks again for your
> help. I know your name from another board and I know we will get
> this board going again when I get started. newbie

Share This Post | Report This Post

Next Post >>

Posts on this thread, including this one