Interested in starting an In-Home daycare in Arlington in my rental property ( or second home)...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you want to make some extra cash while being with your baby, a much easier path to the amount of money you are talking about would be:
1. Cut expenses by taking K out of private school. You are in Arlington, my guess is public K will be fine.
2. Use your teaching license to get a job with one of the online English teaching companies as mentioned here. You have to be able to do this without distractions and with your webcam on but you can make 14-26/hour. Take the early morning and some night shifts while your DH is home and the kids are sleeping.

Op here. Thanks for these suggestions. I am more looking at it from standpoint of want quality care next year during uncertain times— and knowing I have friends who are also worried about the same. Also have no idea what the schools will be like next year. I stayed home with my last one and found part time employment no problem, it just seemed that it wasn’t worth it as I was paying full price but only needed part time care. I wouldn’t want to work something during odd hours because I would want that time for my K and DH.

With all due respect, I think you are underestimating how much effort/time/stress it would be to do this in home childcare thing properly. it isn't just going to be hectic during the day (do you know any triplet moms?), there is a lot of paperwork, parent emails, making menus, etc. that is required at nighttime/off-hours when you run an in-home.

I would much rather work a few hours while my kids are sleeping (you aren't missing out on quality time) each night/morning.

[Anonymous]

PP here. because you'll be doing work in those Off-hours ANYWAY if you run an in-home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In Arlington an in-home daycare/family day home needs to be in an actual residence, defined as:

“Residence” means principal legal dwelling or abode that is occupied for living purposes by the provider and contains the facilities necessary for sleeping, eating, cooking, and family living.

Otherwise you're operating a daycare center which has a lot more restrictions.

Op here. Thanks, this seems to have answered my question! Was thinking using my condo would give me more space (and would be a plus that the whole condo could be free for kids to use) but clearly this doesn’t fall under this definition so wouldn’t work! Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and answers!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you want to make some extra cash while being with your baby, a much easier path to the amount of money you are talking about would be:
1. Cut expenses by taking K out of private school. You are in Arlington, my guess is public K will be fine.
2. Use your teaching license to get a job with one of the online English teaching companies as mentioned here. You have to be able to do this without distractions and with your webcam on but you can make 14-26/hour. Take the early morning and some night shifts while your DH is home and the kids are sleeping.

Op here. Thanks for these suggestions. I am more looking at it from standpoint of want quality care next year during uncertain times— and knowing I have friends who are also worried about the same. Also have no idea what the schools will be like next year. I stayed home with my last one and found part time employment no problem, it just seemed that it wasn’t worth it as I was paying full price but only needed part time care. I wouldn’t want to work something during odd hours because I would want that time for my K and DH.

With all due respect, I think you are underestimating how much effort/time/stress it would be to do this in home childcare thing properly. it isn't just going to be hectic during the day (do you know any triplet moms?), there is a lot of paperwork, parent emails, making menus, etc. that is required at nighttime/off-hours when you run an in-home.

I would much rather work a few hours while my kids are sleeping (you aren't missing out on quality time) each night/morning.

Op again. This answer made me LOL because already I spend tons of time doing paperwork, emails, phone calls, lesson plans etc for my students so I know all about that! I was thinking about the possibility of leaving teaching completely if this were to work out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you want to make some extra cash while being with your baby, a much easier path to the amount of money you are talking about would be:
1. Cut expenses by taking K out of private school. You are in Arlington, my guess is public K will be fine.
2. Use your teaching license to get a job with one of the online English teaching companies as mentioned here. You have to be able to do this without distractions and with your webcam on but you can make 14-26/hour. Take the early morning and some night shifts while your DH is home and the kids are sleeping.

Op here. Thanks for these suggestions. I am more looking at it from standpoint of want quality care next year during uncertain times— and knowing I have friends who are also worried about the same. Also have no idea what the schools will be like next year. I stayed home with my last one and found part time employment no problem, it just seemed that it wasn’t worth it as I was paying full price but only needed part time care. I wouldn’t want to work something during odd hours because I would want that time for my K and DH.

With all due respect, I think you are underestimating how much effort/time/stress it would be to do this in home childcare thing properly. it isn't just going to be hectic during the day (do you know any triplet moms?), there is a lot of paperwork, parent emails, making menus, etc. that is required at nighttime/off-hours when you run an in-home.

I would much rather work a few hours while my kids are sleeping (you aren't missing out on quality time) each night/morning.

Op again. This answer made me LOL because already I spend tons of time doing paperwork, emails, phone calls, lesson plans etc for my students so I know all about that! I was thinking about the possibility of leaving teaching completely if this were to work out.

I think it would be difficult for this to work out as financial plus over teaching long term considering you'd be giving up benefits, pension, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In Arlington an in-home daycare/family day home needs to be in an actual residence, defined as:

“Residence” means principal legal dwelling or abode that is occupied for living purposes by the provider and contains the facilities necessary for sleeping, eating, cooking, and family living.

Otherwise you're operating a daycare center which has a lot more restrictions.

Op here. Thanks, this seems to have answered my question! Was thinking using my condo would give me more space (and would be a plus that the whole condo could be free for kids to use) but clearly this doesn’t fall under this definition so wouldn’t work! Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and answers!

Op ( final post!). Looks like this crazy idea won’t work out anyhow because of the above mentioned legal issues. I would want a separate space from my legal residence so clearly that is a whole different set of rules and means in-home provider likely isn’t in my future!

[Anonymous]

Also, it would be hard to make more than teaching because you'd have to hire staff if you expanded beyond a certain number.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In Arlington an in-home daycare/family day home needs to be in an actual residence, defined as:

“Residence” means principal legal dwelling or abode that is occupied for living purposes by the provider and contains the facilities necessary for sleeping, eating, cooking, and family living.

Otherwise you're operating a daycare center which has a lot more restrictions.

Op here. Thanks, this seems to have answered my question! Was thinking using my condo would give me more space (and would be a plus that the whole condo could be free for kids to use) but clearly this doesn’t fall under this definition so wouldn’t work! Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and answers!

Op ( final post!). Looks like this crazy idea won’t work out anyhow because of the above mentioned legal issues. I would want a separate space from my legal residence so clearly that is a whole different set of rules and means in-home provider likely isn’t in my future!

Hi, OP!
NP here but wanted to say thank you for your lovely disposition and for being so positive and calm - your kids (and students?) are very lucky! Happy New Year!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think you’re wildly overestimating how much someone will pay for this set up. It’s basically a nanny share but with a very biased nanny favoring her own kids. Especially if you’re expecting “flexibility” in terms of schedule. I expect my daycare to be open all day every workday except federal holidays.

This. It's basically an overcrowded nanny share with an inexperienced, heavily biased nanny. For me, those three things would be a hard no.

Its 3 kids. How is that overcrowded? I know people trying to split nanny shares between 3 sets of parents. That's called a pod lady and no - I'm not taking your 2-year-old and your 4-year-old for less than $500 a week.

Then I wouldn’t take this deal. You want similar to normal nanny shares in the area. I’d of course rather have a nanny who isn’t only in it to care for her own kids, which I can have for the price.

You can't have a nanny who is a former teacher with credentials at that price in this area during Covid-19 - trust me. The base price is $20/hr plus overtime for 1-2 toddlers or 1 newborn. If you're looking at 40 hours a week that's $800/wk plus PTO. Some parents are going up to $22-$23/hr to get the good ones.

You’re dating the base *for a share* is a total of $40/hr? Because no, it is not. And K-12 credentials don’t matter for my 2-4 yr old. You are an inexperienced nanny in this situation, not a highly desirable teacher like in a teaching pod situation.

It clearly says the price for a nanny for up to 2 kids. Total price per hour. And you may not care about teaching credentials for a 2-4 yr old but other parents want a leg up for their kids reading and comprehension skills.

$25-$30/hr for someone versed in 'developmental milestones' - https://www.whitehousenannies.com/job/engaged-nanny-needed-for-active-1-year-old/

$25-$30/hr for nanny who can help with distance learning - https://www.whitehousenannies.com/job/nanny-needed-for-5-year-old-top-salary/

But, those are for experienced nannies. OP is not that. And, even for an experienced nanny, going through an agency is the easier, but more expensive route. And, even among agencies, white house nannies tend to be among the most expensive. Finally, there aren't a ton of people putting 4 year olds in in-homes. Lots of people use in-home for infant and maybe toddler, and then move out to centers or preschools for preschool. OP would be more likely to have young kids where many fewer parents would care about teaching credentials.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think you’re wildly overestimating how much someone will pay for this set up. It’s basically a nanny share but with a very biased nanny favoring her own kids. Especially if you’re expecting “flexibility” in terms of schedule. I expect my daycare to be open all day every workday except federal holidays.

This. It's basically an overcrowded nanny share with an inexperienced, heavily biased nanny. For me, those three things would be a hard no.

Its 3 kids. How is that overcrowded? I know people trying to split nanny shares between 3 sets of parents. That's called a pod lady and no - I'm not taking your 2-year-old and your 4-year-old for less than $500 a week.

Then I wouldn’t take this deal. You want similar to normal nanny shares in the area. I’d of course rather have a nanny who isn’t only in it to care for her own kids, which I can have for the price.

You can't have a nanny who is a former teacher with credentials at that price in this area during Covid-19 - trust me. The base price is $20/hr plus overtime for 1-2 toddlers or 1 newborn. If you're looking at 40 hours a week that's $800/wk plus PTO. Some parents are going up to $22-$23/hr to get the good ones.

You’re dating the base *for a share* is a total of $40/hr? Because no, it is not. And K-12 credentials don’t matter for my 2-4 yr old. You are an inexperienced nanny in this situation, not a highly desirable teacher like in a teaching pod situation.

It clearly says the price for a nanny for up to 2 kids. Total price per hour. And you may not care about teaching credentials for a 2-4 yr old but other parents want a leg up for their kids reading and comprehension skills.

$25-$30/hr for someone versed in 'developmental milestones' - https://www.whitehousenannies.com/job/engaged-nanny-needed-for-active-1-year-old/

$25-$30/hr for nanny who can help with distance learning - https://www.whitehousenannies.com/job/nanny-needed-for-5-year-old-top-salary/

But, those are for experienced nannies. OP is not that. And, even for an experienced nanny, going through an agency is the easier, but more expensive route. And, even among agencies, white house nannies tend to be among the most expensive. Finally, there aren't a ton of people putting 4 year olds in in-homes. Lots of people use in-home for infant and maybe toddler, and then move out to centers or preschools for preschool. OP would be more likely to have young kids where many fewer parents would care about teaching credentials.

A professional nanny also does not bring her own breastfeeding infant to work like op will be doing.

[Anonymous]

Have you used an in home daycare? Have your friends?

The going rate in Arlington is $350-450 a week and includes lunch and snacks for kids over age 1. They start at 7-8am and pick up is 5-6pm. They are open every day except Federal holidays and 1 week vacation. They have a yard / outdoor space. I did sign permission for stroller walks around the neighborhood. In my neighborhood it is common to have them in the lower walk-out level of a split level. You need a play room, a room with cribs, and a room with a table and highchairs.

I would not place my kid with a parent who will favor her own kid. I would not have my kid on a condo building with elevators until the pandemic is clearly over. I would never have an in home provider driving my kid places.

When will you take your kid to the doctor?
What will other parents do if your kid gets sick?
You will basically have 0 vacation days.
You can’t just stop this arrangement when you get tired of it - where will your clients find childcare on short notice?
Caring for multiple babies, especially not your own, is very difficult and you sound really unprepared.

I would NOT

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

How are you going to transport all these non-walking kids to the park on your own? Seems dangerous.

Probably would only work with slightly older kids who can walk. I live very close to a park so that would be easy to get to. Driving— I already have another kid ( who would be gone at K during the day) so would only need to add one more car seat to the mix. Double stroller (with my baby strapped to me) would work for walking to the park.

How are you going to juggle infant nap schedule and toddler nap schedule? When my son was at an in-home daycare there were 5 kids and an assistant teacher so that one adult was actively working with toddlers while one watched napping kids and cleaned up or prepared meals.

What are you going to do if school is not in person in the fall?

Who is dropping off and picking up your K student at 9am and 2:30pm. If I am paying you to watch my kid, the answer is not you. I am not paying you to drag my kid on errands.

[Anonymous]

Daycare.com is a good source of information to see the challenges and ask questions about running a home daycare. Most don't do it past one year. For those starting out the hours are long, with little and inconsistent money coming in.

Costs: insurance, increased utility & water use, cleaning supplies, PPE, taxes, wear and tear on home, gates, cots and/or cribs, bibs/toddler plates/bowls/etc, highchairs, stroller/wagon, outdoor set up - fully fenced.

Will need a contract & Parent Handbook. *Note that bringing in clients that you already now makes things very challenging to enforce and seldom works out. General rule is no family, friends or neighbors you can see.

Often your own children will hate that you are doing this. They will be jealous and act out. Sharing Mom is hard. It is an adjustment.

[Anonymous]

I think running a daycare is a lot of work especially with all the licensing requirements - it may take some time to get up and running. And for that reason it may not be worth it if you are only planning on doing it a short time.
I personally wouldn't leave teaching. The pay, benefits, pension is better then you would make then a daycare. Plus, with teaching you get built in breaks. With daycare, most families expect a 12 month schedule and limited closures.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In Arlington an in-home daycare/family day home needs to be in an actual residence, defined as:

“Residence” means principal legal dwelling or abode that is occupied for living purposes by the provider and contains the facilities necessary for sleeping, eating, cooking, and family living.

Otherwise you're operating a daycare center which has a lot more restrictions.

Op here. Thanks, this seems to have answered my question! Was thinking using my condo would give me more space (and would be a plus that the whole condo could be free for kids to use) but clearly this doesn’t fall under this definition so wouldn’t work! Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and answers!

Op ( final post!). Looks like this crazy idea won’t work out anyhow because of the above mentioned legal issues. I would want a separate space from my legal residence so clearly that is a whole different set of rules and means in-home provider likely isn’t in my future!

NP-- yes, and there are probably IRS issues (taxes), and condo issues as well (i.e. zoning).