Wanting To Do Something Different!

[TMarie715]

Hi there! I just found this forum, and I'm super excited to become a part of it.

As a student and a mother, I'm seeing that it's hard for employers to work around my schedule, so I'm hoping to start an in home daycare (I used to run one in 2007, but it didn't go very far).

My idea is to implement music and arts to create an interesting learning environment that others may not see elsewhere. I see a lack of understanding and communication from local daycare centers and home providers. As a provider, my goal is to provide reasonable rates as well as an exciting, different experience.

Am I in over my head here? Wanting to implement paints, crafts, arts, daily games, etc.

I just haven't seen things like this in home daycares in my area and I'm not sure if it's just not something they're interested in or it costs too much money to maintain.

[Blackcat31]

Welcome to the forum!

Your status has been upgraded so you can post without moderation.

I hate to burst your bubble but adding arts, crafts and music to learning is the norm for almost all daycares.

I am sorry that you don't see anyone in your area doing things like that but I know just about every single provider on this forum is heavy into arts/crafts and music and creative activities for their child cares.

Perhaps if this type of thing is rare in your area, then opening a child care with those activites should be a good thing and people will definitely be seeking your services.

[Brooksie]

First of all Welcome! I just joined too and like it a lot.

And I agree with BC, most FCCs have all those things incorporated into the daily curriculum. But if most in your area don't then I think your child care will do really well! Best of luck to you!

[Lyss]

Hi there! I just found this forum, and I'm super excited to become a part of it.

As a student and a mother, I'm seeing that it's hard for employers to work around my schedule, so I'm hoping to start an in home daycare (I used to run one in 2007, but it didn't go very far).

My idea is to implement music and arts to create an interesting learning environment that others may not see elsewhere. I see a lack of understanding and communication from local daycare centers and home providers. As a provider, my goal is to provide reasonable rates as well as an exciting, different experience.

Am I in over my head here? Wanting to implement paints, crafts, arts, daily games, etc.

I just haven't seen things like this in home daycares in my area and I'm not sure if it's just not something they're interested in or it costs too much money to maintain.

I agree with the PPs that many providers include art, music, and games as a standard and it's not at all unheard of to do this things with the DCKs, in home or center. It's not as though all home provider do is pop on the tv and sit the kids down (although there are those I'm more than certain!), but maybe that is how your area comes across which is actually sad to me!

I'm glad you are interested in creating this kind of environment for the children in your care though! Good luck!

[Soccermom]

Welcome

I do arts and crafts, cooking, games, story telling, nature walks, adventure days and all sorts of fun activities with my Afterschool crew. I just have a Family Home Daycare. The kids really benefit from it and it helps to keep them occupied. I have a calendar and enjoy planning all sorts of fun things for us to do. I hang the calendar where they can see it so they have things to look forward to each week. It also gives the DCPS a heads up too.

Good luck!

[nanglgrl]

I agree, most successful and professional providers offer these things in their programs. I question what you consider "music and arts to create an interesting learning environment" to mean.
If you are a home daycare you will most likely have different ages. As a single provider (not in a center) you have to work these things around potty breaks, diaper changes, sanitizing, hand washing, holding bottles, soothing criers, snacks, picking up toys, meals, nap, pickups and drop-offs. I only take children older than 18 months and younger than 5 and I find after all of these things I have from about 8:30-10:30 am, 11:00 am- 12:00 pm and 3:30 pm-5:00 pm for the kids to do other things (you should include free play and outdoor play) and even these times have interruptions. Take into account that mine are old enough not to need me to hold bottles, since I don't take babies I don't have a child that needs more care than normal and for the most part my children arrive and leave on the same schedule.
If you plan on taking different ages it can make things even more difficult because you are going to want to try and plan activities that engage varied ages and abilities.