Forced to Expand

[originalkat]

Well, I am going to have to expand for two reasons. My hubby is going back to school and I will soon be the ONLY income for our household. Also, I just found out my state is going to be eliminating the "Registered" option and all providers have to get "Licensed". SOOOO, I guess it works out. Although I can't say I am overly excited about all this. I am trying to have a positive attitude. I am just thankful that once I expand my business can cover all of our expenses.

I will have 3 extra paying kids making 7 total plus my two kids (One Kindergarten age and 1 three year old) Is this crazy? Or do you all have quite a few kids enrolled? I am thinking I will need to reorganize how I do things and my layout to make more room for the kids. This shoud be interesting! Thanks for letting me share.

[Crystal]

I think you will be pleased once you expand. I have found that it is much easier for me to have 14 children here than it is to have 6-8. I know that sounds wierd, but the children have more peer interaction, as well as the opportunities to be part of small, self-selected grouping since they have more peers to "choose" from. They also get to "work with" more personalities/temperaments and learn how to handle many diverse situations.

I will say, once you do expand and enroll more children, you may want to hire a part-time assistant. Even if for only a few hours a day, during your busiest times, so that you reduce your chances of burnout and can provide more one-on-one with the children.

Good luck! I hope the transition and licensing process go smoothly and that it all works out for you

[originalkat]

Thanks Crystal!

That is really encouraging to hear. Since we are going down to one income and will have a drastic change in lifestyle due to a lower income until he finishes school, I don't think I can hire anyone part time. But my husband who will be home more (besides his classes) and he will be helping me. For instance, I am going to put some things down in writing that I need him to do on a weekly/monthly basis. For example, He will be in charge of the fire/tornado drills each month and recording them. I ALWAYS slack on this and get behind. I am going to think of some other things that will relieve some stress.

Our licensing process is pretty painless from what I have heard. I have already gone through and made a few notes on what I need to do before they come out to inspect. Most of the items are the same for registered homes (what I am now) it is just that they never came and inspected it.

I know this whole process will force me to be more organized.

[jen]

We did that too...and it was great! Hubby helped after school and he gained an appreciation of what I do. He's done with school and back to work, I've cut back a little...not as much as I'd like because he doesn't actually have a job in his field yet...but all in all it's been a good experience!

Good luck!

[melskids]

i'm being "forced" to expand too....by my families. they all seem to be getting preggo at once. i dont have the heart to turn away the new babies or seperate families, or lose them all together, for that matter, so i guess i'm gonna have to just expand. i'm kinda excited, even though i dont really want to do it.

[originalkat]

Thanks Guys for all your support! You are so awesome and are really helping me to come to grips with this and realize this all might turn out better than I think. I have off next week so we have a lot of licensing stuff to get ready (mostly in the yard).