Unlicensed Providers-Lack Of Certification Holding You Back?

[MotherNature]

I've been providing care to one child (I have my own 2 yr old as well.) for 6 months now. The mom is extremely behind on paying. She was my 1st interview & I took her b/c I needed $. I'd like to take in another kid or a couple part-timers to help get some more $ in. I put my ad back up today. I have a couple questions/problems though:

It's legal in my state to be completely unlicensed, & claim the business on taxes, which is what we're doing. However, I don't have formal training, just life experience. I do not have CPR certification. It's been years since I did. I have had bloodborne pathogens certification, but it lapsed 2 years ago. I was a medical student & stayed home with my son. Someday, I may finish my degree, but for right now, I have knowledge & no degree. Should I seek classes for CPR, Early Childhood Ed, etc immediately? Will people take me seriously w/o it? I guess some people may contact me, but I'm worried they'll be problem parents. I'd love to be able to be selective of whom I take, but right now, we need the $ since DCM owes me $900.

I am serving a niche to make up for my lack of certification: Other crunchy moms..Attachment Parenting subscribers. It's also how I parent, so that's comfortable to me. My son still breastfees quite a lot, so whomever I take in has to be comfortable with this. I have no problem wearing a baby all day & using breastmilk & cloth diapers, & keep a low child-to-adult ratio b/c of this.

Also, my backyard is not fully fenced. We rent a duplex, so I can't build a fence.

Mainly, I'm worried that my certifications will hold me back. Advice? Are there other providers in a similar boat that are successful & able to be selective? Right now I think I'll have to take in whomever until I'm able to have the $ for certifications & then become more selective.

[jessrlee]

I am registered so my opinion might mean diddley I think the way you present yourself and your professionalism means just as much as certification and all of that. (As long as you are legal )

[LaLa1923]

I think it's great you're serving a niche. However, I think all providers should have a CPR/First Aid, and sids certification. Also, by becoming licensed you can join the food program and make more $$.

Also, no pay- no stay!

I can't fathom why any state would allow a childcare business to be legally unlicensed. :confused:

[daycare123]

I've been providing care to one child (I have my own 2 yr old as well.) for 6 months now. The mom is extremely behind on paying. She was my 1st interview & I took her b/c I needed $. I'd like to take in another kid or a couple part-timers to help get some more $ in. I put my ad back up today. I have a couple questions/problems though:

It's legal in my state to be completely unlicensed, & claim the business on taxes, which is what we're doing. However, I don't have formal training, just life experience. I do not have CPR certification. It's been years since I did. I have had bloodborne pathogens certification, but it lapsed 2 years ago. I was a medical student & stayed home with my son. Someday, I may finish my degree, but for right now, I have knowledge & no degree. Should I seek classes for CPR, Early Childhood Ed, etc immediately? Will people take me seriously w/o it? I guess some people may contact me, but I'm worried they'll be problem parents. I'd love to be able to be selective of whom I take, but right now, we need the $ since DCM owes me $900.

I am serving a niche to make up for my lack of certification: Other crunchy moms..Attachment Parenting subscribers. It's also how I parent, so that's comfortable to me. My son still breastfees quite a lot, so whomever I take in has to be comfortable with this. I have no problem wearing a baby all day & using breastmilk & cloth diapers, & keep a low child-to-adult ratio b/c of this.

Also, my backyard is not fully fenced. We rent a duplex, so I can't build a fence.

Mainly, I'm worried that my certifications will hold me back. Advice? Are there other providers in a similar boat that are successful & able to be selective? Right now I think I'll have to take in whomever until I'm able to have the $ for certifications & then become more selective.

I definitely think that getting recertified in cpr and first aid would be a benefit. In my state it is completely legal to be unlicensed as long as your in ratio. I am legally unlicensed. I have a contract and conduct my daycare as a licensed person would. I definitely would not allow someone to become so far behind on payments. I have wonderful families and they don't think twice about the fact that I am not licensed. It will take time for you to build up your reputation. I found 2 of my 3 parents on craigslist and one on facebook. I also live in an apartment building on the bottom floor. Facing a fairly busy street. We have no fence. I do not have any certifications except cpr/first aid either. I believe that yes certifications are good but not all licensed providers are better than unlicensed. I would give mom the option of a payment plan to get caught up or term. I don't think breastfeeding would hold anyone back. You may be asked to cover up. Good luck in your search for kids!

[Blackcat31]

I can't fathom why any state would allow a childcare business to be legally unlicensed. :confused:

I don't think that being licensed prevents, cures or curbs anything bad that happens in child care.

I think that states that allow legally unlicensed care actually allow parents to make the decision on who is and isn't appropirate to care for their children.

Imagine that....giving the decision back to parents.... quite a novel idea.

[TheGoodLife]

I am license exempt- I care for 1-3 children at a time. However, I have my COR and First Aid training, as well as daycare orientation. I would definitely stay current with all safety classes even I you are not going to be licensed.

[jessrlee]

I am license exempt- I care for 1-3 children at a time. However, I have my COR and First Aid training, as well as daycare orientation. I would definitely stay current with all safety classes even I you are not going to be licensed.

I agree. I guess I should have mentioned the safety classes. I forget that not everyone is certified

I agree with being able to be license exempt. Having that freedom of choice is so important. You can follow your own path and stay small with 2-3 kiddos or get licensed and do it big with 10-12. Something for everyone

[Scout]

I had no problem finding familes without being licensed or with any certification at the time I opened. I still don't have any but, I do plan on taking cpr/first aid really soon here! All my families are aware of this.

[CedarCreek]

I am registered so my opinion might mean diddley I think the way you present yourself and your professionalism means just as much as certification and all of that. (As long as you are legal )

Your opinion is worth way more than "diddley". I'm registered too and the state comes out and inspects me and my house just like licensed providers! The only reason i'm not licensed is because I have no interest in taking any more kids than the 6 under 5 and 6 school age that I am currently permitted.

[momofboys]

I think it's great you're serving a niche. However, I think all providers should have a CPR/First Aid, and sids certification. Also, by becoming licensed you can join the food program and make more $$.

Also, no pay- no stay!

I can't fathom why any state would allow a childcare business to be legally unlicensed. :confused:

In my state it is 100% legal. I am up-to-date on cpr & 1st aid.

[momofboys]

I don't think that being licensed prevents, cures or curbs anything bad that happens in child care.

I think that states that allow legally unlicensed care actually allow parents to make the decision on who is and isn't appropirate to care for their children.

Imagine that....giving the decision back to parents.... quite a novel idea.

[jessrlee]

Your opinion is worth way more than "diddley". I'm registered too and the state comes out and inspects me and my house just like licensed providers! The only reason i'm not licensed is because I have no interest in taking any more kids than the 6 under 5 and 6 school age that I am currently permitted.

In my state registered is licensed. The only ones that get a license status is centers. So what I meant was, as a "licensed" provider I have obviously made another choice. However, I believe that the way you conduct your business is just as much a draw as how many ECE classes you have taken. (Not that it isn't important). Oh, and thank you for validating my opinion

[Meyou]

I'm legally unlicensed where I live and I also fill a gap in a niche market. I offer a back to basics program with whole foods, simple toys and lots of outside time. I have no problem filling space and often have a waiting list. I've turned 5 people away this year alone and have a 6th rearranging her work week so she can take my one part time opening in Sept.

I think I'm good at what I do and I can back up my program with confidence. I do have first aid, child/infant CPR, a child abuse registry check and police checks done though although none are required.

[CedarCreek]

In my state registered is licensed. The only ones that get a license status is centers. So what I meant was, as a "licensed" provider I have obviously made another choice. However, I believe that the way you conduct your business is just as much a draw as how many ECE classes you have taken. (Not that it isn't important). Oh, and thank you for validating my opinion

Gotcha.

[MotherNature]

OK, great. Thanks everyone for the encouragement. I'll be looking into getting the certs with tax $ to help improve my odds.