Licensed or Not?

[misol]

I am licensed. I have about 13 years of informal experience with children but since my own children are very young and none of my references were local, I felt that being licensed would help me in getting clients. My experience with the state has been good so far and they definitely keep me on my toes with those surprise visits. I think that it helps that I have a licensing inspector who is knowledgeable, unobtrusive, and responsive to my needs as a provider.

[WImom]

I really wish I wasn't since around here it feels like your working for the state instead of running your own business. It's what the parents want though so I have to.

[kidkair]

I really wish I wasn't since around here it feels like your working for the state instead of running your own business. It's what the parents want though so I have to.

When I wanted to start a daycare, my mom offered me her house in WI. I looked into state regs for WI and MN and decided that WI seemed much more uptight and in your face than MN. I ended up going for MN and I'm so glad I did because I have to work with a WI county for payments of one family and they are much more picky than MN county payments.

[TomCopeland]

Licensed?

Although you are operating legally in your state, if you are not meeting your state regulations there are some drawbacks:
You won't be able to get business liability insurance to protect yourself against a lawsuit.
In most states you won't be able to enroll in the Food Program.
Your homeowners insurance and car insurance may not cover you anymore (check this out with your insurance agent).

Note: operating legally (but outside of licensing rules) does allow you to claim the same business deductions as if you were licensed.

[Blackcat31]

When I wanted to start a daycare, my mom offered me her house in WI. I looked into state regs for WI and MN and decided that WI seemed much more uptight and in your face than MN. I ended up going for MN and I'm so glad I did because I have to work with a WI county for payments of one family and they are much more picky than MN county payments.

I am licensed in Minnesota and I wish our state followed some of the practices that Wisconsin follows. Currently Wisconsin has a rating system for parents that rates them on quality, experience and education. I think it is called QCQK (Quality Care for Quality Kids) this makes it easier for parents to differentiate between child cares and find one that meets their needs. Some are looking for "family" like atmospheres and others are looking for a pre-school type experience. Some want structure and others do not. There are many catagories that child care providers fall under and this rating system has put into place to help parents decide. Currently ChildCare Works in Minnesota is working to put the same type of quality rating system in place for FCC and Early Childhood programs. This program is called QRIS (Quality Rating and Improvement System) It will be strictly voluntary but I hope it will benefit families and providers in Minnesota in choosing quality child care.

Also, thank you to Tom Copeland for pointing out some of the benefits in being licensed.

I am proud to say I am licensed, I have worked very hard to maintain a level of quality care AND education to children who attend my program. I do NOT agree that watching/caring for children is common sense. When I frist started daycare, I was great at supervising and playing with the children in my care, however after becoming accredited and earning my CDA credential as well as being in school now to earn my Bachelors in Early Childhood, I now see how much I did not know about the growth and development of children. Knowing developmentally appropriate practice is beneficial to all the children and their families that I care for.

[Crystal]

I am licensed in Minnesota and I wish our state followed some of the practices that Wisconsin follows. Currently Wisconsin has a rating system for parents that rates them on quality, experience and education. I think it is called QCQK (Quality Care for Quality Kids) this makes it easier for parents to differentiate between child cares and find one that meets their needs. Some are looking for "family" like atmospheres and others are looking for a pre-school type experience. Some want structure and others do not. There are many catagories that child care providers fall under and this rating system has put into place to help parents decide. Currently ChildCare Works in Minnesota is working to put the same type of quality rating system in place for FCC and Early Childhood programs. This program is called QRIS (Quality Rating and Improvement System) It will be strictly voluntary but I hope it will benefit families and providers in Minnesota in choosing quality child care.

Also, thank you to Tom Copeland for pointing out some of the benefits in being licensed.

I am proud to say I am licensed, I have worked very hard to maintain a level of quality care AND education to children who attend my program. I do NOT agree that watching/caring for children is common sense. When I frist started daycare, I was great at supervising and playing with the children in my care, however after becoming accredited and earning my CDA credential as well as being in school now to earn my Bachelors in Early Childhood, I now see how much I did not know about the growth and development of children. Knowing developmentally appropriate practice is beneficial to all the children and their families that I care for.

ITA with you. I WISH all providers felt that furthering their education in the field of ECE was as valuable as you do. Sadly, many do not.

[legomom922]

I am not and can have 2 legally.

My home owners insurance does allow me to add a daycare rider on to my plan which covers me up to $300,000 for only $80 yr.

Can not get on the food program, but thats ok with me because I have all parents provide the food anyway. LOL

Tom, Cant unregistred providers claim all of the same deductions?? If not, which ones are excluded in NY? Does it matter what state you are in?

[BentleysBands]

ITA with you. I WISH all providers felt that furthering their education in the field of ECE was as valuable as you do. Sadly, many do not.

I"m very passionate about what i do, i just dont feel the need to go to school. Just because someone does NOT further their education in CC does not mean they are lease valuable or think less of their hardwork. its not required here in VA until you hit 6 kids. i have 5 and am happy. as well as my parents.IMO if you have more than that, its obvious its TOO much.

licensed providers are no better than us UNlicensed ones. whether its required or not, we are in this because we love it.

i just wish both sides would just come together as one unit and do whats best for the children instead of in some instances bash one another (not here, but in general)...ex: im better because i did this or that....

just another side to consider

[Crystal]

I"m very passionate about what i do, i just dont feel the need to go to school. Just because someone does NOT further their education in CC does not mean they are lease valuable or think less of their hardwork. its not required here in VA until you hit 6 kids. i have 5 and am happy. as well as my parents.IMO if you have more than that, its obvious its TOO much.

licensed providers are no better than us UNlicensed ones. whether its required or not, we are in this because we love it.

i just wish both sides would just come together as one unit and do whats best for the children instead of in some instances bash one another (not here, but in general)...ex: im better because i did this or that....

just another side to consider

And, not feeling the need to go to school is fine, for you. For me, it has meant that I better understand child development and developmentally appropriate practice. Before I went to school, absolutley I worked just as hard and was just as passionate about my work with children as I am now. Actually, I think I worked harder, because I wasn't aware of some techniques and ways of working with children that actually has made my work much easier. But, that is ME.... I do think providers should be required, across the board, to have SOME type of training, besides CPR and health/safety, before they are allowed to work with children. But, again, that is ME, and MY opinion.

As far as being licensed.....If it's not required in your state, then I think it's fine. I PROBABLY wouldn't be licensed if it wasn't required, but I would still have gone to school, and, as I am now, continue formal education and training. For me, that's a preference, and what my parents want and value.....also, that is my area....there has been a huge outreach to parents to understand what quality care is and for them to seek providers who have formal education in the field of ECE So, they are looking for it. It keeps me competetive.

Now, before someone says it, I am NOT bashing those who do not feel it is important to further their education......to each his own.....I just know what it has done for me and my program and wouldn't change it for the world.

BTW, I am licensed for 14. My hubby works with me and we have 14 children enrolled.

[TomCopeland]

Exempt from Licensing

I am not and can have 2 legally.

My home owners insurance does allow me to add a daycare rider on to my plan which covers me up to $300,000 for only $80 yr.

Can not get on the food program, but thats ok with me because I have all parents provide the food anyway. LOL

Tom, Cant unregistred providers claim all of the same deductions?? If not, which ones are excluded in NY? Does it matter what state you are in?

Legally unlicensed providers can deduct all the same deductions as licensed providers. This is the rule for all states. If you are operating illegally (under your state law) then you can't claim expenses associated with your home (property tax, mortgage interest house insurance, house repairs, utilities, and house depreciation).

[BentleysBands]

i believe that most PARENTS need education rather than us providers

[Crystal]

i believe that most PARENTS need education rather than us providers

! certainly, most do.

[Blackcat31]

And, not feeling the need to go to school is fine, for you. For me, it has meant that I better understand child development and developmentally appropriate practice. Before I went to school, absolutley I worked just as hard and was just as passionate about my work with children as I am now. Actually, I think I worked harder, because I wasn't aware of some techniques and ways of working with children that actually has made my work much easier. But, that is ME.... I do think providers should be required, across the board, to have SOME type of training, besides CPR and health/safety, before they are allowed to work with children. But, again, that is ME, and MY opinion.

As far as being licensed.....If it's not required in your state, then I think it's fine. I PROBABLY wouldn't be licensed if it wasn't required, but I would still have gone to school, and, as I am now, continue formal education and training. For me, that's a preference, and what my parents want and value.....also, that is my area....there has been a huge outreach to parents to understand what quality care is and for them to seek providers who have formal education in the field of ECE So, they are looking for it. It keeps me competetive.

Now, before someone says it, I am NOT bashing those who do not feel it is important to further their education......to each his own.....I just know what it has done for me and my program and wouldn't change it for the world.

BTW, I am licensed for 14. My hubby works with me and we have 14 children enrolled.

Oh my! I think we are running the same childcare and have the same husband! I am glad you are not in my area..we would definitely be competition! LOL! I agree with you about now knowing better ways and techniques to in regards to guidance issues. It amazes me at how much I didn't know. My love and passion for my profession has not changed since becoming better educated, but I have definitely gained invaluable knowledge in the field of ECE. I too, am NOT saying in anyway that licensed or unlicensed is the way to go, I am only saying what has been my experience and what works for me....and obviously works for Crystal too..

[Crystal]

! Although, I prefer to COLLABORATE with other providers in my area who are like you, rather than for it to be COMPETITION! I have many provider friends who are very close to my home, and we send each other calls ad possible clients all the time! We work WITH each other, instead of AGAINST each other.

It's great! RARE, in this field, but great!

[Blackcat31]

! Although, I prefer to COLLABORATE with other providers in my area who are like you, rather than for it to be COMETITION! I have many provider friends who are very close to my home, and we send each other calls ad possible clients all the time! We work WITH each other, instead of AGAINST each other.

It's great! RARE, in this field, but great!

I'm seriously thinking you are my twin because I have a couple of provider's in my area who share the same thoughts as well...there are enough kids out there for everyone and when one of us needs some referrals or support or even to fill in as backup when needed, we are right there working together so virtual high five for being on the same train! We should never be competition...we should be supporting each other because then everyone benefits! Have a great day!!