Officially Licensed!!! :) And a Questions..

[Movingforward]

By the way...

Congratulations on getting licensed!!! And nice that you are working with your wife!happyfacehappyface

[dan18ny]

Thanks everyone!

[DaveA]

Congrats on the license!happyface

As for vacation days- my contract lists 10 paid days off (pretty much the big holidays + my birthday and anniversary). Any other days off are unpaid. I have week in the summer and a week in the winter for vacation (Unpaid). The winter break can be done as a solid week or a pair of long weekend. The parents prefer the long weekend options.

Aside from what has been said here already, my big advise is you both need to make sure time for yourselves and each other is a priority. This can be a very stressful and lonely job if you let it get to you.

Good luck.

[Baby lady]

It never crossed my mind to give them vacation days. Is that something that is regular or is that something extra you provide? I wonder if everyone here does that. Thank you for your response!

I don't give them vacation days at no cost. I do not charge for the weeks I am closed (Christmas through New Year's Day, and a week in the summer).

I take as paid holidays:

President's Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving and the day after

next year I'm going to start taking Martin Luther King Day also


I'm in California also, LA County

[sharlan]

Suggestions ..........

1. definitely have a contract spelling everything you want out - fees, hours, policies, etc

2. follow your own policies - you can't expect others to if you don't

3. don't temporarily allow something if it's not something you are wanting to allow long term

4. definitely charge a late pick up fee or you will have parents showing up whenever

5. remember that you provide a SERVICE that parents buy, you do not work for the parents, regardless of what some parents believe, you are NOT their employee

6. not all families are a good fit for you and vice versa - don't keep a family that doesn't mesh with you - always have a trial period

7. And most important - DO NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING THAT YOU READ OR HEAR. People will tell you what they "think" should be part of our rules and regs, but that doesn't mean that it's true. Read your Title 22 regs and if you don't find it there, email your analyst and get your answer in writing. CA has the grayest rules and regs of any state. A lot is open to individual interpretation. http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/ord/entre...pdf/fccman.pdf

[Thriftylady]

5. remember that you provide a SERVICE that parents buy, you do not work for the parents, regardless of what some parents believe, you are NOT their employee
]

The first time I did child care, I made this mistake. It was probably the number one reason I didn't make it as long as I could have. This is so true.

[Daycare Insurance]

My wife just got a call from the inspector today and told us she is officially licensed! I am so proud of her!

So this weekend my wife and I are going to work on some of the paperwork, mainly the contract. I wanted to ask everyone for help with what is it that they put down when it comes to vacation and sick days. I know we can pretty much put anything we like but I would really appreciate it if you guys could share what you have. I think it will give us a good base to work with.

Lastly, any advice for my wife? We are in our late 20s with a 10 month old and running this from our house. We live also in Orange County, California.

Thanks everyone in advance!

Don't forget to purchase insurance!

[MommieNana4]

Congrats on licensing!

I am in harmony with all that has been said regarding contracts, handbooks, vacation time (for both).

Consider if you will provide care for friends and family. This can be tricky.

Along the lines of Sharlan's information (a good fit for you), you don't have to take the first prospect that comes through the door. You can be very selective!

It is your business.

All the best,
Wanda