Having Back Up?

[Alwaysgreener]

The way MI rules are put together, it would be hard to share a back up or Assistant. But we are required to have an emergency back up person. This person can be anyone, no classes required, no background or fingerprinting required, they just need to be on call. I questioned having just one and was told I could have as many as wanted but one must be on file at with the state. So if number one is not available, I can call someone else. Which means there is no commitment at all, so what's the point, other than making me aware that I can use someone in an emergency.
(Of course, I would never use anyone that I felt to be unsafe, but I think they would require more than a sign paper.)

[Conoad]

More often than not, I offer back up when I am closed for a non vacation day.

[daycarediva]

I do have an assistant to cover appointments and such. But when I or my kids are sick, or on vacation, I do not want the liability of day care in my home.
I also know that in home care is typically much cheaper than center care, so I kind of side eye parents who want center service at in home prices.

same!

[sharlan]

I have back up care. BUT only because of my family dynamics. My dh is retired, so he's usually here. My 21 yo granddaughter is in college so I can use her if needed. My DD also lives here so I can ask her in advance to cover. My niece has taken a day off to cover for me. I am lucky to have so many at hand.

It wasn't that way for many years, though. I never closed.

[AmyKidsCo]

Some people here have backup so they don't have to close. Most of them have their child care space separate from their homes. My space is integrated in my living space so I wouldn't be comfortable leaving a sub here and going on vacation, even if I knew and trusted the sub I'd still want to know what's going on in my house!

[debbiedoeszip]

There are two licensing agencies in my area (of Ontario Canada). One is Family Space (formerly Ontario Early Years) and the other is Wee Watch. Family Space requires the provider to have a sub willing to come to the providers home and fill in. Of the people I know, there are those who work out of the home, and a few who don't. Of those who don't, some have small children, or their own home-based business, or are retired. None would be willing to come to my house to fill in. Wee Watch doesn't require this. They will arrange for your clients to go to another provider when you are sick or have an appointment (or on holidays).

I haven't seen a non-licensed provider advertise this service though. I certainly don't offer it.

[DaveA]

. My space is integrated in my living space so I wouldn't be comfortable leaving a sub here and going on vacation, even if I knew and trusted the sub I'd still want to know what's going on in my house!

That's where I'm at. If DW isn't subbing for me I have a family friend who subs periodically. I wouldn't ask her to run the daycare if I was out of the area or for multiple days. Not because I don't trust her but so I don't end up putting her in a situation where something happens and I'm not close to deal with it.

[Poptarts22]

I am fortunate enough to RARELY have to close. My daughter has an in home office here and works out of it, so if I need to go to an appointment or have a day off, she is able to cover for me. I go over this with all perspective families at interview and let them know that she might, on occasion, be a back up for me.
Unfortunately, every time a caregiver takes off they run the risk of losing a client. (Not that the client gives any thought to taking a day off from care-and income away from the provider)