Backup Provider For Leave/Sick Days???

[krystamichelle]

As some of you know, I am pretty new to the business spectrum of childcare. I know that etiquette and propriety encourage the provider to have a back up recommendation in case of sick days, vacation, or leave. I don't really know many people in my area (I don't get out much ), so how would I go about providing a secondary caregiver for when I need these days?

There was a girl who contacted me when I first posted my ad, asking if she could help me with childcare. I didn't take her up on her offer because I am not licensed (not looking to do this for more than a few years) and in order to afford her pay, I would have to take on more children than is legal for an unlicensed provider. I am not willing to do that. Sorry, that last bit is irrelevant. Anyhow, should I ask her if she would be willing to be my back up instead, provided she gave references/background check and the parents were comfortable with her? If so, would I arrange a meeting/mutual interview with the parents, her, and myself?

Thanks in advance for any help that you can give!

[dEHmom]

Sorry, I have no answer, I mean if you knew her and trusted her leaving her in your home that would be fine.

Given that you don't know her though, I would be leary about it. Was she just searching all the daycare ads and calling to see if someone would hire her? Was she a young girl??? Maybe a teen wanting to babysit?

I would suggest though that you just advise parents that there may be days you will need to take off due to doctors etc, at no charge to them. And you will require them to arrange alternate care on those days. You will give them x amount of notice.

[krystamichelle]

Sorry, I have no answer, I mean if you knew her and trusted her leaving her in your home that would be fine.

Given that you don't know her though, I would be leary about it. Was she just searching all the daycare ads and calling to see if someone would hire her? Was she a young girl??? Maybe a teen wanting to babysit?

I would suggest though that you just advise parents that there may be days you will need to take off due to doctors etc, at no charge to them. And you will require them to arrange alternate care on those days. You will give them x amount of notice.

She is 25. I wouldn't have her come to my home, as the days she would be needed would be my sick days or vacation days (when I would want the DCC in a home other than mine). I would ask if she wanted to do it in her home.

I assume that she was just going through the ads because after I let her know that I couldn't use her, I saw an ad of hers, offering her assistance to others providing childcare. I don't even know, for sure, if she's still available. It was just one thing that I could think of to help the parents in case I had to take off, last minute.

[dEHmom]

I mean certainly, if you wanted to call her up and suggest it to her, as long as it's not your home and your watch.


Then if she agrees, you could let the parents decide if they want to go with her by them going and meeting her on their own time etc. Really you wouldn't have to be any part of it. But I just prefer myself, to have them figure it out. I let my parents know about a month in advance (usually it takes that long) but if I'm sick, then I can't help that, they have the option to bring them anyways (if I'm not bed ridden), or stay home with their kid, take them to grandmas or w/e.

It wouldn't hurt though if you think she might be a good fit, you could meet with her, get to know her, and then if you feel good about her, suggest her to the parents.

[kidkair]

I don't have a back up except my husband in a midday emergency situation. I just tell the parents right from the start that they are to find their own back up care and that I'll give them at least a month's notice for any days off. I still charge for the days I have off including full week vacations. When I've been sick all my parents have been great about finding their own care even on super short notice. I've only had my husband take over one day when I got a spontaneous fever midday. I immediately closed the following day to recover and subject myself to the 24 hour with no fever rule. I was fine in a couple hours but stuck to my rule because I want my families to stick to it too.

[daycare]

I would not allow for the parents of your DC to give their input on who you hire. They should trust you enough to trust your judgement. If they don't trust you enough to do that, then their child should not be in your care.

I have seen some good interview questions on this board and ideas of how to interview helpers or subs....

[krystamichelle]

It wouldn't hurt though if you think she might be a good fit, you could meet with her, get to know her, and then if you feel good about her, suggest her to the parents.

That sounds like a good idea. I wouldn't recommend anyone to them that I wouldn't leave my own children with. I know it's not my responsibility to find a back up for them, but I want to try to leave the best impression possible, so that I can build credibility for myself. Her children will only be here through the summer and will be moving onto kindergarten and pre-k.

I have plenty of childcare experience under my belt, but almost all of it is under informal circumstances. Meaning, most of my current references are completely bias.

[dEHmom]

yeah, I just wanted to mention that in my original contract I had stated I would do my best to help arrange for alternate care should a situation arise that I would not be available. But I changed that FAST because I decided, I do not want to be responsible for someone else's watch. I do not want to be held responsible should something happen and they turn it on me like it was my fault because I referred or recommended.

[krystamichelle]

yeah, I just wanted to mention that in my original contract I had stated I would do my best to help arrange for alternate care should a situation arise that I would not be available. But I changed that FAST because I decided, I do not want to be responsible for someone else's watch. I do not want to be held responsible should something happen and they turn it on me like it was my fault because I referred or recommended.

Ooh...very good point.