Operating an Unlicensed Daycare

[Blackcat31]

I find it interesting that this unregistered guest says it is not difficult to get licensing. If this is true, it is certainly different in their state!


I had a big, long explanation typed out and decided.....nah, not worth it.....

I just wanted to mention that when I applied for my license it was super easy as well. I filled out a form, had a visit with the fire marshall and another with my licensor and then received my license.

All in all from the intial application to the license actually being in hand was no more than 60 days.

Every state does do it differently, but it isn't complicated and definitely not difficult by any means....at least not here.

[Daycaremomof2]

I also have a college degree AND a master's. I am a mother, and my own mother used to watch a few children when I was growing up. I even took a few semesters of nursing school, so I know CPR/First Aid, etc. I used to be a children's event director, and was in charge of creating and leading daily childrens activities.

I am LEGALLY unlicensed. I know all of our state laws, and I provide excellent childcare.

Just because you are unlicensed does not mean that you are unqualified. Often times, the State makes you jump through so many hoops to get licensure, and it is more of a pain and inconvenience than anything else. The state's main concern is liability, and there are so many more aspects to childcare other than liability.

Just because your neighbor is watching children (whether licensed or unlicensed) doesn't mean you have the right to try to get her in trouble. She is just trying to make a living like everyone else. You could ruin their entire family's financial future and lives- and for what- because you don't want to see people driving to her house to drop off their kids? If you don't see abuse, neglect, or any other problems, just mind your own business.

[Daycaremomof2]

As a licensed daycare I have a problem with people being able to continue operating illegally, and yes it is illegal and can be punishable as a Class A misdemeanor with a fine of up to $100.00 per day while operating without a license! To become licensed you must meet many safety standards both within the home (fire extenguishers, walk-outs, smoke detectors, etc) and personally (Insurance, CPR/First Aid. Fingerprinting, TB, etc.), which all come at a cost to the provider. If you have helpers, they to have many of the same requirements that most providers pay for. Since you incur all these costs, you must then adjust your daycare rates accordingly so that you are making money at your business (yes, this is a business for anyone who watches children, legally or not). When a provider does not have to meet the standards or pay any additional costs by operating illegally, they can offer daycare at a lower rate. For those of you who see no issue with this, put yourself in this senario. You follow the rules and do everything you are suppose to for your business, while a person across town does everything illegally and is able to gain a larger profit by doing it this way, how can you see this as being ok?

Not in my state lady- I am operating 100% LEGALLY unlicensed. And doing a darn good job at it. Check your facts.

[Ariana]

I am also a legally UNlicensed DCP. I also have a degree in Early Childhood Education and am currently persuing my graduate degree in Child Studies. I am HIGHLY UNDERqualified to take care of children

Here in Canada childcare providers are THE MOST educated people of ALL people who work. Most childcare providers hold at least an undergraduate degree of some sort. However to be a good provider all you need is love and common sense.

The only thing being licensed will give me is a huge pay cut. I'd have to work for an organization who would pay me money and then take a stipened from what I make in order to provide services like inspections etc. It's not worth it to me!

[REWALKER04]

im sure all of the childrens parents know she is unliscensed so then it is the parents choice to send them there. I am certified but went several months without being certified yet i had taken the classes and did everything that the state required besides the paperwork and what not so if she isnt bothering you and you dont feel the children are being hurt or neglected then I would say mind your own business or at least get some input from a parent that takes there child there. Just because you are liscensed doesnt mean you are any better than if you arent! Bad things happen all the time in liscensed daycares too!

[Unregistered]

Licensed or Unlicensed????

Hi!! I am a student who will be graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. I was hoping to have my own daycare in the state of Vermont and I was wondering if I could run a daycare unlicensed with more than 6 children in my home?

If not, would I be able to run a daycare with over 6 children with multiple staff members? I have heard that the help that the state gives to daycares takes more money from the daycare than the daycare makes alone.

Thanks for all of the feedback. One more thing, I would like to take a poll: Please comment if you would prefer your child(ren) to attend a licensed or unlicensed daycare. Thank you!!

[MommyofThree]

Hi!! I am a student who will be graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. I was hoping to have my own daycare in the state of Vermont and I was wondering if I could run a daycare unlicensed with more than 6 children in my home?

If not, would I be able to run a daycare with over 6 children with multiple staff members? I have heard that the help that the state gives to daycares takes more money from the daycare than the daycare makes alone.

Thanks for all of the feedback. One more thing, I would like to take a poll: Please comment if you would prefer your child(ren) to attend a licensed or unlicensed daycare. Thank you!!

I really dont understand why most pepople here says it cost alot to become license. I just became group with 16 children and I paied 110 for cpr/first aid and 25 buck for rcs form. Thats it. Inspections are free the actual license is free. In what states cost so much. Im in NY.

[Greenplasticwateringcans]

I'm stunned licensing is so cheap in some places. I currently run a legal unlicensed daycare and am working on my license. It's going to cost at least $5000!
$45 for the application
$350 for a child Ed program
$50 for the application to register with the city
$50 for the fire inspection
$150 for 1st aid (almost expired)
$500 for flooring to bring up to licensing code
At least $2000 for the back yard to bring up to licensing code. Pea rock and concrete paths taken out
$400 to create fireplace barriers
$200 for permanent indoor gates
Thousands in supplies (second hand)

If I only had to pay $200 I would have done it years ago.


My

[MommyofThree]

I'm stunned licensing is so cheap in some places. I currently run a legal unlicensed daycare and am working on my license. It's going to cost at least $5000!
$45 for the application
$350 for a child Ed program
$50 for the application to register with the city
$50 for the fire inspection
$150 for 1st aid (almost expired)
$500 for flooring to bring up to licensing code
At least $2000 for the back yard to bring up to licensing code. Pea rock and concrete paths taken out
$400 to create fireplace barriers
$200 for permanent indoor gates
Thousands in supplies (second hand)

If I only had to pay $200 I would have done it years ago.


My

OMG hun, where do you live? That is so much. NY is free for all that and im surprice because NY is one of the highest states to live in. But all they wanted was 25 bucks!!!!!! If I had to pay all that I would not . I can see you of course spending money if your home is not up to code but for the inspection, application, and so forth. Im shocked

[cheerfuldom]

Parents should still thoroughly research a daycare place and not just trust licensing status. Many states licensing basically is a fee, a visit from the fire marshall and minimal visits (sometimes just once a year) from the licensing agency. You cant just assume that licensed is always the best. I am legally unlicensed and the few licensed places that i know of and have actually been inside are scary, scary places. Plus I know two licensed places that are regularly over the allowed ratios and ages.

[MissAnn]

OMG hun, where do you live? That is so much. NY is free for all that and im surprice because NY is one of the highest states to live in. But all they wanted was 25 bucks!!!!!! If I had to pay all that I would not . I can see you of course spending money if your home is not up to code but for the inspection, application, and so forth. Im shocked

I pay $100 every year....will go lower if I pay for 3 years up front.

[Greenplasticwateringcans]

I live in BC Canada. Licensing varies by province and municipalities. My area is very expensive and very strict.

[Unregistered]

non-license daycare provider

I am running a daycare within my home. I am non-licensed and I currently watch my 3 children plus 2 kids (different days). There is a parent that is wanting me to watch her 2 state kids, will I still be under Nebraska state law by watching the 2 state kids plus my regular kids and my own??

[Unregistered]

Daycare license revoked

I have been a licesed daycare provider for 7 years. After going thru a divorce and trying to support my 3 children my licensed was revoked for having too many children. I am currently still watching kids. Was wondering if anyone knew of the consequences that could arise if the state found out. Could they put me in jail? I never had a mark on my license before, I couldn't loose any kids because I needed to keep my home for my kids. Any feedback would be great.

[jen]

I have been a licesed daycare provider for 7 years. After going thru a divorce and trying to support my 3 children my licensed was revoked for having too many children. I am currently still watching kids. Was wondering if anyone knew of the consequences that could arise if the state found out. Could they put me in jail? I never had a mark on my license before, I couldn't loose any kids because I needed to keep my home for my kids. Any feedback would be great.

You are taking a really big risk. Depending on where you live, you could end up with a nasty fine. How many children were you over by? I have never heard of anyone having their license revoked for one offense of being over the limit. Was there more to it? Did you appeal the decision?