Do you think this is a good idea? Child Daycare?

Question

Ok, so my mom made up this idea, but I like it:

Me and my friend (we are both 12) would put out flyers for a home daycare for the summer for the kids of the neighborhood. For a few days a week (like maybe from around 8-1 or something) we would entertain them at my house. My mom would be there at all times. We could also babysit as a pair, since we are young. My dad brought up the problem of if anyone gets hurt while here. We were thinking of a mini contract saying we are not responsible for any injuries. Is this a good idea?

Answer 1

I think it's a great idea! When i was 12 (like you) i opened a day care too with my sister. At first buisness was slow. We hardly ever got customers, but after a while  we started to get more known by people and we became so popular that we actually had like, ads and TV commercials, just about a year later!

- And we did the same thing with the contract! It didn't stop any buisness!

Answer 2

As an insurance broker, I can tell you there are several liability problems.  You cannot ask a person not to hold another person from liability or everyone would simply have everyone else sign these contracts.  The problem is the risk that your parents are taking by opening up their home to children.  They would ultimately be responsible for any issues that could come up.  Since this is a large group, the insurance company would need to have some type of proof that the facility was properly overseen by the regional department responsible for child and health safety.  Without a proper certification any injuries or damages incurred in your home would then not be covered by the insurance company.  It sounds like a lovely idea, but it may not be reasonable.

Answer 3

If you consider it an in home daycare you would/your parents would probably need to check with their home-owners insurance if they can have a business inside the home, you might need to look into other legal issues.  If it was your Mom who wanted to start a business she would need to look into becoming licensed.

Maybe just call it a club and entertain the neighborhood.

This website might be helpful  http://nccic.acf.hhs.gov/pubs/cclicensin...

In PA, if you have 4 children you need to contact the state about licensing.

Answer 4

If your mom is the one who works it and you just hang out with the kids then thats fine. Don't try to run it though because you are young. I hope this helped.

-Tara

Answer 5

No...12 year olds can not legally babysit, so you can't do a 'contract' of any sort.

Answer 6

there is no way in the would i would entrust the most precious gift God gave me toa couple of 12 yr olds. get a lemonade stand or a car wash. wait til your 16 to babysit and only after taking a class on babysitting skills.

Answer 7

Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving my child with anyone who would ask me to sign such a thing 12 or 40.  The reason people pay for child care is to have their child taken care of.

Answer 8

I don't think you'd get a whole lot of business. I wouldn't feel too comfortable having my kid babysat by a 12 year old, no matter how responsible. This is especially if there are a bunch of kids, its harder to watch them all at once. If it were like 4 kids, you;d be okay. But who knows, if you know your neighbours really well and they trust you it might work. I wouldn't commit to the whole summer though, maybe just try it out first with a "parents day off" where its just one day, and see how it goes. Also, a contract you draw up yourself won't protect you if you were to get sued, and also it might scare off parents into thinking that injury is likely.

Answer 9

Don't you have to be a licensed care for a larger number of children in your home on a regular basis?  I know in NY if u have more than two kids on a regular basis for a home daycare you need to be registered with the state---I know your only 12, but people still turn other people in for stuff like that---and your parents could get into trouble (would you be making more than the large fine your parents might have to pay?).Make sure you know the laws in your state, b/c they do apply to twelve year olds.  I think it is a good idea though to start babysitting at home with a parent present, so you can learn to be responsible, get experience, and have a back up for emergencies.

Answer 10

Do you think that your customers would feel safe leaving their child in your home, much less in a home that they found directions to on a street corner?  I'm not sure it's too good of an idea to put it on normal street corners, try just like, your moms friends children...otherwise, it'd just be weird...

Answer 11

Ok, first of all don't call it a home daycare- that's a business. To start an in-home daycare you need permits and even have to get your house inspected by the state. Clearly you can't do that as a 12 year old so just call it babysitting or a neighborhood club. Now second, most parents will not allow a 12 year old to babysit if they have to sign a contract saying that you aren't responsible for injuries. If you're watching a kid then you (or your parents) WILL be held responsible for injuries. It's a babysitters job to protect kids in their care and make sure they don't get hurt. Sorry, but that's just how it works.