Have you ever run an in-home day care? How much did you make?

Question

I have heard that pretty much the only way to make a living wage while teaching preschool is by doing it through a school district and earning teacher's wages; however, I came across something that made it seem as if you make a lot more by running an in-home daycare. A woman also recently told me that she makes a lot more than teachers do by running her own daycare. If you have run your own preschool or daycare, can you please tell me about your experience and give me some advice?

Answer 1

Those first 2 posts give you a really good idea.  I agree with everything they have sad.

Will you be licensing for 6 or for 12?  Makes a difference.  

Do I make good money.  It's okay...when I consider I do not have to pay childcare for 2 children (on the reverse side-I only have 4 out of 6 spots open for other children), I do not have to drive 40 miles one way to work (like I use to do...especially with gas prices), I don't have to purchase suits or a lot of dressy clothes.  :-)  Though you do want to remember you are a professional.  However, I sometimes ask myself "Am I making enough for the time I'm truly putting into it?"  When it's in your home...especially if you do not have a room/basement designated for just the childcare...it's almost impossible to "close the door".  I'm surrounded by it day in and day out and it definately affects every individual of our family, not just me.  There are a lot of "after-hours" lessons/cleaning/meal prep/paper work.  I've been lucky and the children all arrive around 7 AM and leave by 4PM...is that typical?  Not really.  Usually home childcares are open minimally 10 hours a day.  And you as the owner/teacher are there 10 hours a day plus the extra time after hours and like someone mentioned- your break is only at nap time so hopefully all the children nap! :-).

You'll need to consider whether you can run a program with multiages.  Presently I have a 5, 4, 3, 2.5, 2, and a 1 year old.  Talk about age differences and developmental differences.  It's something I struggle with.  You have to be honest with yourself... what are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?  I know that I'm more "teacher" than "caregiver" and therefore I'm slowly transitioning my "child care" into preschool.  I also agree completely with the research that states preschool teachers really only function well for about 6 hours.  So 10 hours is very long. Not only for you as the teacher but if you have children...this is a LONG time for them.  You think you will be able to stay home with your kids...but really they fall back into the background when you have other children in your home day in and day out.  And to be truthful...most of my difficulties are with my two children not the enrolled children.  You can create your own "child care" depending on your strengths and it can be successful but it will take awhile for you to build your reputation and find families that will fit into your plans.  You'll need to remember that the first year or two you will NOT have a full load...unless there is a dire need for child care in your area.  

Just another thought...there are NO benefits...you are self-employed.

Often when I'm describing family/group day care homes it sounds negative.  Sorry...my goal is NOT to dissuade you...we need more educated caregivers...but be prepared.  Very few people understand just what we do.  They often consider us babysitters and I think the majority of us would disgree with it.  We consider ourselves teachers.

Answer 2

I will echo everything the first provider said especially about the accountant! (I only had to take off the top 30% for taxes.) But the wages you make depend a great deal on your experience, education level and the area in which you live. I know that women working twenty miles north of me make almost half of what I earn.

Also home daycare can be way more challenging then teaching in a classroom. I have done both. Most providers work alone, so their is no coffee break, no lunch break. Most providers are open 10 hr days and then still need to prep, clean, train meet with parents, and plan their curriculum. Some work even more. We all work more if there is an accident on the highway because no one gets picked-up on time.

You have the parents you love and the parents you...  don't. You have to be able to set clear boundaries not just with the children, with their parents, and with your neighbor who thinks her three kids would love to join your six in the backyard.  (AS much as you'd love to it's usually against regs.)

Did I mention that the only time you get to pee is when everyone is sleeping?  How many noses can you wipe before you get that cold? Headlice? the flu? scabies? Can you teach a two year old not to bite?

If you make it through the first year (almost 30% don't) it is the hardest job you'll ever love. But if your thinking easy money...   think again!

Answer 3

I do not know of anyone that is getting rich teaching day care at home. The benefits of being your own boss and having no commute is balanced by long hours, no benefits and having part of your home carved out for your business. I had a school in my house for four years when my children were preschoolers but stopped it when they got older and wanted their playroom back . I went back into the public school system and retired as a principal.Public school teachers get lots more than good pay. They get a shorter work day, health benefits, sick days, holidays and support of other teachers. You can open your own day care program by following all of the licensing requirements and you do not need to have the same level of education as a teacher in a public school. There are benefits to having your own program, but earning as much as a public school teacher will not be one of them.

Answer 4

i ran my own in home facility for 15 years while staying home and raising my daughter.  it was good money IF YOU HANDLE IT RIGHT.  know that from the beginning, you will take 40% off the total of what you bring in for taxes as you are self employed.  the only way to get around this is to not claim your income and i highly suggest you don't do this.  it is a red flag to all parents that you have low values and ethics and are a cheat.  trust will be gone.  after taxes you need to pay yourself.  then you have expenses: food, curicullum supplies, cleaning supplies, toys, misc, etc.  you have to keep accurate records of all income and expenses as you can take a certain percentage of all your expenses off your taxes.  this includes house payment, gas, water, electric, renovations, possible car payment, insurance, cable.  it's highly involved but you can make a living at it.  not a high end living, but a living.  you should do a lot of cooking meals and not easy microwave, frozen stuff, shop in bulk and my best advice.........................get a good tax accountant.