When sending your children to a in home daycare whats included in the cost?

Question

thanks so much for all your help, I also was wondering since alot have ran there own in home day care is it just you or do you have some help

? If so is here school you take or is this just lessons learned in life I know silly prolly but whated to see what in home and child centers differ

Answer 1

Everything but diapers and formula - usually.  If they go on field trips that maybe a cost for you as well.   In the US most home child cares do get some funds to reimburse them for food.

Answer 2

Cost is determined by each home childcare provider.  Some providers are able to get assistance through the state for food, diapers, etc. so their cost should be a little lower.  I'm not sure where you are; but in TX home providers should be either listed or registered.  Listed providers (and their families) go through a background check, are requested to attend conferences to learn new teaching methods, and are limited to care for no more than 3 children other than their own.  A registered provider (and family) are required to have a background check, attend conferences each year, have their home regularly inspected to help ensure they are maintaining safety codes, and can care for more children.  These providers typically have a helper either full or part-time depending on their needs.

Questions for any potential provider, in my opinion:

(1) typical questions like: hours, rates, what items are supplied and what are not, how often will kids be out on field trip, will my children participate in swimming or playing in the sprinkler, vacations - are there fees if YOU take vacation  what if the provider takes vacation  will you have to find back up or does the sitter have back up covered, what about sick days

(2) ask about infant care - what activities do they do with the infants?  how much tummy time do they get each day?  Does the provider have a shoe-free zone for the infants?  What does your provider do with the infants when she's preparing and cleaning up from meals and projects with older children?

(3) ask about toddler care - does she have a curriculum?  where does it come from?  what is her teaching style?  is there nap time...if so, how long? does she provide a monthly, weekly, or yearly curriculum.  what about a meal plan?  does she have one pre-planned or does she just wing it?

(4) RATIOS - don't forget to ask how many children (full-time and part-time) children does she care for?  how many of those are infants?  does she have help?

(5) extras - does your provider prefer you to bring infant supplies each day or will your chid have his/her own space for diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, sippie cup, etc.  Will your provider give you an info sheet each day with your infants activities (# of BM's, # of wet diapers, how much ate & drank, how often slept, activities, etc.).  

(6) drop off and pick ups - does your provider have a set drop off and pick up.  Some providers are very flexible about this while others have a strick drop off policy as it tends to interfere with daily plans (especially with older children).  What about late fees?  what are they?  When do they apply?  if you call and are late due to an unforseen car accident that's blocking traffic...are you still charged the late fee?

My advice to you:  Don't rush in finding a provider for your children.  A good provider will typically NOT have many openings!  Also, if possible, before starting daycare ask if it's okay to let your children start part-time and then increase length during the first week so they get used to the provider.  If that is not possible then work with the provider to allow extra socializing time during drop off or pick up.  Children will have an easier transition if they feel that mommy and daddy are comfortable with this provider (like she's an extended part of the family).  

Finally, if you like the provider and are happy with her please tell her.  You don't have to buy her gifts; but just come feedback goes a long way.  Providers like to know what you think is great and also like to know about things that you have a concern about.  

Good luck!

Answer 3

well you will have to ask questions ,read the contract ,(get a copy of the signed contract that you can refer back to if any queations ,but some day cares offer meals ,some don't you need to make sure what you want is in that contract, remember you get what you pay for.

Answer 4

LindaAvonne is right on, in my opinion.  :-) In a good home child care...you get a lot for what you are paying.  :-)

In general we ask the parents to supply the diapers and wipes.  

As for formula, I prefer that parents supply the formula but if your provider is working with a Food Program than more likely than not they have to provide formula.  We have to choose 1 brand that we are willing to purchase and offer it to you.  You can accept or not.  Just a side note, if you do not use that brand at home...don't accept- please sign the waiver and provide your own.  Going back and forth between formula brands wreaks havoc with the baby's body.  (Speaking from experience...many "new" parents are unaware that what the body has to do to adjust from one brand to the next.).   I provide bottles if parents aren't picky but I ask the parents to provide pacifiers.  

Most of us provide breakfast, lunch, and pm snack during a typical day.  However you will have to check with each provider as they do have the right to not provide meals and requiring families to send a lunch.  As for "special" foods.  I work with my families the best I can with providing an alternative because of an allergy but I require a doctor's note.  If it is a major hassle or a very expensive product I reserve the right to ask the parent to provide it.  

I do the laundry of any soiled garments and blankets/sheets as long as the children do not have an allergy to the detergent I use.  

I provide toothbrushes and toothpaste.  

Of course that is beyond the expenses that are paid out to provide the program (arts/crafts, indoor/outdoor equipment, wood chips for play area, toys, science, math, fine motor, language materials, books, bedding, training, staff. etc.)  We do not make much of a "profit".  We do this because we love children.

Answer 5

It should include everything except diapers (and milk/formula) or any special food/drink your child needs. Be sure to label all your childs belongings including food o aviod  anything being misplaced. I also suggest that you send at least 2 extra sets of clothing incase of spills, accients etc.. as well as any special "comfort" items such as blankies, favorite stuffed animals etc...Good Luck!

Answer 6

when i did home child care (for 15 years) i included food (breakfast, lunch and pm snack), and other daily cost involved ONCE THE CHILD WAS ON TABLE FOOD.  i did not provide anything for babies.  parents had to bring everything.  this usually wasn't an issue as normally i didn't enroll children under the age of 2 years.  field trips, gym bus, and any other extra classes we had that cost extra were paid for by the parents.

everything should be spelled out in your contract with your provider so be sure and read that carefully.  it should also spell out vacations, sick days, holidays, payment due date, late fees, etc.

Answer 7

This usually depends on the individual provider, ask all potential providers whats included, but don't let a few nappies or diapers swing your decision.

When I ran a home based daycare service I left that up to the parents some prefer to bring a pack and leave them , some parents brought them daily packed into the childs bag.

Answer 8

stuff

Answer 9

You will probably have to provide diapers and formula.  What's included? Well this all depends on the quality of the provider but generally-- food (other than formula), warmth, love, care, wiped noses, changed diapers, guaranteed space each day, activities to help children's brain development (developmentally appropriate activities), experienced & caring staff, interaction and supervision of children inside and out.  In a nutshell, you are getting a lot of extras for the money you are paying out.

What you pay helps the provider pay the utilities (heating/cooling/phone/etc), buy food and supplies, pay support staff, and is also her paycheck.  Be sure to visit providers to find the one that's best suited for your needs. Good Luck!