Family Day Care

[~Leanne~]

Any family day carers??

I am about to commence study in child care so I can eventually leave my full time office job of 12 years to manage a family day care at my home.

Miss my little girl too much.

Any hot tips or would love to hear experiences. Pro's Con's etc.

[Becci]

I used to run a FDC business about 8 years ago for about 4 years. I assume lots has changed since then. But am willing to share my ideas with you.

[smiles4u]

My nephew whom is now 12, from when he was about 1 to 5 years of age he was in Family daycare in a local home in his small town three days per week (all legally approved, etc..) whilst my sister worked as a teacher at a local secondary school.

The owner had I think 2 or three other children (max allowed at the time) who's parents worked in the workforce & they were all about the same age.

She would have a large room set up each day with different activities for the children to do !!

My sister was very impressed that 'this lady' had such passion & enthusiasm to do this each day.

My nephew loved going there that much that my sister said when his was old enough to run, that he would run & head straight to the activities set up of the day

I remember back then my sister said it was about $3 per hour per child through the council I think ?? : I hope it's a better income nowadays

Anyway, when he started primary school I went to visit my nephew & we went for a walk to the shops to see a car pass us by with ' a lady ' waving, in which my nephew was waving madly back to.

My sister said to me "that is his 2nd Mum", ... explaining that she was his day carer for those years.

I thought what a rewarding job to have a child that is not your own to have such high regard & respect for you & the bonus to have watched & cared for him during that time whilst he grew from a baby to a pre-schooler

... All the very best with your new career :goodluck2: & may you one day have many 5 or 6year olds (preppies) give the huge loving wave & smile that I once saw my own lovely nephew give to someone whom was once a stranger to became such an extra special person in his life

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY to KAITLYN for this Friday

[blizz]

Hi hon, I too am about to head down the FDC path, I have been working in long day care for 12years have worked with all ages but mainly with the 3-5year old age group, I am expecting my 2nd child in october and am planning at this stage to start my FDC business early next year depending on how things are going with my own little family, I wish I could be a SAH mum but it just isn't possible for us at this stage of things we need at least some income and also can't justify the cost of 2 children in day care (1 has been hard enough)
thought it might be nice to share the journey together if you are interested let me know what stage you are at I am still currently working full time in LDC and will make my final decision when I am on maternity leave.
good luck, Allie.B

[mrsmac]

If you ever have any questions I am sure Riley's FDC lady would be happy to answer them. She is brilliant, her family is like Riley's 2nd family. She has been doing it for 15 years and is still the most patient and beautiful person.

[sassy123]

i do family daycare been doing it for nearly 3 yrs now.
it is a great job to do from home espically when u have one of ur own at home.

[SandyBas]

I wanted to start an FDC at home. But I have 2 school age children. I was wondering, how do I manage dropping them and picking them up if I start an FDC. I mean I am supposed to take care of the other children at home, isn't it? Any ideas on this?

Cheers,
Sandy

[Visitor8]

I have my boys booked in to start soon

I am also planning on running a FDC as soon as my boys are in school, so another year Watching with interest

[rhyb]

Will be watching this thread with interest. Im looking at doing FDC in the future.

[Sammiejane]

I have just booked MJ in for a day a week while i am working (gulp)
Ours is about $6 through the council, but depending on your income you get a % back and then there is the CCB as well - i am very new to this, but even if we get nothing back, the 7 hours a day will cost us $38 for the full day - very reasonable. Food and drink is extra if you dont supply it

I was given the names and numbers of 3 carers and i met all of them and then chose the one that was the best suited to look after MJ (IMO)... the council provides all the equipment so it is of a particular standard... anyway, i will let you know how it goes as we start on 2/2/09

HTH

[mrsmac]

I wanted to start an FDC at home. But I have 2 school age children. I was wondering, how do I manage dropping them and picking them up if I start an FDC. I mean I am supposed to take care of the other children at home, isn't it? Any ideas on this?

Cheers,
Sandy

My FDC lady has a big 4wd and takes her kids to school most days with all the FDC kids in the car (they are in high school so she just drops them off) I guess some people may have a problem with the kids being in the car but I don't as i trust my carer completely. I like the normality if it for DS.

[AliBaby]

Sorry to hijak but jsut thought someone in here might be able to help me.

How do you enrol your child (so to speak) in family day care? Do you contact your local council? Is there a waiting list for this as well?

[mrsmac]

Many councils have them, mine is through Centacare which is a Catholic organisation I think. Depends on what area you are in.

[Sammiejane]

Alibaby - I contacted our council.
For me there was a 4-6 week waitlist. depends on the days that you need and the hours... it was harder to match me as i only wanted a day a week, the more days the easier, well in my area anyway

[AliBaby]

I am in Castle Hill area so am thinking that I contact the Baulkham Hills Shire Council??

[mrsmac]

Google FDC NSW,

Just googled this Ali and it has a carer search on it.

I have just removed the link cause I woke up in the night and remembered you can't post links here!!

[AliBaby]

Than ks so much Sammie and Mrs Mac. I will check out the link Mrs mac and let you know how I go.