non licensed childcare

[TXmom]

I have a lead on a babysitter for this semester (my hours are horrible so I had to withdraw ds from Preschool). I found her on our church bulletin board (only members are allowed to post). Her fee is reasonable, I think she lives close, and she keeps other preschool age kids. She's not licensed, but of course I'll check her references (but who's going to give you a reference from someone that doesn't like you?). Would it bother anyone else to use someone who isn't licensed? I used to live next door to someone who worked for DHS, so this is maybe a bigger deal to me. What do ya'll think?

[Mickey]

Personally, I'd only go for licensed if I didn't know the person. Here, you get a background check, fingerprinted, etc. (you get what is called a Sheriff's Card) and the licensing agency visits you frequently to inspect your home for safety and sanitation.

Just wanted to add that while I know going with a licensed child caregiver wouldn't guarantee anything, I think it decreases the chances of something not being "right" and would make me feel like I did all that I could. JMHO, though.

[kathleen]

Unless it was someone you knew or had connections with (like, you actually knew that lady at Church) I would stick with a licensed provider, too...I would like to think that a licensed provider would provide more stability, and not change her mind about being a childcare provider in the middle of the year.

[kat]

I agree with the others. I never had to go through this, thank goodness. I was so fortunate to have a lady from our church who we knew very well watch both my kids. She was like a grandmother to them. Good luck.

[Cathy]

Donna, If you meet and feel comfortable with her, I say "give it a try". I'm not a negligent mother (unless you are going by my dds accounts--'but Mom, all the other kids do/go/have....), but I think it's a little different when you're dealing with a verbal child. Ask a lot of questions of her (how will you handle....?, how do you feel about......?) before you agree, then ask a lot of questions of him--like every day. Be aware of what he is doing, thinking, and feeling. Lots of people are willing to pass their obligations over to the licensing board of their state. I'm just not comfortable with that. She might change her mind after a month, but that doesn't mean she was a bad provider. (Even Diane has mentioned maybe getting out of the business--and she sounds like one of the most careful, loving, particular providers I've heard about!!) I have family members that I wouldn't trust with my dds, and blood ought to be a decent indicator of concern. Do what you think is right for your ds and for your family.

How many hours are you talking about? If it's pretty full time, different considerations (like schedules, developmentally appropriate activities, etc.) come into play. Donna, You're a professional in the field (or will be soon!). Follow your gut.

[MaryL]

I used a non-licensed sitter for the last 4 years that I needed full time childcare. I knew this person VERY well....and she had other children in her home that I knew as well. I taught all of her children Kindergarten. My kids never had a bad experience at her home.....and we felt blessed to have her. I'm not sure why she's not licensed...but I do know that she has taken first aid couses...as well as some childcare/development classes. I know her children, and knew alot about her home. I knew prior to sending my kids there that there were no hunters in the home (thus no guns), nor did anyone smoke there. My kids still go to her house if I need a full day of childcare (inservice days, etc) and they consider her to be like an "aunt". They adore her. Dh and I have always appreciated what she's helped us do for our children.

So in a nutshell....do some research. Talk to ALL of the families of the children she currently has. Spend some time at her house...go for lunch one day....after nap time one day...mid morning one day...etc. Your child will become more familiar with her during these short sessions, and you will feel more comfortable with her routine. I would think that the First Aid class would be a MUST! Let us know what happens.

[Linda/NE]

Donna,
My babysitter is not licensed. She is a mom that wants to be able to stay home with her baby and still bring in a little income. She is absolutely wonderful!!

I would suggest meeting this lady. Talk to the parents of the other children she cares for. Consider your schedule and see how flexible she is.

I had a terrible time trying to find a sitter and everyone was telling me to go with one of the licensed ones in town. I have nothing against these people as far as their qualifications but I do have problems with their policies. First off, they don't like taking part-time kids and they make you commit to certain days and charge you if you aren't there. I can understand their point that they can't fill a spot on a whim, but I only get paid if I work, and I can't afford to pay her if I'm not making any money.

Second, I'm not making much anyway and the licensed ones here charge an arm and a leg. There's really no point in working. A lot of times non-licensed ones are lower on their fee. Also, my dh has days off where he wants to spend time with the kids. I would find it real hard to pay a sitter for the time my dh is caring for the kids! (I think we had a debate on this very issue at one time--I won't go there. )

Third, and most important, my sitter is caring and wonderful with my kids. She takes time to really get to know them. I have heard stories of children in the licensed daycare homes that are bored out of their mind because the provider is too busy caring for the babies and little ones and never has a chance to interact with the older ones. They spend the majority of their time watching tv.

Please understand that my perceptions of this are based on what we have here in our community. Not all licensed daycares are this way and not all non-licensed daycare homes are this way either. As a parent you have to choose which provider makes you feel the most comfortable--not only in how they care for your children, but how they treat you. (Nothing I hate more than someone criticizing how I raise my kids--especially behind my back!) You ARE the parent, you know your children better than anyone. If you feel comfortable with this lady try it. If you sense drastic changes in your children's behavior, investigate further. While a license will guarantee that these providers must meet certain standards, it doesn't guarantee that they are right for your child.


I hope you have good luck finding daycare.

[Mickey]

Originally posted by Cathy
...Lots of people are willing to pass their obligations over to the licensing board of their state. I'm just not comfortable with that.

I would never just pass responsibility for finding a good childcare provider over to the State. Licensing would have to be in addition to all the investigating, questions, references, gut feelings, etc. you mentioned (if I didn't know or trust the person completely).

Originally posted by Cathy
...I have family members that I wouldn't trust with my dds, and blood ought to be a decent indicator of concern.

I have family members I wouldn't trust with ds, too. Unfortunately, concern and common sense/reliablity/responsibility etc. have nothing to do with each other.

All this said, I think you can find a caring, dependable, trustworthy caregiver who isn't licensed and I have heard of licensed childcare givers hurting and neglecting children. So, I guess you just need to be comfortable with your decision.

Good luck Donna...let us know what you decide to do!

[TXmom]

Thanks ya'll. I'm going to meet with this lady and one other next week. Hopefully one will work out. The only other option I have right now is a drop in playcare center here in town. It's kind of expensive, and it's free play, so I know ds would be watching movies in the media room all day!

[bizymum]

I am a non licensed child care provider. The reason fo rnot being lisenced is that I have a very small home and it would cost me an arm and a leg to become licensed.
I am a sahm, so looking after children in my home is great, not to mention the extra income helps.
When I get a new child here, if the parents want I do provide references.
I have almost all my training as well, family daycare certificate, food safe, first aid, as well as my ECE..(I am just short 6 weeks of that certificate)had to quit cause when I was PG with DS #1 I got very sick.
I provide lunches and snacks as well as some quiet time. We play outside lots when the weather permitts.

I also let the parents know that I am not licensed.

I would put my children in with a non lisenced child care provider. Though I would want references and I would also want to go and meet the person too, while she was looking after others in her home to see how she handles the children. I do the same for my families.
Hope this helps you a little.
How did you make out?
If anyone has any other questions, I would be happy to try and answer them.

[TXmom]

Today was Trey's 1st day and it seemed to go very well.

[bizymum]

Thats Great!!! Hope he likes it. I have always liked in home care, the children can get more one on one that way, if time allows.

[MaryL]

Originally posted by TXmom
Today was Trey's 1st day and it seemed to go very well.

Awesome! Glad it went well. Are there other kids near his age there? I'm like bizymom...I'm a big fan of home childcare. It's always been good for our family.

[Mickey]

Originally posted by TXmom
Today was Trey's 1st day and it seemed to go very well.

So glad it went well for him, Donna!

[Diane]

I was unlicensed for the first 4 years that I did day care. I never had a problem getting children into my day care because I wasn't licensed. It never seemed to matter to anybody as long as I had referances for them to call... and that they were good. As a matter of fact a lot of people even bothered to ask me whether I was or not... but I always told them that I wasn't licensed before accepting their child/ren into my care.

IMHO I did just as good of care when I wasn't licensed as I did when I was. There are good/bad in both licensed and unlicensed homes.... so make sure that you check/call your referances along with a few pop in visits. You can tell whether your kids are happy or not by the way they are when you pick them up. (parents can tell when something isn't "right") I've got a few kids who I care for who never seem to want to leave when it's time for them to go home... and when they come in the mornings they're always excited to see me agaom and greet me with lots of hugs/kisses. I hope that your new day care works out well for you.. and I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that your ds will continue to enjoy his time there.

Diane...