How much to charge for part time child care?

Advice for stay at home mom thinking doing child care.?

• I am thinking of offering a child care service for just one child. I am trying to make some extra income and this seems like a good option since I would still like to stay home with my 3 year old. I have lots of questions though. How much to charge for full time and part time? Do I charge extra for snacks and meals if needed? Are most parent ok with their babysitter/nanny driving with their children (I like to take my son some were fun a few times a week like the park, or chuckee cheese. and will still need to run some errands). We have a dog who is friendly and there is no real way to keep him separate, is this a problem? Do I have to be certified? Were should I advertise? I know it will be harder dealing with 2 kids but I thought if I could find a child close to my sons age it may keep them both busy a little bit. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

• Answer:

  If you're only wanting to take of one more child you don't really need to get licensed (that's if you want to run a daycare). I would suggest advertising on craigslist or sittercity or putting up flyers close to where you live to find parents. Parents are all going to have different rules about things like letting you drive places- but I think most people would be fine with that. I would really recommend getting CPR/first aid certified if you aren't already- it will really make parents more comfortable. I would suggest having just a flat hourly rate and having that include lunch and snacks (which aren't really that expensive). Since you would be also taking care of your son- you should go with a low hourly rate- maybe 6 or 7 dollars an hour?