I am going to run an ad in the local paper to start watching kids again. I am only going to watch 1 or 2 just to make a little bit of money. How would I word that I will watch them out of my home and provide breakfast. Should I say somethng about having my own children? Should I put what ages I would watch? Or should I just leave it simple and put something like details given when they call??

And how much would I charge?? I have always watched kids for friends and only charged very little, so I really don't know what would be appropriate.

Thanks so much, I am not good with wording things at all.

By Jann on Thursday, July 7, 2005 - 12:35 pm:

Remember an ad charges by word, so try to be consise but clear.....something like..
In home daycare, with breakfast provided plus built in playmates, ages x-x preferred

By Tonya on Thursday, July 7, 2005 - 12:49 pm:

In My Home Day Care
Experienced Mom x3
Meals Provided
Ages x-x welcome
Call: xxx-xxx-xxxx

How does that sound? This coveres everything including the fact that there are kids there in your home already.

As for what to charge call around to your local day care centers and price what it would cost for kids the age you are looking for an go from there. Charge less than they would since they are licensed and you are probably not (I think). And just see what happens

By Paulas on Thursday, July 7, 2005 - 12:56 pm:

Tonya's sounds like what I was going to write.

Sorry I can't help with what to charge. I'm in Canada and I think it is different here. Around here it's usually around $30-35/day

By Crystal915 on Thursday, July 7, 2005 - 01:05 pm:

I don't know how it is in your area, but a lot of places have you put "babysitting" if you aren't registered. Also, if you are first aid or CPR cert you want to mention that, many parents look for it. As for price, you should get a paper, and see what other moms are charging, I would just put "Low rates" because you may have to adjust your rate for different schedules. Are you only going to accept children during "normal" working hours? You want to mention that.

"Experienced Mom of 3 providing loving childcare in my home. Meals provided, low rates, ages X-X welcome, Hours x-x. Ask for Candis xxx-xxx-xxxx"

By Boxzgrl on Thursday, July 7, 2005 - 01:08 pm:

I charged $30/day when I did it. I'm thinking of starting again next January with a full in home daycare at $140/wk full time and $80/wk part time. But by then i'll be first aid and cpr certified. Maybe sure you check your local laws to see how many kids you can watch without being certified or registered with the state.

By Jann on Thursday, July 7, 2005 - 01:18 pm:

I like Crystal's wording.