Over reacting?

The thing you have to keep in mind is that we have entered a proffession where it takes us and others precious little time and resources to start up. You can ask for advice for free from current providers and have toys and equipment given to you for free.

In my state you can open shop with next to nothing. The minimum standards are minimum. You don't have to even have first aid and cpr until you have three months under your belt. You don't even have to prove that until the second year. You don't have to have a high school diploma or any training whatsoever. You don't have to undergo an inspection. You can be unregistered and not even have a criminal check or child abuse check. It's perfectly legal to open up with nothing more than a parent who will take you up on it.

I choose to operate a business where my competitors needed nothing to get started. When the cost of start up is next to zero and the business plan is just words from one person to another... you are going to have competition come knocking at your door and you are going to run into clients who get the idea that it's for them. Whatever they pay you or the state pays you for them... they multiply it by the number of kids you have and think: "I can make 150 a week times 6 kids". That's all it takes to convince some newbie providers to open shop.

I would just congratualate her for her new business venture and tell her it is the worlds greatest job and it's SUPER easy. Tell her she's going to make a killing and she will do great. Just let you know what day is her kids last day and wish her well. Do NOT offer to be her mentor. She knows now she can get a ton of free.... you don't want to be expected to give her free once the reality of this comes strolling thru her door.

Nothing you say or do will convince her to do or not do this so just stay out of it.... give her your blessing and once the kid leaves stay OUT of it.