In addition to 10 paid vacation days, I also give myself up to 4 paid "personal" days. Having said that; I have never used up all my allotted time off.
I have to agree with Reggio here. I actually don't feel all that guilty when I take a day off. Can you tell me that the parents we deal with NEVER take a day off from work?? Even when their job is "dependant" on them?
I am completely upfront with families that they MUST have a back up in terms of care. The reality is; I will need time off, be it scheduled or emergency. If they need a care situation that will be available for them with no exceptions, then home-based care is not for them. It is COMPLETELY unreasonable for a parent to expect that a provider will be open all the time.