Can a home childcare provider have more than one agency represent them?

[playfelt]

In all honesty I don't think most parents expect a home daycare to be licensed and as such the cost to the agency might not be worth the effort. The agency skims money off the top of the fees so you make less per child than you could privately for the "privilege" of the agency support. Depending on the agency the support is minimal at best. On the other hand when just starting out it can be a way to get the paperwork in order quickly. And then to start personalizing the forms until you have them they way you like them and use those when you leave the agency. If the agency can fill your spaces fine but from talking to other caregivers it almost seems like the agencies open as many homes as they can and put 1-2 children in each one with the idea of having spaces available should they need them. This means you will be looking for clients privately to fill the other spaces anyways but will be limited by the age restrictions which can be especially frustrating since you will only be allowed three children under age 3 so unless you are taking school age it will be more and more an issue as we move to full day kindergarten.

You might do better to frequent an early years centre of drop in playgroup. Talk to other daycare providers and find out if there are support groups in your area. Many providers with years of experience will mentor a new provider. There are online sources of info. There maybe a childcare support group in your area. Our Ottawa association has start up information sessions. I think there is info on their website too for a package of info you can download that gives you things to think about and do before opening. www.ccprn.com