Difference in daily rates

[playfelt]

Ok I get what you are saying. You may want to rethink what you think is required to offer quality care. It doesn't mean you have to have matching chairs, tables and shelves with tons of expensive stuff on them. It isn't totally about the environment. Yes parents will need some educating about how you are offering for care but....a trip to the dollar store or the thrift shop will set you up with a few toys. As long as you have a variety that is enough. You can even use a room in your house such as the livingroom as long as you cover the basics - a basket of books on the end table, a puzzle or sorting toy on the other one, some cars or large items stored under the coffee table, a shelf of toys you roll into the room on daycare days. Make use of a park nearby if you don't have a playground at home - but kicking around balls, blowing bubbles and running freely are also good outdoor activities. For very little money you can have the basics you need. Then as you get started budget a portion of each pay towards your set up. As far as fees go there is no reason you can't charge the same as the lady down the street with the fancy set up. It isn't about the set up it is about what you do in the set up. Sing with the kids, have crafts and pictures to colour, borrow large toys from a toy lending library, borrow books and CDs from the library. You can do a circle time with just your voice (songs, fingerplays, game). Will it take you longer to get kids into care potentially and you may want to charge a lower - read here a couple dollars lower than the lady down the street with the fancy set up if you think that will make you feel better and it might help since money talks sto many families. BUT do not label yourself as "just a babysitter" or you will not be taken seriously by any families. They will think this is a stopgap measure for you and that you are not serious. Let them know your plan, show them that you have the basics and that you will be using a portion of your income to expand what you are offering based on the ages of the children that come into care. Then make the local thrift stores your weekly destination and then it doesn't feel so bad to buy a $2 toy a week and it means you will be there when that great deal on the childsize table and chair or painting easle comes in. Do not sell yourself short. If you feel this is the right career choice for you then go for it.