Private?? OR to join an Agency???

[bright sparks]

I think there would be pros & cons for both sides. A lot of new providers who don't have many contacts will go with an agency until they are able to find their own clients. I know one huge negative is that you will not make the same amount of money as you would privately. I chose to be private from day one as I wanted to be in control of my own business and all aspects of it. Good luck on your decision.

There are many free resources out their for finding clients without signing away a portion of your income. The HCCPA has a very effective referral system and the Halton Resource centre out of Milton also have a referral service. I have first hand experience with these and found that the HCCPA was sufficient to have my phone ringing constantly with parents looking for care. When I moved to Niagara Region I set up a free website and only started posting online at that point and now that is where most of my clients come from. Nancie, I would suggest you get together with the association members and discuss your concerns with them for reassurance which is very specific and relevant to your area. I don't think an agency is worth it and think you will likely regret getting involved with one when you find that they really are not of any benefit and probably make things more difficult for you in the long run.