Can you explain your rates to me?
Based on what parents tell me, qualified child care is hard to find. I hope that you think you found the right place. My rates may seem higher than another sitter you have hired, but my rates are right in line with any agency that is providing you with pre-screened quality child care, only you don't have to pay a $300-600 finders fee to me to use me or my referrals. This is my business and unlike someone doing this for extra money/hobby, this is indeed part of my career and my continual education. I hope the information below explains my higher rates than the teenager down the street or another sitter you have hired.
IRS
I pay SE (self-employment) taxes on the income I make, which accounts for a loss of over 30% of what I earn. My loss your gain: You have the benefit of reporting your child care expenditures to the IRS for a tax deduction! (we all love deductions!) Of course along with the IRS, is my accountant I pay to help me fill out all those forms, as well as help me with all those deductions!
Licensing & Registrations
"Dream Babysitter" is registered via the city of Encinitas: Business Registration # 16164.
I do not have a "child care license" because that is not required by Community Care Licensing in California to provide child care in the manner I do. However, my criminal history is verified with Community Care Licensing (FBI/DOJ/CAIC) via LifeScan Fingerprinting, & I am cleared with Public Trustline. With my driver's license number, families can call an 800 number via Trustline to verify my cleared status.
Insurance
I have professional liability and premise liability coverage for educators in private practice by Forest T Jones/Nutmeg Insurance Company (broker/agent: Douglas G. Koscher) - Policy # 37EENOB1614. This insurance covers me in my home or yours, as well as other locations where I am providing child care. I also have complete auto insurance coverage via USAA.
Affiliations/Memberships
Through my company Art4Children, I am a proud member of National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) & and the National Art Education Association (NAEA) which keeps me up-to-date with both the educational and emotional needs of children. I participate in seminars, conferences and plan to participate in events and writings for their publications.
My Commitment
Working with children is a life-long commitment, and how I conduct myself with the family and the children I encounter proves as such. Not only are you getting someone who loves children and is experienced, you are getting someone who is professional, reliable & personable and has 10 years of experience in the classroom and 17 total years of providing child care. I consider myself your contracted employee, and answer to your needs and the needs of your child above and beyond my own needs. You are more than welcome to interview me in a manner that makes you comfortable with your decision to have me work with your family.
Do you charge a driving fee?
I charge .30 cents a
mile for child care that requires driving. I don't charge mileage to drive to your home provided it is within 10 miles of Encinitas.
What if I want to meet you first?
I charge a $20.00 flat fee if you would
like to meet me before your first child care booking. Meeting is limited to one hour.
You are more than welcome to have me come one hour prior to you leaving me with your
child(ren), for the regular hourly rate.
Do I have to sign a contract?
Yes, you need to fill out and sign the Parent app/contract prior to me providing you with child care. The contract is for event child care as well as regular, out of town and occasional child care. The contract must be printed & signed by both parents and mailed to the address on the contract.
What if I want you to watch my kids
and another families in my home?
I charge $3.00 per hour for ONE child
from another family. After that ONE child, it's 1.00 each additional child. ex. I watch
your two children (ages 10 & 14), and another families children (ages 9 & 10)
---the hourly rate would be ($11.00 + 4.00 per hour).
Will you provide references?
Absolutely! I will provide you with as
many references as you need to feel comfortable. Please see my qualifications & bio for more
information.
When are you available?
Because I teach art 5 days a week and have a child myself, it's best to drop me an email/or call with
what your needs, and I can see if I can accomodate them. Some parts of my schedule are
flexible. My weekends are generally open although I do sit for some families on a regular
basis. I also give referrals if I cannot provide you with childcare for whatever reason.
What if I am coming into town and need child care?
I require a 50% deposit for child care
for Fri, Sat or Sun if booked ahead of time. This protects me from loss on income due to a last minute cancel. Your deposit is applied towards the total cost of child care and is not refundable should you cancel with less than 72 hours notice.
How far will you travel from Escondido?
Although I prefer to not travel more than
10 miles from my home in Escondido, I will take a child care job further away, provided
you will need me for at least 5 hours & pay a driving fee of .30 cents a mile, in addition to the
hourly rates above.
Do you do overnights with children/pets?
I can't do overnights at this time b/c I have a daughter and my husband doesn't want me gone that long!
Hours before 10pm & hours after 6am are the regular hourly rate.
Do your rates ever increase?
Rates increase by $3.00 for New Years Eve
& New Years Day, Easter, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & other holidays. Also,
rates increase by $3.00 when two families combine their children for babysitting or if you need me for event child care.
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