Retirement?

[butterfly]

When it comes time for me to retire, I think I'd just not enroll any more clients. I'd allow the children to age out and then be done as the families leave. It would allow me to slowly transition out of it.

I also like the sub idea - my main concern with that is going into someone else's program. I'm very particular in how I like things done... I think it would drive me crazy to work in another environment and not really have any control over how things were run - especially considering I'd be there on such a rare occasion.

[Play Care]

Outside of subbing, another option would be emergency back up care - people call you when their own daycare is closed...
Not sure how that works with licensing though.

If she was just occasionally babysitting for a family she probably wouldn't need any license. Especially if she went to their house.

[Laurel]

What about doing a half day preschool program? That would solve all the problems you listed on your pros list, while still allowing you to contribute to the household. If there isn't a market for that type of care where you are, I think the best option would be to do part time all day care. Good luck in your decision!

That would be great but in our state we have voluntary pre kindergarten paid for by the state for 4 year olds. I doubt there would be anyone who would pay for a 4year old when they can get it free. I could do it in my home but I have to have a minimum number of children and do it five days a week.

Laurel

[Laurel]

You could market yourself to families who have short days or two days a week. Be a boutique daycare!

That is such a cute way to put it...a boutique daycare. I bet that would actually work too.

Laurel

[Laurel]

Have you considered being a substitute?

Many area providers don't have back up or substitutes. Perhaps you could market yourself as a sub (you have ALL the training etc) for area providers.

If they all have your number you could have them book you in advance for whatever days/hours they need.

I bet providers in your area would love having a back up they can count on and one who really knows the ins and outs of running a child care on a daily basis.

I have considered it. That is an idea. I have done it for my provider friend when she had a death in the family. Later I found out it probably wasn't legal cause I wasn't listed as her sub. Luckily everything went okay though. Here even if you are a licensed provider (which I am and I must be) doesn't mean I can do it in someone elses house even though her house is also up to licensing regulations. Kinda dumb really. I'm approved, her house is approved but my license is for me to watch children in MY house.

Also I have subbed for her but the children came to my house. I'd prefer that. I could contact other providers and be their back up but the families would have to come to my house.

Laurel

[Laurel]

I never understood the whole "I'll be bored if I'm not working" school of thought. I would love to have "free" time to volunteer - at the library, schools, day care, hospital, etc. Take some classes - our local library is always offering something and the bonus is they are free (or a small donation) I know you watch your grand kids, I think it would be nice to just be grandma who babysits on occasion rather then "grandma daycare."
If you wanted to still watch some kids on occasion to get some cash, you could advertise as an occasional day sitter or maybe as a back up care provider.
Good luck with whatever you decide!

Yes, I went through that train of thought also. Before my mom died she said "Work as long as you can cause you'll get bored." I guess it is stuck in my head.

I do have a 'to do' list in my head. Join a gym, take some classes, do volunteer work, take naps ::, and yes, be just a grandma.

When mine were little I didn't do daycare. I was just a stay at home mom. I found plenty to do so now I could be a stay at home grandma I guess. I remember baking a lot of nut breads back then and taking some college classes.

Laurel

[Laurel]

Outside of subbing, another option would be emergency back up care - people call you when their own daycare is closed...
Not sure how that works with licensing though.

I do know the procedure for our area. I would have to be a 'floating sub' so I could work in more than one family child care home. I'd rather not do that. I'd rather say something like "I am available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at my house for backup care if you need to take off." I'd rather have families come to me. Oh no, but then I'd have to keep my license current. That would be a pain. I can only watch one child or two that are related without a license. Bummer.

Laurel

[Laurel]

If she was just occasionally babysitting for a family she probably wouldn't need any license. Especially if she went to their house.

No, no license if I went to their house. Now if they were already a family child care provider then I'd have to get paperwork to be their sub.

Laurel

[Laurel]

Well, if you do retire......you're already in Florida. ::::
Actually, I'd like to summer in New England and winter in Florida. ::

That's what I said when I moved here 18 years ago!!! ::

Laurel

[Sugar Magnolia]

That's what I said when I moved here 18 years ago!!! ::

Laurel

:: Yep, I've been in the State myself 30 of my 46 years...and never going back.::
I just want an RV, a cabin in VT where I grew up and a double wide in a 55 and up park down here. ::

[Sunchimes]

You mentioned feeling bad about not bringing in any money, but at 62, you can start drawing your social security. Depending on how much you've paid in, it would be money coming it without having to do daycare.

[Laurel]

You mentioned feeling bad about not bringing in any money, but at 62, you can start drawing your social security. Depending on how much you've paid in, it would be money coming it without having to do daycare.

True, I have kind of checked into that. It wouldn't bring in much. It would bring in more if my husband would retire and I could take from his.

But yes, it is something at least.

Laurel

[Laurel]

:: Yep, I've been in the State myself 30 of my 46 years...and never going back.::
I just want an RV, a cabin in VT where I grew up and a double wide in a 55 and up park down here. ::

We have 55 and up communities here but quite a few years ago it became illegal to just sell them to ages 55 and up. Now anyone can buy them. They make good starter homes for newly married couples. We chose to live in a regular community with all ages.

Just saying....I realize you were being light hearted!!

Laurel