in-home child care provider, nanny

When my sons were little, I was licensed to do childcare. But when I decided to go back to school, I didn't want to put the boys in daycare/afterschool care so I hired an in-home provider. I actually shared her with another mom and it worked out great because we both got to split some of her costs. She drove to our home and we agreed upon an hourly wage. We did not provide any benefits but we did draft a contract between the three of us. We paid her nicely and she took care of breakfast, lunch and snack for the kids. I placed an ad with our local community college and the state university looking for someone who, but not necessarily, was an Early Childhood Major or working towards a degree (even Child Psyc, etc.). They kept the job lisitings in their office for those students who were seeking employment or who needed work/study hours in their major. She had her own car and we rotated homes. Besides the hourly rate, we chipped in for small gifts (gift cards) since she was so good. There are also agencies that can help with this and most state agencies have registered lists of nanny agencies or providers who can care for your children in your home. I have seen ads in small community newpapers as well as church bulletins. The hard part is screening and our provider was the second since the first one really wasn't as enthusiastic with the kids and she called in periodically and put one of us in a bind often. Good luck and I hope this info helps!!!!!:) kllee

We had an Au Pair. She was very good with Ryan, provided very patient and loving care. Her Agency (you must use an approved agency) paid for her health care benefit. We had to provide car insurance coverage, 2 weeks paid vacation, and up to $500 for her to go to school (she didn't use it). We paid her $140 a week, plus room and board. The agency also charged a fee, of course. When we were in the program, they could only stay for 1 year. Now they can stay for 2 years, which would have been great! HTH Regina, AMom to Ryan Joshua Thomas