Hello Everyone,
I hope I am not doing anything wrong by re-posting this as a new thread. I had added this same message under the "what to-what to do" message that was posted earlier this week, but had not seen any responses and was wondering if my message was too "tucked-into" the thread??

Here is my question:
Would you take advantage of a "Drop and Shop" childcare service?

I've been putting some thought into this service as an option for SAHMs who need to do errands or take time for themselves.. and don't want the little ones in tow....

I am located next to an extensive shopping area (large mall, food stores..) I was thinking of offering an organized drop off play group that would be available 2 mornings a week for 1 to 3 hours. I am thinking that limitng my days/hours allows me to still have time for just my family and our schedule, while I would also be able to help off set some household costs without my having to work nights or weekends.

If any of you would take adavantage of a service like this, how much per hour seems reasonable? And would you require that I be licensed??

What are your thoughts? Thanks for any input!

Great idea, however, I would only drop off my child if I knew the person or if they came recommended by a friend who gained trust in the sitter. If you started off sitting for a friend or relative's child/children, then they can recommend you to their friends/family. I have no idea how much you should charge for this service.

Yes, I think it is a good idea, but you also need to have licensing done and background checks and talk up your qualifications, so people will trust you.

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I used to offer this, advertised for free "mother's morning out" on craigslist childcare section. It was a big hit. I charged $5 per hour for 1 child, $7 for 2 and I would have charged $10 for 3 or more but I never watched more than 2 at a time. I did it set hours (just a couple) and set days (twice a week was the perfect time frame for me). It gets you alot more money than full time childcare and it's more rewarding with less stress. I don't do childcare anymore b/c I have so much going on now, but it was a nice way to get extra money if you love kids. I wasn't licensed b/c I never had more than 6 kids and I ended up having my "regulars" that got to know me well, but you probably should especially if you don't have experience or references, and depending on your county's laws.

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Stacia, that's a great idea! I just emailed it to a friend who is looking for pt work.

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There was a lady here doing it, and I thought it was great, and reasonable ($6 per hr), but she also took in regular clients, and their needs always trumped the dropped in...she often was too full when she was needed, so it became too unreliable. You don't want people just showing up at your door, so you'll have to think about how far in advance you require reservations.

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I was sort of thinking the same thing. I know there is a limit to the number of children one adult can watch. So you would more than likely have to have a time that reservations would have to be made, instead of folks showing up at your door and you having to turn them away, which may happen anyway.

Good luck... I think it's a great idea.

Great idea.

BTW, if you decide to go for it, I've noticed and interesting advertising strategy around here. Not sure what your zoning laws are about those plastic signs you stick in the ground, but here they are pretty lenient. Anyway, someone posted a sign in plain view of the car drop off and pick-up lines at all of the local schools. They are green with white lettering which really catches your eye (most of the time the signs I see are white). Anyway, I think this person was really smart in where she placed them.

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Megan

Hello!
Thank you so much for your support and feedback. I am getting excited about the possiblity of making some one else's life easier, meeting some new people, spending some quality time with the kids and bringing home some $ without working nights and weekends!
Thanks again!