How I did it

When I was a single parent the first time, I didn't have many options. I had my BA, but it was in English -- woo hoo, not many job opps there that would enable me to be at home. I looked at my options and saw only a few. Daycare was the one I chose back then.

I was able to get started because I was living at my father's house, and I lucked into a situation where I was caring for 2 kids from one family. At about $150/head, this was about what I'd bring home from an admin job back then. My son loved the company of other kids, and it was a great building block to getting more kids -- I was allowed up to 5 -- and when I got another family of 2, it enabled me to move out of my dad's house.

From there, I was able to build upon my success. In terms of home daycare, I'd always suggest getting certified or licensed in the state/county where you live. It gives you credentials and allows other doors to open -- like the USDA food program as well as caring for kids the county subsidizes, such as those in foster care situations or low income. The county used to pay a month later for these kids, but it was guaranteed income -- they wouldn't flake out on you and not pay.

The food program (USDA) doesn't pay a lot, but they do offer education in meal planning, which I loved. The small amount they pay comes in handy and every little bit helps.

Another tip I'd suggest is to keep every single receipt for your childcare business. Run it like a business and be a professional. You will be surprised at how much you can deduct when it comes to tax time. Just be aware of all the rules regarding what deductions you can take, and pay a professional if you aren't good at doing your own taxes.

Contracts with your daycare parents are imperative -- check with other providers in your area to see what their contracts entail and make sure you add in holiday pay, as many parents will not bring their kids on those days and won't want to pay you unless it's in your contract. Again, run it like a business and be professional.

Another tip = plan your days and weeks so you have activities with the kids and don't resort to allowing them to sit around and watch tv all day. There is nothing worse as a parent than realizing your child just sits in front of a television all day. That's not why you are getting paid. Be a GOOD daycare provider and be involved -- don't just turn on the tv because you want to sit around all day. You can't do that at a regular job, don't do it at your home business!

When I did daycare before, one way I was able to make more money was to take in part time kids and charge an hourly rate. This was allowed as long as I didn't go over my child limit, which was 5. I'd have a few kids who left by 3, which was perfect for the other random child or two who came to my house after school. I was still making my bread and butter money from the weekly kids, but the drop ins were the icing on the cake!

Network with other providers in your area, so you don't feel so isolated and alone. It's so easy to fall into the pattern of feeling almost depressed because you are working at home with no other adults around, don't let this happen to you! Even if you just meet up with other providers or SAHM's once a week at the playground, it will make a difference in how you feel!

Also, don't go into this line of work if you don't like children, have no patience, or have children that need your undivided attention. Remember your purpose is to help take care of these children in your care -- if you have doubts as to whether or not you can do it, don't.