Latisha's Home Daycare

Becoming a Home Daycare Provider in Virginia

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 21:51:00 +0000

When I started back in 2005, licensing didn’t make providers have to have half of the paperwork that we have to do now. Below I have listed a couple of the new requirements. Some of the forms are old, like the background checks, TB testing, and sworn disclosure. Here is a link to DSS so you can see ALL of the new forms.

When I resubmit for renewal for licensure, they want to know whether I have ever declared bankruptcy, whether I’m overdue for MY taxes to federal, or state. Hmmmm… You ask what does that have to do with childcare, and I ask the same thing!!!! But, it gets better. They also want to know how much is your mortgage or rent, utilities, fuel for gas, maintenance for your vehicle, home maintenance, equipment, and the damn list goes on and on. So, if you’re interested in childcare get ready for all the forms.

Things to do:

- - Get a TB test

- - Background checks

- - Go through zoning

- - Pay a fee for zoning (approximately $1200) if you want 12 children at one time

- -Sworn Disclosure or Affirmation

- -If you’re going to give medication you have to have MAT training (Medication Administration Training)

Tomorrow is the big day!

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 23:33:00 +0000

I can't believe that tomorrow, my oldest son, will be starting his first year of high school! Damn, I'm getting old... I just can't believe that I have a 15 and 12 year old. The time goes soooo fast. I can remember when they were little in dependent, and now it seems like they only want to be bothered when they want something.... Oh, the joys of teenage years. I guess this is how my mother felt. I was terrible as a child. I gave that poor woman hell! I was sooo scared of having a little girl. The thought of getting pay back through my sons never crossed my mind. They are nothing like how I was "Thank God!" Anyway, that's it for tonight... :)

Pray for me!

More Possible Changes For Licensed Home Daycare Providers

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 21:20:00 +0000

Just when you thought, zoning was the only concern, here comes something else. More changes. The zoning thing still hasn't been worked out as of yet. There has been me, Nbc4, Washington Post, and other blogs that have written about this issue.

To learn about the proposed changes click the link. :)

1st Zoning Meeting (July 16th)

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 13:12:00 +0000

Yesterday's meeting was full to capacity. There were so many licensed home daycare providers, that they didn't even have enough seats. To be honest, the place was a mess, it was full of confusion, and to be frank pissed off providers. The interesting thing is zoning has been a part of the law for a long time, (according to the zoning rep). But, the state never enforced us to go through zoning until NOW. The thing that is crazy is not only do we have to go through a long and strenuous process with zoning, but the state has changed all of their renewal paperwork as well. So, think of it this way, its like we are required to submit the same paperwork as those trying to open a center.

The rep that was there stated that the special use permit is $1,100. Its supposed to be a one time fee, and every 5 years, you will have to pay 1/8 of the initial fee. Now according to the rep, a part of the process of getting the permit, is having to go to court (for a public hearing), to make sure that your business isn't a nuisance to your neighbors. If you have complaints then zoning, will use that to determine how many children that you will be allowed to have. Mind you, if you have a single family home, you are allowed to care for up to 7 by right. Meaning you don't have to get a special use permit. You would think that if you have a detached home that you would automatically be allowed the 12, especially if you have 1 or 2 assistants. But, that's just me.

If you have a town home, then you are allotted 5. BOOOOOO!!! So, that means, I will definitely need to apply for that special use permit. Damn.

Here's some fun facts:

-There is a grace period for providers that currently have have a license. (Sorry not for new licensees)

-Zoning will gladly take your fee of $1,100, but they still are working on how many children we will be allowed to care for as of right now.

-They aren't sure if you will be reimbursed if the fee goes down.

-They are trying to see if we will be allowed to keep our current licenses for 12, and not reduce us to the 10.

-Oh, and just because you pay for the special use permit for 12, doesn't mean you will get 12.

So, right now we are all in limbo. Oh, but if you are up for renewal you are still required to submit all the new paperwork from state and zoning. :(

Zoning...

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 20:57:00 +0000

There will be a total of 3 different meetings that will be taking place. One is on July 16th, August 22, and the other one (the Town Hall Meeting) is on July 23rd. We are supposed to be learning about how extensive the new forms for zoning will be, and how much more it will cost us for the permit. So, far I've heard that you have to take pictures of the outside of your home, and that they want to make sure that there is sufficient parking, so you don't disturb your neighbors. I also heard that the packet is about 31 pages long. So, it will be great to know for sure what there is to expect. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to these meetings, to know what's what!

I have been in touch with this other provider Susan, that is currently going through the process with zoning. So, when she learns something new she is gracious enough to share with us. She has compiled a list of different providers in our area, so we can work together to: a) get a maximum of 12 children, and b) reduce the permit cost.

If you are a daycare provider in Virginia, and are interested in being added to the list please pass me your information so I can pass it to her.

UPDATED~Town Hall Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 20:19:00 +0000

Dear Child Care Provider:

In the recent months, several changes have been implemented and discussed regarding child care permitting and regulating. In response, Supervisor Herrity is hosting a town hall meeting to discuss these proposals and to hear your feedback. These issues include new licensing requirements handed down by the Virginia Department of Social Services as well as new regulations being created by Fairfax County. These issues will affect both state and county licensed child care providers.

Child Care Providers and Parents' Town Hall Meeting

Monday, July 23rd at 7:00pm

Board Auditorium, Fairfax County Government Center

12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA

Fairfax County staff will be on hand to answer your questions. We hope you can attend this important meeting. Our office has received many calls and letters about these changes and hopefully this town hall meeting will help provide you information, address your concerns and questions, and provide an opportunity for you to have input into the process.

This event is free and open to the public. If you have any questions, or to RSVP, call our office at 703-451-8873 or reply to this email.

We look forward to seeing you on the 23^rd.

Updated Regulations for Home Daycare's in Virginia

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 21:27:00 +0000

I went to a meeting today, about changes that will occur for licensed family (home) daycare in Virginia. Today, we learned that a lot of us (home daycare providers) will be NOT be able to care for the same amount of children, that we were licensed for initially. For instance, I am licensed currently, for 12 children. But, because of new enforcement, my total will be dropping down to possibly 7-8, depending upon zoning. And, if you would like the max, which is 10 then you will have to get a special use permit, that will cost (approximately) for my area $910. Oh, did I mention that this goes into effect July 1st.

I am counting my blessings because, I won't have to deal with this until 2013. I heard one of the providers say that she pays 4,000 for her permit. So, I'm guessing it depends on where you live in Virginia, that determines how much you would have to pay for your special use permit, and how many children you would be allotted. I feel awful for the parents and providers, because those who have to renew their license, will be dealing with new paperwork, and zoning, so that means they will be telling parents shortly that they can no longer watch their child or children.

How do you determine what family needs to be given notice???? This is unfair but we have to do what we have to!

Sorry :(

9 Ways to Advertise Your Home Daycare for FREE!

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:42:00 +0000

~ Google Maps

~ Bing

~ Yahoo

~ Craigslist

~ A simple signature at the bottom of your e-mail

~ Blogger

~ Mention your home daycare business on your voice mail

~ Yellow pages

~ List your business anywhere that's FREE!

BONUS: drum roll please (lol)....

~ Yelp

Child Care Assistance

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:34:00 +0000

I have spoken with parents that may not be able to afford some of the rates in the Northern Virginia area. So, I decided to post about Childcare Assistance. If you live in Alexandria, you should check out their website. If you live in Fairfax County area here is there link. I hope that these links help!

Happy Healers

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:12:00 +0000

I went to my mailbox (yesterday), and received this cute and adorable gel pack. Not only is the pack cute, but you can use it, hot or cold. I put it in the freezer to test it out, and it worked like a charm. I haven't put it in the microwave or boiled water yet. You can order the packs with different characters, and colors. They come as a penguin like the picture I have attached, a elephant, bear, frog, or tooth. You have your choice of white, blue, green, or pink gel. Its really cute.

I took a picture of the pack so you could see what it looks like. I didn't expect to receive this and nor did I order it yet. So, to open up the mail, and it have my name and phone number on it was pretty cool. I'm thinking about ordering more. This would be a perfect marketing tool. Not only that, I am always looking for cool things to give my daycare kids for Christmas.

Thanks Accurate Manufacturing Inc.!
For more information check out there site. I also looked them up on Amazon just to see, if they sell there packs on there. And, sure enough they do!

Average Cost for Childcare in Northern Va Area

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Sat, 19 May 2012 07:20:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what the average rates are for Northern Virginia??? Well, me too. The list is pretty cool because it not only gives you the average of home daycare's, but centers too. I was interested because I always want to make sure that my rates aren't too high, and let me be honest, NOT too low either. I want to stay competitive without feeling like I am taking advantage. Anyway, I thought you might find this interesting. And, since I just got my laptop back from Sony, I'm digging around the web finding all kinds of interesting things.

Here's the list: Thanks to Fairfax County.

Dad’s Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:01:00 +0000

A Dad’s Perspective On Why You Should Own A Baby Monitor

Almost 3 years ago, my wife and I were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. Two years later, our amazing son entered our world as well. What a life changing event! But one of the biggest changes I noticed was in regards to my wife’s “parenting instincts”. She’s a total natural at being a mom. Caring, compassionate, patient, everything I’m notJ. However, one thing I can do well is stay calm, and not panic. My wife has a hard time with this, and worries about the kids constantly. So you can imagine how worried she was when we moved each kid into their own bedroom.

Having a baby video monitor made a huge difference for many reasons. In case you’re not aware, a baby video monitor gives you a clear image of your child (even in the dark) so you can ensure that they’re sleeping soundly.

At first, we would be up all night because both of us would check the monitor constantly (I’ll admit, I was nervous too). After a while, I was able to leave the monitor alone and trust in its effectiveness. My wife was able to do the same a short while later. Essentially, you have a clear image of your child, as well as audio so it’s just like being in the room with them. I loved the fact that I didn’t have to tiptoe through our room to get ready for work each morning, and my wife loved the fact that I wasn’t waking our kids up early as well.

Additionally, you quickly find that there are a lot of precious moments you capture with a baby video monitor. When my daughter goes to sleep at night, she holds up her bunny and pretends to let it drink out of her water up. My son likes to roll to the bottom of the crib and play with a toy attached to the crib until he falls asleep. It’s kind of cool to see how your kids act when you’re not around, and it saves you a lot of sleep when you know you don’t have to check on them every time you hear a noise! Many video monitors also come with a camera feature, so you can snap a picture anytime from the receiver to capture a cute moment.

And I wouldn’t be a true dad if I didn’t mention this last perk…..they’re affordable! It used to be quite expensive to purchase a baby monitor with a video feature. You can now get one for around $100, which is easily worth the cost.

So from the sleep I’ve gained back, to the freedom to roam around my room in the morning, to all the moments my wife and I have witnessed watching our kids on the video monitor, I can assure you from a dad’s perspective owning a baby video monitor is the way to go!

Matt Millensifer is the owner of safebabyvideomonitor.com, a website that sells baby video monitors and accessories. If you would like to reach him, send him an email at msiferllc@gmail.com.

Tax Time

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Its that time of the year again, that I hate! I have a ton of receipts and after all this time you would think that I would be great at organizing them. But, I still have no clue. I am in the process of using this neat receipts thing.

It supposed to digitally organize my receipts. The only thing I really don't like is that I have to put each of my receipt's in one by one, and when you have over a thousand receipt's, you are NOT going to be happy to do this. I would start putting them in monthly but I already know, I will start but, by month three, I'll be like the hell with it! As you can see I have done about a good hundred but still have 2,000 more to go lol... If you have any ideas I would love them!

Product Giveaway: Mymemories.com

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:59:00 +0000

I was sent this cool software from Mymemories, that I got to play with and will continue to use. You can use it to make all types of cool things like: Scrapbook layouts, photo books, cards, videos, calenders, and much more. It was extremely easy to use. I was able to create my sheet above in less than five minutes. They have templates that are ready to be used or some that you can pay for, that aren't expensive. If you have time you can look up videos on youtube so you can learn how people use the software.

For more information check out Mymemories suite :

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Just enter in this code to get $10 off :

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Munchkin Deluxe Bottle Warmer

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:46:00 +0000

I went to Walmart to purchase a bottle warmer, since I couldn't get it from Kmart. I picked up the munchkin deluxe bottle warmer, which I absolutely LOVE! I love it more than the first years bottle warmer.

Its pretty cool, it not only will warms up your babies bottle, but it will sanitize pacifiers or small baby accessories. It also sets off an alarm to let you know when your babies bottle is heated up and ready to go. I've used this bottle warmer over 20 times, and none of the babies bottles have ever been overheated. Which save time. If I had to choose between the first years or the munchkin bottle warmer, I would choose the munchkin every-time!

Potty Hook

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:10:00 +0000

Check out this nifty little hook that I found at K-mart. You hook it to the inside of your toilet and it just hangs there. Unfortunately, I don't have a sink with cabinets yet, so I have to find little ways so the bathroom doesn't look so cluttered. I thought this was cute so I decided to post it.

Nap Time

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:31:00 +0000

We normally have lunch between 12-1 pm. After lunch, the ~~(providers)~~ kiddies are ready to lay it down. Just Joking. The cribs that we have are portable. So we place them based on how the kids are behaving that day. Because, we have a mixed-age group, days are rarely the same. For instance, if its a Monday, or a long weekend, the kids seem to be really want to give us a hard time. But, its days like today that makes me want to have another baby. LOL...

Today, we have three cribs lined up like I have in the pictures. And, a full house, and ALL the kids are sleeping, yes even the infants. We have five infants today. God, is GOOD! :) Now, for the kids, that don't really like a lot of noise, we put them up stairs with the monitors. When your dealing with a mixed-aged group your schedule changes daily. In most cases, we will have a infant or two, that will be up and want to eat. So, we feed them in the high chairs, and it normally goes well. In most cases, if you have had a toddler from the time they were an infant, they are able to adjust, and still be able to sleep even when the kids are playing or screaming around them.

Recently, I decided to try one of our two year old's, on a cot, and that didn't workout to well. We noticed that he wouldn't sleep, so we put him back in the crib and he slept like a baby lol...

Thank you, Jan for asking me to post about "nap time" please feel free to contact me anytime! :)

Summer Infant - Day & Night Baby Video Monitor

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:41:00 +0000

I ended up purchasing two monitors, because I use my upstairs for a couple of the kids in my care to sleep during nap time. The monitors serve there purpose, I just wish that it wasn't in black and white. Oh well. The main thing is that I am able to see what the kids are up to before they doze off. There really isn't anything to setup. You literally just prop it, plug it in, and your done! I got it sometime last year so I don't remember what I paid for it, but it was definitely worth the money.

Saftey 1st Snack & Scibble Booster Seat

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:57:00 +0000

I LOVE these little seats, and so do the toddlers. I picked my up from BJ's Wholesale. The only problem now is that the older kids want to sit in these seats. While I'm getting lunch together the kids can draw or use the stamps. The best thing about this booster is that its easy to clean, and once you lift the play tray, their feeding tray is underneath.

The legs and the back rest fold, so if you are lacking space like we are its perfect. I also love my high chairs but, since we got the booster seats we have barely touched them. So, if your looking for seats for you home daycare, and have limited space this is a good option.

Baby Chef - Double-Duty Bottle Warmer

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:28:00 +0000

I purchased the Baby Chef bottle warmer, that is the WORST! I liked the idea that I could heat up two bottles at one time, especially, because we have soooo many infants! The fact that you could turn the dial to select a temperature you may need at the time would of been a plus, if it indeed, WORKED.
Anyways, we put the bottles in the warmer and it literally took so long, that I ended up putting the bottles one by one, into our old bottle warmer (First Years). I will be returning this warmer asap. Anyone, that has an infant knows that they don't care about being patient when they are ready to eat! Let alone 5-6 infants at a time. If your looking for a bottle warmer get this one:

Make Your Own Baby Food

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:22:00 +0000

I'm interested in learning how to make baby food. I don't think its rocket science, so I started looking into it. I wasn't sure if you have to add certain preservatives, if you aren't going to be giving to your child right away. And, also I want to find ingredients that the infants would actually like. Now that I am thinking about it, babies aren't that picky. (A least not the ones I have at my home daycare anyway) :)
It's pretty much whatever you get them used to. Its not until they get a little older that they might spit the food, and refuse it. They always make these cute little funny faces. I did see a great article at Parents, so if you are thinking about making your own baby food checkout the article. It doesn't seem that hard to just put random food together. They also have some recipes.

Missing MY Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 03:49:00 +0000

Okay, so I'm doing something that I never do. Which is write something about me. My kids are at their dads, and there isn't a damn thing to watch on TV. There isn't any arguing, and no kids for me to fuss at. I am totally bored, and missing my kids lol. While I am ecstatic that they are spending time with my ex, I am still missing the hell out of my brats.

Its funny because, when they are here, I'm ready to pull my little hair out! And, the attitudes (lord have mercy), did I mention that they are now 14 and 11. With all of that I just don't know what I would do if I didn't have my kids though! Anyways, I'm keeping this short and sweet.

Goodnight :)

Christmas Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 02:50:00 +0000

I checked out a bunch of places online. I have to say that Kmart has been the best. Especially, because I was looking for toys, and to get in and out of the store as quickly as possible! I hate the crowds of people, but I have to do what I have to. People claim that Walmart is the cheapest place to shop but every year for the past three years, Kmart has been on point. The same toy or toys at Walmart will end up being cheaper at Kmart. This is my new favorite place for the end of the year. :)

Debra Tillman: America's Supernanny

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 02:24:00 +0000

I will never forget, when I first heard about Debra Tillman. If you haven't heard she has centers in the DMV area. Anywhoo, she is the new "America's Supernanny." I was given a newspaper clipping, from one of the realtors, I used to work for at Long and Foster, sometime ago. I still have it. I am so proud of this woman. You would think that I actually know her lol...

Anyway, I tuned in to the first taping on Lifetime, and I have to say it was pretty good. I will continue to watch to see if I can use any of her techniques.

All the best to Debra!!!

Full-time vs Part-time Fees

noreply@blogger.com (Latishashomedaycare.blogspot.com) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 18:05:00 +0000

Some providers, including myself, charge a higher fee for part-time care, because we only have an allotted capacity. Every providers, limit is different, depending on whether they have a certificate, or license. The space of the providers home, and if she has children under a certain age, help to determine the amount of children she will be allowed to care for in her/his home.

So, if you have parents, that are only interested in part-time, most likely the provider is going to charge a fee, that will compensate, for the full-time payment. Or, have it where the parents, will decide to use the provider full-time.

I was reading about a parent in forum that decided to go PT, but was still paying for FT care, but when she wanted to use her providers services, she was told that she didn't have the space. Now, that to me is unfair. If the parent is paying you for FT care, then, whether she brings her child in or not, she has already PAID for that week. The provider should just count that family as one of how many children she is allowed to care for.

Why not ask the county or licensing if you can take on more kids or what you would need to do to make it happen???