I've been providing care for neighborhood children for a number of years. It started out to be a way for me to be at home with my own while still making a financial contribution to my household, but after mine were all in school, I found that I continued because I loved it.

Through the years I have developed policies to be fair to both the parents and myself. I have found a nice balance, and hope that these tips might be helpful for anyone considering opening a home daycare.

* I charge a flat weekly fee -- same price for all ages, same price for full or part time. I usually raise my rates about every 2 years, typically by $25 week.

* I give each set of parents one week each year for their vacation that they do not have to pay me for provided they tell me more than one week ahead and they take a complete week (no days here and there).

* I take one week of vacation each year and do not expect to be paid for it (although a lot of parents choose to pay me -- gotta love 'em!). I give the parents several months notice as to which week I'll be unavailable so that they can make arrangements to either take that time off or find someone to watch their kiddo for the week.

* I get paid for their children's sick days. If I am available, I expect to be paid.

* If I get sick (which truly RARELY happens), I do not expect to be paid for my sick time. Through the years, though, every parent that I have ever had has paid me for my sick days. I really appreciate it, but have never expected it.

I really have to feel just awful to take a sick day -- unlike a more traditional job where there is always somebody to fill in if you are sick, I know that if I call parents and tell them that I am sick, it leaves them scrambling for someone to watch their child or forces them to stay home for the day. Because of that, I never take a day without notice, "just because."

* I am happy to provide the kiddies with breakfast, lunch and snacks. I have known several providers who seem to resent everything that the daycare kids eat, and I think that is ridiculous -- if my child was somewhere, I would want to know that they could eat if they are hungry!

* Parents are expected to provide diapers, baby wipes, formula or breast milk and baby food for little ones. Once they are eating and drinking regular stuff, I provide it.

* Parents are welcome to bring snacks or treats for the kids, but if they choose to, they must bring enough for everyone. I had one mom who used to show up with a Happy Meal for her child and I would have to watch all of the others drooling. Not fair. I tell them that if they can afford a special treat for only their own, then the child must finish it before arriving.

* As far as holidays, I'm usually off Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (but not always the Friday after, although I prefer to be), Christmas Eve (sometimes I work a half-day if parents really need me to) and Christmas Day. On these weeks, I still get paid the full amount.

In my next submission, I will go over my sick child policy.