Kid Shortage

I had three interviews for potential clients recently.  Two out of the three seemed likely.  The third I knew would never consider a place like mine.  She was referred through Sierra Moms, but was too over protective of her children to like my style.  She wouldn't let the 3-yr-old out of her sight, even when we could hear her playing in the playroom nearby, and she kept jerking the infant away from curious little eyes.  She even complained that her 3-yr-old daughter wanted to touch the baby too much.  There was definitely no way she would appreciate my "let kids be kids" attitude!

The other two were very positive, so I was surprised that I didn't hear back from either one.  I followed up with them both this week and in both cases my hours aren't long enough.  Bummer.

This economy is forcing parents to go further and further afield to find work, so in one case they needed someone who opened at 6:00 am, and in the other someone who closed at 6:30 pm.  I can't imagine my day could get any longer than it is already, but I may have to consider a 6:00 pm closing time just to stay afloat.

I know that longer hours is a big draw for center-based care.  Twelve hour days make it very convenient for commuting parents, that's for sure.  Centers can stay open for twelve hours because they basically carry two shifts of employees.  Here, although I have an assistant, I'm on the clock for every moment I'm open, even when I'm not physically present.  Ultimately, these kids are my responsibility, and I am never far in case I'm needed.

I know there are some in-home providers that stay open until 6:00 pm.  I know of many who are only open 3-4 days a week, or who only do after-school care, or are only open 9 hours.  I don't know how those find clients able to work with that schedule.  There has to be a balance in order not to get burned out.  I guess there is a reason the average lifespan of an in-home provider is 7 years!

I'm trying a new form of advertising soon, so maybe that will generate more leads.  Right now my plan is to continue as I am until my son is out of school, then work through the summer without help.  My assistant is going on maternity leave soon, so hopefully by the time she is ready to come back, there will be work for her.  Otherwise, I have found that this is a very cyclical business, and have had several periods in the last six years where I've had an assistant, then worked alone, then needed an assistant again.

I'm willing to wait and see!