"RACEcare" - On site childcare

[MrsHarp]

Clever name - huh?

So a few people have mentioned or have asked if I would be willing to keep their kids during an event and I'm kind of starting to think this would be a helpful service to the parents out there. I'm trying to get an idea of who all would be seriously interested in childcare the day of an event so I could start to work out logistics, cost, etc. The biggest obstacle that I foresee is just keeping kids at various ages corralled in a safe area.

I have looked into a big tent - think a zipped canopy of sorts - but those can be pretty pricey.
I'm open to suggestions and if anyone has any good ideas - fire away.

---
Michelle

[Gen52SS]

I don't have anything to offer but I think it's a great idea. ..thanks Mish

[disneyd]

I'm in.

[01badz28]

Clever name - huh?

So a few people have mentioned or have asked if I would be willing to keep their kids during an event and I'm kind of starting to think this would be a helpful service to the parents out there. I'm trying to get an idea of who all would be seriously interested in childcare the day of an event so I could start to work out logistics, cost, etc. The biggest obstacle that I foresee is just keeping kids at various ages corralled in a safe area.

I have looked into a big tent - think a zipped canopy of sorts - but those can be pretty pricey.
I'm open to suggestions and if anyone has any good ideas - fire away.

---
Michelle

One other thing to keep in mind is that you may need to become a licensed daycare operator with the state. That has caught out a few businesses in the past.

[jcoatney]

Definitely. We've been trying to figure out how to do this for a while. I wonder if a 10 x 20' canopy with the plastic orange fence around it would be enough room? I'm sure April would help out too when she isn't running.

[scottgib]

And insurance. You probably need an assistant.

[jcoatney]

I'm not sure about insurance, but mothers day out programs aren't licensed by the state.

[01badz28]

Yeah, I'd still get some insurance. And an LLC.

I'd probably start by calling these guys and telling them what you are planning on doing:

https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/

They can offer you some direction about what you need before you start incurring start up costs.

If you need any help, don't hesitate to call.

[MrsHarp]

well dang - i didn't realize this would get so complicated.

[steverife]

I think you can care for 5 or less kids without a license, but I'm not sure where "mobile" set ups fall into this...

[thrdeye]

Perhaps there is some leniency since the parents/guardians of the children are actually on site. Maybe it's not really considered a daycare at that point.

To me, the parents being there is different than dropping them and leaving them. The law may not see it that way.

[01badz28]

Like I said, I'd call DHS and get some guidance. A lot of the regs deal with standing daycare centers (basically, don't have a daycare center in a broken glass factory, or a meth lab) - so I'm not really sure how they would work with Michelle's idea. She may also not hit (or creatively avoid) the minimum child and hour qualification.

[Teufelshund]

Ariel and I would definitely be interested!

[timray]

You need no license to keep our little fella. We are good with adopting you as Aunt Michelle. Just an ETR family member watching all of her nieces and nephews.

[HammonYAY]

I know I would love to see this in action. My oldest son is autistic and is a little busy to be at the races, but my youngest isn't and wants to be with me but he can't while I am on the track. If this comes to fruition though, my wife would probably be up for helping.