Today on the home school section of Families.com, I discussed the value of a caregiver for a homeschooled family. I would like to discuss this angle further from a business aspect. I believe there is a growing need for caregivers or nannies that are targeted toward the homeschool family. As homeschooling grows in popularity and one income families become scare a gap must be filled and this gap could be filled by you.
As with any business you first must determine your role to market yourself efficiently. You need to examine yourself to know if the role is right for you. What about pay scale? What about hours? What about vacation? If you embark on this path you must be clear on these points as you are not an employee but a business person. You determine your road and find a family to travel on it or you will end up in tow behind the family. If you consider yourself an employee then you will want to find an environment best suited to you yet you will have to be flexible enough to roll with the punches and have your vacation, holidays, pay and time dictated to you. Either option may prove profitable but finding which one you fit into will determine your level of job satisfaction.
Who would need a caregiver for homeschooled children?
Single Parents
Work at Home Parents
Part Time Working Parents
Full Time Working Parents
A homeschool family whose primary homeschool parent has passed away.
What characteristics would appeal to a homeschooling family in a caregiver?
Background in education or child care: possibly a retired teacher, former homeschooler, college student, or nanny.
Love for children.
Love for education.
Creativity
Reliability
Trustworthiness
Person who will respect the wishes of the parent on matters of education and religion.
What is the pay scale?
Pay scale is determined by demand and location. Caregivers in general get paid in the neighborhood of $6.00-$10.00 an hour. Day care providers specializing in infant to preschool age often charge by the week or as low as $5.00 an hour. If you are blown away at how little they make then check your area as the job may demand more pay. You will have to determine your pay based on your area to be fair. Also consider a flat weekly rate as that allows a reliable income regardless of holidays or loss in hours. If you choose that method have a plan for overtime.
What are the hours?
A caregiver can expect to work the day shift. Yet, you may find second and third shift opportunities depending on the parent’s work schedule. If you market yourself as someone specializing in homeschool families you will most likely appeal to those who require day time hours. Determine if you want to work full or part time. You must also determine if you are willing to work overtime and overtime pay.
What about vacation and holidays?
If you decide to embark on this as a business then you must predetermine which holidays you will not work before interviewing a family. You will not need to have your vacation schedule planned yet you must have a plan for vacation. Such as telling the family you will give them your vacation six months in advance, three months in advance, etc. Be reasonable as the family will also have to plan for your absence.
What is the role of the caregiver?
A caregiver for a homeschool family may have the duties of a day care provider to that of a chauffeur and substitute teacher. The parent will have an idea of the expectations of a caregiver and that will ultimately determine if you are hired. A parent may want someone there for a few hours and takes a hands off role. A parent may need a caregiver who helps with school work, presents a lesson or takes the children to activities. Determine in advance how much responsibility you are willing to take on and what you will charge based on your level of responsibility. It is important to determine the role you wish to invest in this venture to ensure you find the right fit.