Well, we're throwing the job thingy around for a loop now. I didn't get the job at Northwest. After I got the call I was bummed, but I actually felt alright with the situation. I started really reconsidering the nanny job (which I need to give them a decision soooon).
Here's where the curveball comes in. We've been discussing more kids (no not anytime really soon, but we're talking maybe later next summer/early fall trying to get pregnant) and if that works out the kids will be 2/2.5 years apart. We'd also be paying $300/week in daycare... kind of making me working full time (whether it be teaching or what not) kind of pointless. And we don't want only one child... and I definitely don't want our kids 5 or 6 years apart so P is in kindergarten when the second is born. Anyway.... I decided today that it really would make more sense for me to do in-home daycare until Porter and the next baby are in school. Even if we have a 3rd child and I went back to work before he/she is in school we could swing one kid in daycare as long as the others are school aged.
So I was talking to Katie today and to make a long story short, we're going to start an in-home daycare this fall/winter. But we're wanting to gear it more towards an in-home preschool type deal. I'm going to take the nanny job but let them know my intentions of eventually doing the daycare with Katie and I'm sure they'll be ok with the idea. (I hope). They are teachers also, and want the two girls to go to preschool, but are not wanting to pay me AND pay preschool... so it'll actually benefit them if I do do the daycare.
The ratio would be perfect... we can have 4 kids under 2.5 for each adult(Porter, Donnie and Luke- the baby of one of the teachers that I'll nanny for- with room for one more baby) and 6 toddlers- 2.5 years+- for each adult (Faith, Sheridan and we could take on 4 more toddlers.) Katie and I could switch off taking care of the babies and doing the preschool... that way neither of us get burnt out with either age group. And we wouldn't feel isolated because we'd have eachother to talk to. Thats one hesitation I have about the nanny job... I love to be around other adults and watching the 3 kids plus Porter I'll be all by myself with the kids all day.
We'll do this daycare in my home... and now you're wondering just how the heck this is all going to happen. We are going to have to move, of course. We looked at a house today, and LOVED it. Its a bank repo and its all new as of 2002. Its a little over 2,000sq ft. 4 bed/3 bath and spacious kitchen, living and dining room. I love it. But it doesn't have a basement and that irritates Ryan. Which doesn't work great for the daycare either because we plan to convert the basement of whatever house we move to into the daycare. However, off the dining room is a perfect place for a huge rec room addition. The downfall is we wouldn't be able to add that on right away so we'd have to have the daycare in my livingroom/general house area. So... in the next few weeks we plan to get pre-approved and depending on that price we'll put our house up for sale and see if we get any bites. We also have a list of houses to go look at. I want something 2,000sq ft minimum and at least 3 possibly 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. This house will be something we stay in for the next 15-20 years if not more. So it has to be something we can grow into.
After a few years and we get a somewhat established, Katie and I thought we could move the daycare to a rental home... use the living room for the playroom and the bedrooms for the preschool/learning rooms and one for the infant/baby room.
We have a long way to go... first we have to find a house that will be suitable. And one that we can afford. The thought of moving stresses me and I really don't know what we'll get approved for on just Ryan's income. And then theres the fact that we have to sell our house... which right now the selling market really sucks. We DEFINITELY could not afford two payments. No way. And then of course we have to get the business thing up and running.... getting licensed and getting the house up to code etc. UGHHH. However, I am really really excited about this and the more I think about it the more it makes sense for me to not worry about my career for a few years and focus on my kids and our family. The numbers defnitely add up... I just hope everything else lines up in order.
Wish us luck.
I think you would be awesome at this Nicole!! You should definitely go for it!!
Posted by: Denise | June 30, 2006 at 03:33 PM
I think it is a great idea, one I have thought about for myself in the future too. You are really thinking ahead about this and the mroe you plan, the closer this will be to happening! Good luck :)
Posted by: Kristi Sauer | June 29, 2006 at 09:22 PM
I have to say I admire the fact that you seem to have covered most, if not all, of the bases here with your idea. Your plan seems well thought out and realistic in a financial, family and educational sense. I would put together a business plan and try to work something out if I were you. Just my opinion though.
Posted by: Amy | June 29, 2006 at 01:49 PM
wow - sounds like you have a lot going on! I think you would make an amazing pre-school teacher! I hope it all works out for you! Good Luck with selling/buying a new home!
Posted by: Kristi Mangan | June 29, 2006 at 08:41 AM
Hey girl-- That rocks-- I wish Ryan and I had a house but until he is done with grad school there is no way. I agree with Barbie- keep the idea to yourself til maybe the fall. Cause does she want you just for the summer or all year? I would wait til you have the whole house thing worked out for sure- as that's a huge part of making the daycare thing work! Good luck though! What a great thing to be able to do this! Congrats- sounds like you have peace about it!
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Posted by: christy Kennedy | June 28, 2006 at 04:44 PM
Hey. Question. Wasn't the whole idea of the nanny job that those women wouldn't have to have a traditional daycare...they wanted a nanny? I don't want to sound negative to your idea but I am worried that if you go to them with this idea, they may decide completely against you....then no teaching job and no nanny job.
IMO: Take the nanny job but keep your "daycare idea" to yourself until they know how awesome you really are and how they can't live without you.
Posted by: Barbie | June 28, 2006 at 07:14 AM