If you are making yourself available to care for a sick child, make sure it is clear who is to pick that child up from school. Most schools will not release a child to anyone but a parent unless they have written authorization. Your attorney can give you blank forms that grant permission for you to obtain emergency medical care, drive the family car, and identify you to police and other authorities as having permission to live in people’s home while they are away. An insurance agent can advise about necessary liability coverage and offer suggestions about proper coverage if you will be driving children in your own car or in the family vehicle.
Post flyers at schools, community centers, and retail stores to inform your business to another people. Place ads in newspapers, school newspapers, and shopping guides. Contact the principals of area schools and ask if they would keep your name on file as a child care resource. They may not be willing—or able—to make recommendations, but they might pass along your card. Ask friends and neighbors to recommend your services; offer a bonus or commission for work they send your way. Do the same for satisfied customers.
Charge by the day for each day you are in the house; typical rates range from about $100 to $200 per day. The client is responsible for stocking the refrigerator and kitchen and providing a pool of cash for additional food, if needed, and for school lunches, allowances, and the like. If you use your own vehicle for shopping or transportation, you should charge a reasonable mileage rate.