FAQ

Ask an Expert! If you have any questions about providing child care, please contact one of our knowledgeable consultants at PacificCARE.

Frequently Asked Insurance Questions for Caregivers:

Q: Do I need special insurance for my vehicle when I use it for my child care business?

A: Yes, using your vehicle more than 6 times a month for child care related travel would require you to have business use coverage. Please contact your local insurance dealer for more information.

Q: Do I need to have child care liability insurance coverage, or will my home liability insurance be enough?

A: For licensed child care providers home insurance will not cover children that you are being paid to care for. It is important for your own protection as well as that of the children to have adequate child care liability insurance. Home liability insurance may be enough if you are a license-not-required caregiver, but you would need to confirm that with your individual insurance agent and inform them that you are being paid to care for children in your home. PacificCARE has a group liability insurance policy that you may be interested in purchasing. The cost is reasonable and the policy is specialized for child care providers. Please contact PacificCARE for more information.

Q: Where can I get my hands on some new materials or ideas to use with my children?

A: PacificCARE has a resource library of books, videos, toys, theme boxes and equipment that are available to members on loan. Please contact our office to find out more about becoming a member.

Q: I'm thinking about caring for two or three children in my home. I also have two kids of my own. Can I do this?

A: You can care for a maximum of two children not related to you by blood or marriage without obtaining a license. (The only time you could care for more than two children other than your own is if they are a sibling group from one family.) Anyone caring for three or more children is required by law to become licensed. PacificCARE has more information about becoming licensed or about getting support as a license-not-required caregiver.

Q: I have a parent who is frequently a few minutes late picking up her child. She is also often late with payment and gives lots of excuses each time. What should I do?

A: Having a good contract that both you and the parent have agreed to and signed can prevent a lot of headaches. Think about having a written policy for late pick up and late payment. Make sure your expectations are clear with the parent. Don't be afraid to enforce the agreement. You can be flexible when there are the occasional exceptions or emergencies but if the parent is continually not abiding by your guidelines this is disrespectful. Parents in general will treat you how you treat yourself. If you act professional you will be more respected. If you are not clear about boundaries then you are more vulnerable to being taken advantage of.