Announcement
Graduates of the IRC in San Diego Childcare Licensing Program.
Photo: Rawan Elhalaby
Many refugee families arriving in the U.S. quickly realize that getting by on a single income can be extremely challenging, especially here in Southern California. But there can be many obstacles to both parents working outside the home. The cost of childcare often makes staying home with the children a more logical option than taking an entry level job, even for those who are interested in working outside the home. For others, limited formal education, English ability, or a lack of previous work experience creates barriers. Some are simply dedicated to being at home for their children and caring for the household.
A number of years ago, several women heard about the option to run a childcare business out of their own home and reached out for assistance getting started. The IRC In-Home Childcare Licensing Program has grown out of that initial request, and today approximately 30 individuals per year, approximately 90% of them women, become licensed after participating in the free, three-week program.
During the program, participants go beyond the basic safety and other California requirements to learn about business basics such as book keeping, financial management and marketing, how to submit the license, as well as health, nutrition, and other childcare topics.
Licensees often start out caring for the children of friends, family members, or neighbors, with up to 8 allowed under the initial license during the first year. While some are satisfied to keep the business small and earn just what is needed each month, others take advantage of the of the opportunity to expand and apply for a license that allows up to 14 children in care. Word of mouth brings new clients, and many take advantage of advertising outlets such as Care.com and Craigslist. Recently, the IRC compiled a Childcare Directory so that clients in all programs can access childcare options in their community.
The income childcare business owners earn is often higher than what they could make at a minimum wage job outside the home, and in some cases husbands and other family members join the business as well.
Beyond additional income for their household, these businesses offer many other benefits to the women who run them and their families. Over the years, a number of clients have been able to move into larger apartments or townhomes to allow more space for their growing business, and several have even become homeowners. Clients take advantage of ongoing training with the IRC on topics such as food & nutrition, car seat safety, and a mobile toy lending library. They also access the IRC’s wide array of Microenterprise programs, such as small business and auto loans, financial counseling, business plan assistance, and many other services to help their businesses thrive.
Perhaps more importantly, becoming the owner of a successful small business changes attitudes – women feel empowered and confident because they can now provide increased stability for their family. Childcare businesses can also serve as a connection to the community and allow women to become more involved in their neighborhood at a pace that is comfortable to them. Through word of mouth and advertising, those who which to expand begin caring for children outside their immediate circle, forming relationships and interacting with neighbors they otherwise may never have known. Many clients have even begun to learn or improve their English by communicating with the children they care for each day.
Regardless of how large or small each business may be, in-home childcare licensing is yet another example of the perseverence and desire to succeed of those who have fled their home countries to rebuild their lives in San Diego.