Nanny on Demand is barely out of diapers, yet this growing enterprise providing flexible daycare without requiring a long-term contract announced this week that it's ready to take its franchise opportunity beyond Michigan's borders.
The newest of West Michigan's first three Nanny on Demand locations will open in early- to mid-February along Grand Rapids' Medical Mile at 545 Michigan St. NE, behind
El Barrio Mexican Grill.
Nanny on Demand provides daycare for up to four hours for small groups of children aged one to seven years. Parents register online or in-person.
"A lot of moms use us when they have a doctor appointment or they just need daycare for a few hours," says Nanny founder Velda Rockel. "It's spontaneous. Once you register, you can use us however you need to use us."
The cheery interior invites children and parents to enter a garden of play through an arched trellis, part of a white picket fence that divides the play area from the entry. Whimsical murals by West Michigan artist Linda Lueders enliven the space with playful fairies, flowers, even a hedgehog, all painted in soft pastels.
The Nanny cares for up to 15 children at a time with a staff ratio of one teacher for every six children. Rates are hourly: $8 for the first child, $4.50 for the second, and the third child is free.
"Most of our staff are teachers and we use the Mother Goose curriculum," Rockel says. "The kiddos sing songs, do arts and crafts and sometimes when you pick them up, maybe they've learned a new color."
Rockel's goal is to locate Nanny centers in strategic areas so parents can get spontaneous daycare wherever they are. The first three locations -- Caledonia, Byron Center Rd. near
Metro Health, and Michigan St. -- set the tone for franchise opportunities in other West Michigan areas and Detroit. Rockel will announce the details on the new out-of-state franchise opportunities this summer.
Source: Velda Rockel, Nanny on Demand
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor
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