-
Step 1
As a previous daycare owner, I know there are many steps to take in opening a care center for children. Although I owned a commercial (47 children) location, in-home daycare owners should be aware, and follow, the same strict regulations.
-
Step 2
Before accepting children, I highly recommend contacting your state's business regulatory agency. Each state seems to label it differently, such as Development of Economy, Department of Business, etc. Each state will provide you with the regulations to open a daycare facility.
-
Step 3
With the regulations in hand, you will now have an idea of what (if any) changes or improvements need to be made to pass inspection and become licensed. Yes, inspection, I had over 14 inspections in the one year that I owned my daycare! The first inspection is always the hardest. However, it does get easier from there. They will leave a copy of the report with a list of any issues that need addressed, and you can usually have another inspection rescheduled right away.
-
Step 4
Once your facility is ready, you will then need to consider how you will handle payment. I highly recommend accepting state programs that assist in paying daycare for low-income families. While you only get your checks monthly, you know you will always be paid (at least partially).
-
Step 5
There is also a program available that will reimburse you for food served in your daycare. In the state of Missouri it was simply titled, "The Food Program." This is a good portion of your income and the state department handling the inspections and licensing should have that information readily available.
-
Step 6
There are many other factors to consider when opening a daycare. The insurance alone can be quite costly (and sometimes difficult to get). Contact your current insurance provider to get an idea of what you can expect to pay. Employees are another issue that can be a complicated matter, but most in-homes won't require that.
-
Step 7
For more detailed information, I have found a great Start-Up Kit for opening a daycare that covers the above issues, and many more. I have provided a direct link under the Resources Heading below, titled Daycare Start-Up Kit. This will be very beneficial to anyone considering opening a daycare.
