How to Start a Successful Daycare Center
Starting a business caring for children is a rewarding endeavor that can also bring in a steady income stream. Daycare businesses are one of the easier small business operations to start, but obtaining clientele will take hard work, good business practices, a strong reputation and satisfied clients that are willing to spread your service through word of mouth. Once you obtain a license, with everything else in place you could be up and running within three months.
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Things You'll Need
- License from the state
- CPR certification
- Building (or a segment of your house devoted to the business)
- Toys
- Games
- Puzzles
- Sleeping mats
- Meal Plan
- Insurance
- Decorations
- Televisions
- Videos/DVD's
- Video games
- Books
Instructions
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Daycare center
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1
Each state has a set of rules and regulations for daycare businesses. First you will need to incorporate as a business, and obtain the operate as a daycare license from your state. To get this license, fill out an application and the state will send a regulator out to investigate the property. Once it passes inspection, you will receive the license within 30 days. Also CPR and first aid certification is required for all employees of the daycare center, including the owner.
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2
Choosing whether to start this business in your home or another location is an important first step. The larger the initial building, the more you can see your business grow. Make sure all permits and inspections are complete, and the entire property has been infant and child-proofed to avoid accidents. If you're planning a larger facility, expect to invest as much as $5,000 for start-up costs.
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3
Purchase toys, books, games, puzzles and sleeping mats that are appropriate for a variety of ages. Decorate the center to reflect a calm, fun environment. Install televisions with libraries of education videos and video games. Purchase signage for the front, and safety gates. Contract with an insurance company to provide coverage.
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4
Purchase supplies for your meal plan, You will need a refrigerator to house nutritious snacks such as fruits, and vegetables or a kitchen area to be able to prepare meals. Hire staff that can work with you. Do background checks on the staff.
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Marketing and advertising your business in and around local schools, pools, neighborhood association buildings and gyms will greatly improve awareness of your business. Stage an open house to have parents come into your facility. Set up pricing and payment plans that are affordable for the neighborhood.
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Have a grand opening party that coincides with the first day of school, the typical time when parents might need after-school day care.
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Tips & Warnings
-Always smile and continue to reassure parents their child is safe and secure with you. This is the most important marketing you can do. -Take all parents concerns seriously. The most precious thing to them is their child and they will have no problem taking them away from you. -Continue to purchase new toys, books and puzzles to keep children entertained. -Offer parents discounts for referring their friends. -Attend events geared towards mothers or expectant mothers. Apply for grants from the state government to work with low-income children.
-Carefully choose your employees. Do thorough background checks and interview former employees and references. Having an employee with a bad past can cost you your license. -Monitor children's behavior and make sure they are enjoying the experience. It's good for business if they tell their parents they like spending time at your facility.
