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How to Open & Operate a Daycare Center

Contributor
By Anastacia Adler
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

A daycare center is a place in which parents leave their children when away at work or school. A daycare may be a large facility that is part of a national chain. You may also operate a daycare out of your home. If you are thinking of opening a daycare center there are many specific items you will need in order to do so. Make sure you understand what is required well in advance in order to be in compliance with state regulations.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Set aside space. In order to open up a daycare center you should have a space for to care for babies and children. This space should meet all state safety regulations. Electrical outlets should have covers. Electrical cords should be bundled up and placed out of reach. Items with sharp edges should be padded or placed in another room. Anything that can break into smaller and potentially dangerous pieces such as glass or ceramics should be locked away.

  2. Step 2

    Use a specific area for sanitary needs. Operating a daycare means working with children who are not yet potty trained. Toddlers and babies need to have their diapers changed several times per day. You will need a separate sanitary area to complete this task. The area should have a place to dispose of dirty diapers easily. Make sure that any children you are caring for cannot access the soiled diapers.

  3. Step 3

    Hire employees. If you take on more than a certain number of children and babies, you will need to hire additional caregivers. Any potential caregiver should ideally have experience working with children. Someone majoring in early childhood education at a local college should be ideal. Look for candidates who display a clear interest in the needs and well-being of children. Pay them on the books for all hours worked in order to avoid potential payroll issues.

  4. Step 4

    Purchase toys. Babies and children experience exponential brain growth. Help them prepare for school with activities that encourage them to form the proper educational foundation. Purchase educational games and toys. Look for age appropriate design materials that can be used by babies and children of all ages. Avoid toys that have parts that are not appropriate for children under five.

  5. Step 5

    Set up meal preparation areas. If you are caring for babies and children for a prolonged period of time, you will have to serve them meals. Infants can be fed formula or expressed breast milk. Older children should be fed nutritious meals. Serve them cut up fruit and vegetables and whole-grain cereals. Stocking the pantry initially may cost money. Look for items that will keep for at least a month, such as dried legumes and rice.

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