How to Establish a Daycare Center
Taking on the care of children in a daycare setting is a rewarding experience that comes with a great amount of responsibility. Setting up a daycare business takes time and preparation to become recognized and respected within the community. A love of kids is a good start but will not be enough. There are also legal, educational, and experiential requirements that will have to be met before you can open home or facility as a daycare center.
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Instructions
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Research your state's licensing requirements. Create a list of what you will need to get a license in your state. Requirements often cover education, experience, size of the facility, background checks and child-to-adult ratios.
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Take college courses in early childhood development. You will most likely need a minimum number of semester hours to get your license. However, continuing your education beyond the minimum will help you provide better care and help you draw more business from parents who are seeking better-qualified caregivers for their children.
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Get experience by working at another day care center. You will need enough hours to meet the minimum licensing requirements of your state, but as with education, the more experience the better.
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Research the needs of the community. Your community may have younger kids, low-income kids or kids who only need part-time care. Structure your business to fill the needs of local parents and you will have an easier time getting started.
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Set up a facility that is within your state's licensing requirements and meets the needs of the kids that will be in your care. Some states base the number of kids you can care for on the size of the facility, whether in a home or at a center. Although not usually required for licensing, you should provide age-appropriate toys, books and outdoor play areas.
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Apply for your license. With the above steps taken, you should be ready to apply for you license. Your state's agency will most likely now require background checks of any persons who will be working with you, or living in the home of a home day care. They will also inspect the facility for safety and proper setup.
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Advertise your business. You are now ready for some kids to care for. Although many daycare centers advertise by posting signs on neighborhood posts, this does not give the daycare a very professional or reputable feel. To start out right as a professional daycare with quality care, use networking through local professional daycare associations or moms' groups, maintain a website and list your business in the phone book.
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