How to Start a Licensed Daycare in Your Home

Childcare is a rewarding career.

Home daycare facilities are an attractive option for some parents. Daycare offered in a person's home generally has less children than daycare centers, while still allowing each child to socialize with other children in the community. Starting a licensed daycare service in your home takes time to accomplish.

Things You'll Need

• Licensing application
• Pen
• Childcare resources
• Book keeping method
• Money
• Toys
• Games
• Daycare needs

Instructions

Getting Set Up

1. Research the requirements for the state where the business will be opened. Contact the Department of Health and Human Services of that state, or whatever the department may be called for that area. Fill out the application when it arrives.

   Prepare for inspections that will be necessary before the license is issued. Be sure that all safety and daycare codes for the state are being followed, such as fire escape routes and smoke detectors. Update anything that may be necessary to ensure that health codes are being met, and consider installing a carbon monoxide detector.

2. Contact Penquis C.A.P. for resources dealing with licensed daycare homes. Look into there Child and Adult Care Food Program, and decide whether or not to accept their payment program from parents who otherwise cannot afford to pay for childcare. (Reference 1)

3. Look into what other payment types you may accept, such as the ASPIRE supplement program, cash and checks. Figure out if a return check fee will be charged, and how much the fee will be, after looking up how much of a fee you pay if a check bounces. (Reference 2)

4. Take any classes necessary for licensing, after finding out how many course hours are necessary for your state. Look into Care Courses for this purpose, or see what the local universities are offering for courses. (Reference 3) Sign up for a First Aid and CPR class through the Red Cross. (Reference 4)

5. Explore insurance options for the daycare. Decide whether or not an accountant will be required and set up a book keeping system for the business.

6. Decide what hours the daycare will be open, and what fees will be charged. Create a contract for parents to sign.

Tips & Warnings

• Research other childcare homes in your area when determining what to charge for your services.

• Be aware of any special needs any child in your care has.

References

• Penquis Cap: Child Development
• Maine Equal Justice Partners: Understanding ASPIRE - TANF
• Care Courses: Distance Learning
• Red Cross: Taking a Class

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Tisha's Tuesday Toddlers Home Daycare
• Chldcare.gov