How to Open a Child Daycare
With the high cost of child care, it's easy to see why many parents are looking for ways to work from home. One career choice that many are turning to is child daycare. Not only are parents able to spend more time with their children, but the business is lucrative and offers many tax benefits. Getting started takes a little bit of preparation, but if you do it right, you can become licensed within a few months.
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Things You'll Need
- License, depending on state
- Classes
- Outlet covers
- Baby gates
- Highchair
- Crib or pack-and-play
- Mats
- Indoor and outdoor toys
- Books
- Arts-and-crafts projects
- Curriculum
- Schedule
- Fliers and signs
- Food program
- Policy handbook
- Contract
Instructions
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Call your state's Social Services Department for information on licensing. Some states require no licensing, while others require it only when watching a group of children. Once you've attended the required orientations and classes needed for your child daycare, you can prepare your home for further state inspections. Once you've been approved for child daycare, you will become licensed.
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Prepare your home for child daycare, making it safe for children. This means that every accessible outlet has a cover, stairways have baby gates, poisonous items and sharp objects are locked away and small objects are out of reach so as not to be swallowed by children. You will also need a highchair, a crib or pack-and-play, and mats for the children.
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Purchase toys for your child daycare. Age-appropriate toys and books can be purchased inexpensively at garage sales, on Craigslist and in consignment shops. Always check for safety and recalls. Don't forget to purchase outdoor toys and equipment as well. Balls, chalk, slides and riding toys are great for keeping children occupied outside.
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Plan fun activities for the children. Many parents want their children involved in constructive activities throughout the day. Start with simple arts-and-crafts projects and then create a curriculum to help the children learn and prepare for kindergarten.
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Provide a schedule for your child daycare. Children need a daily schedule so they have a routine they can depend on. Plan your indoor and outdoor activities for the same time every day as well as your arts-and-crafts projects.
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Market your child daycare. Create fliers and post them at nearby stores and churches. Make signs and stick them near intersections. Utilize online resources such as Craigslist for free advertising.
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Join a food program. The government will reimburse you for food when you join the Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP). You will be provided with training and meal ideas to make sure you're giving the children healthy meals.
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Create a policy handbook and contract for your child daycare. A policy handbook explains your policies to parents so there aren't any surprises. Include your hours of operation, fees, discipline techniques, potty training guidelines, holiday closures and anything else you want the parents to know. Have them sign a contract agreeing to the terms.
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Tips & Warnings
Call your state's Social Services Department to find out which classes are required for child daycare. Classes on CPR, First Aid, Shaken Baby Syndrome, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Child Car Seat Restraints are required in many states.
Talk to your tax preparer about starting a child daycare business.
Create a Web site advertising your child daycare.
Keep every receipt used for the business.
Keep a First Aid Kit on hand.
Be very organized.
Make sure your pets have the required shots.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit children image by Marzanna Syncerz from Fotolia.com
