Starting a Daycare Center on Grant Money

Start your child care center with grant funds.

Federal, state, local and private agencies offer grant funding to start child care centers. You can apply for grants to pay for your required child care development courses and child care facility license fees. Provide child care to low-income families and the state will pay you directly. Many low-income families qualify for up to $800 a month in state child care grants. These funds are paid directly to child care providers at the end of each month of service. They can help you establish steady income quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Child development education
• Tuberculosis test results
• First aid and CPR certificates
• Child care facility license
• Daily sign-in sheet

Instructions

1. Contact your state department of economic security, social services or welfare office. Ask for a brochure on how to establish a day care. Request information on free classes and start-up grants.

2. Complete the required child development education, first aid and CPR classes and early child development certificates. Pass a TB test and keep a copy of the results.

3. Create a partnership. Find an assistant and make certain she has completed the required courses. Establish a tentative work schedule.

4. Select a location and child-proof that location. Apply for a child care facility license. Pass the inspection. Make any recommended changes suggested by the inspectors.

5. Offer child care to low-income families who receive state child care grants. State child care referral centers keep a list of child care providers. Place your name on the list and complete all required documentation. Complete the required background check and fingerprints.

6. Keep daily sign-in sheets up to date. Remind each parent to sign in the morning and sign out in the afternoon or evening. Sign monthly invoices and submit them to the state agency after the last day of the month. Make certain the parents sign as well. Collect a parent fee from each participant, as required.

7. Apply for staff development and child care facility grants on an annual basis. Update your business portfolio with images of the playground, the library and the lunch table. Ask parents to write a letter about your child care center to enhance your grant applications.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not buy anything for your center brand new. Buy at consignment shops and second-hand stores. Solicit local donations by mail and in person.

• Government grants can take months to be approved and distributed. Follow the guidelines strictly.

References

• National Agricultural Library USDA: Starting a Child Care Center
• NCCIC: Starting and Operating a Child Care Business

Resources

• ChildCare.gov: Providers