Have you started or considered starting your own childcare business? Are you ready to start inspiring imaginations, and teaching little ones that will change the world? I want to inspire you to start or continue to develop your Child Care Business. Forever effective educator and child care provider there are, the more our little imaginators will have safe places to learn, play, and grow. I have put together list with what you need to get started.
1.The first Step is to decide what type of childcare service you want to provide?
- Home Day Care- you provide care in your home
- Childcare Center - you open a commercial center outside of your home
- Childcare Partnership with a School or other organization -you partner with other organizations, they act as a host, while you are the service provider
2. Contact your local agency for state-specific licensing requirements to become a childcare provider. Each state will have specific requirements for the type of program you would like to operate. For all states, you can search Child Care Aware https://usa.childcareaware.org/
3. Write a Childcare Business plan. Your Childcare Business plan is essential to the success of your business, It doesn't matter if you're a home provider, nanny, or opening multiple facilities. You need a blueprint to your business. There are tons of resources online, however, you download an easy workbook and guide How to Write a Childcare Business Plan, by the end of the workbook you will have all the components for your business success plan.
4. Develop Policies and Procedures
- Parent Handbook is a guide for your rules and regulations as it relates to the children you will be caring for.
- Employee Handbook is important if you will have staff. Although it may not be required, it is important to develop policies and procedures for staff to adhere to.
- Curriculum. Discover what your philosophies are, what are you going to teach, and how are you going to teach it! The curriculum is often a deciding factor for parents!
5. Identify your Location. Few things to consider
- Is the market saturated with other child care providers
- Square Footage indoor and outdoor space ?
- Safe location for pick up drop/off
- Parking, parking lots, street lights?
- Restrooms and Food service areas.
6. Inspections will be required by local agencies for most child care centers. Contact your local agency to know what is required, but often these are required.
- Building Inspection for commercial buildings are often required. Building inspector certifies that the building can be used for child care.
- Fire Inspections, local fire department will inspect your building and fire safty procedures
- Health Department for Food Service License maybe required if you are preparing and serving food to children.
7. Get local information about Child and Adult Food Care programs to help assist with food cost. The program is designed to help child care providers offer health food options to their families. For state specific information visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/child-and-adult-care-food-program for more info!
8. Purchase classroom materials. You will need to have desk, cots, toys, learning materials, and so much more. Sign up for our FREE Childcare Start up Checklist, and will be sending you great tips and tricks to save on classroom material cost!
9. Hire Staff. Here is another area where you would want to look for state specific requirements for hiring staff. In the mean time, you want to make sure you have a payroll processing service in place, policies and procedures established, and orientation and training plan ready!
9. Marketing. Even before you are completely licenced, start marketing to build your enrollment and start a waiting list. Subscribing to our start up checklist will get you more tips and tricks on marketing your business!
10. Finally, once you have developed your business plan, your facility is ready, you have met all state requirements, passed all inspections, you have hired staff, and have a hefty waiting list you are ready to inspire imaginations and change the world!
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