How to Start a Day Care

More and more people want to know how to start afirst aid training and CPR certification. Insurance will be
day care center, but aren't really sure how to findaffected by your location and number of children you
out. Some may be young mothers wanting to stayplan to care for. Licenses will depend on state
home with their children while making an income.regulations and will likely be affected by the same
Others may simply love children and want to usetype of things as insurance.
their talents to make a profitable business. Still others4. Location is also very important to any day care.
may just view a day care as a good investment. NoYou will want to find a facility that has plenty of
matter what the reason, here are a few good tipsroom for play area, quiet/rest area, eating areas, and
for how to start a day care.an administrative area. If possible you may want an
1. You need to develop a strong business plan. Whileoutdoor area as well. You will want a location that is
this may be adapted over time, you need to developsafe but well traveled enough to attract customers.
an overall plan for your day care. You should decideIdeally you will want an area that is already zoned
how many kids you will be able to care for, whereappropriately.
your facility will be, what your pricing will be, and how5. You will need furniture, toys, and other supplies.
many employees you will have. You will want to thinkKeep in mind the age groups you plan on caring for
about what will make your day care stand out fromwhen purchasing furniture, and make sure it meets all
the rest and attract customers. You will need tosafety guidelines. You will need age appropriate toys
develop clear policies regarding both pricing as well asand activities. You will also need such basic supplies as
the services you will provide. This plan may start offtoilet paper, paper towels, dishes,first aid supplies,
as rough ideas, but you need to refine and polish itcleaning supplies, and other such things.
so it can be shown to potential investors.6. How can you start a day care without advertising?
2. When you think about how to start a day care, beWord of mouth is very powerful among parents, but
sure to always keep finances in mind. Unless you areyou will want something to attract your initial
rich, you will need to seek financial backing. Potentialcustomers. You will need a good sign that clearly
investors will want to see your business plan, and willstates the name of your day care, your hours, and
carefully consider it in making their decision. Foryour phone number. You might want to take out ads
example, many religious organizations may be willingin the newspaper, phone book, or a local magazine. If
to help fund a day care, but may choose a facilityyour budget allows it, you may consider a brief radio
offering a religious curriculum or environment overcommercial for your grand opening. Flyers may also
one that does not. On the other hand, governmentbe hung at local community centers, churches, or
agencies offering grants may prefer there are nosmall businesses with permission.
religious aspects involved. Some financial institutions orWhile there are many other tips on how to start a
investors may have other requirements orday care, these are some of the most important
preferences to be considered. You will also want tothings you will need to consider. Your local Human
make sure that your expectations for your day careServices Department should be able to notify you of
do not exceed your possible budget.state regulations and requirements. You can also read
3. You will need to get the proper licensing, insurance,some of my other articles for many more ideas on
and certification for the type of day care center youhow to start a day care.
plan to open. Most states will require some type of