| Many new Moms are stuck in a conundrum. They | | | | and nurturing environment for children. |
| want to be with their young children, but can't afford | | | | Further into your application process you'll probably |
| not to work. If you're a Mom who doesn't want to | | | | have to get a home inspection. Someone from the |
| miss those important "firsts" in your kids' lives, there's | | | | licensing department will visit your home. They'll look |
| hope. Hundreds of Moms start a home daycare each | | | | to see that you've complied with all of the home |
| year and get to enjoy those firsts and make money | | | | modifications that were laid out in the licensing |
| at the same time. Every state, county, province or | | | | requirements. They will also look at things such as |
| region has regulations regarding home daycares. To | | | | whether you have age-appropriate toys that are |
| start a home daycare, you'll need to find out what | | | | conducive to learning, if you have proper kitchen and |
| the regulations are in your area. | | | | washroom facilities, and whether you have a safe |
| Check with your local public health department to find | | | | (usually fenced-in) outdoor play area. |
| out where you can get a copy of those regulations. | | | | The officer will usually make recommendations based |
| You can also check online by entering "start a home | | | | on this visit. A second visit may be required to |
| daycare" followed by the name of your area. Usually | | | | complete the application process if there are |
| you're provided with a booklet that tells you what | | | | standards that weren't met during the first visit. |
| you need to do to get started. It will contain | | | | Once you've completed these initial steps to start a |
| information about getting a license, home | | | | home daycare, the licensing process can be |
| modifications that are required, how many children | | | | completed. The whole procedure can usually be |
| you can care for and other important information. | | | | expected to take anywhere from six weeks to |
| You should apply for your license immediately. The | | | | three months. Some regions allow you to start a |
| license application review process takes time. You can | | | | home daycare before the application process is |
| use that time to do all of the other things that you | | | | complete as long as certain guidepost standards are |
| have to do to get ready, such as home modifications | | | | met. |
| and purchasing supplies. | | | | The final step is advertising that you are planning to |
| Most regions want to see a business plan at some | | | | start a home daycare. You can take out an ad in |
| point during the application process. If this is required, | | | | your local paper and/or advertise online. Another |
| the information booklet that you receive will outline | | | | great way to advertise is to put up flyers in local |
| this process. You'll need to demonstrate on paper | | | | elementary schools. You can also hand deliver flyers |
| that you have a clear plan that addresses a number | | | | in your area of residence. |
| of issues. | | | | Moms who have taken the steps to start a home |
| Some of these issues will include how you plan to | | | | daycare usually find it to be a rewarding career. |
| keep children safe, a feeding/nutrition plan, what kind | | | | They're able to participate in the early years of their |
| of activities you'll be providing (including outdoor play) | | | | children's lives. They're also able to invest in the lives |
| and others. It's important that you put careful | | | | of other children who often go on to be lifetime |
| thought into this plan. It demonstrates to your local | | | | friends and playmates of their own children. |
| licensing board that you're capable of providing a safe | | | | |