If you enjoy working with youngsters, a childcare program might be the perfect opportunity to own a business that you’re passionate about. If you feel providing a place for children to learn and grow is your destiny, simply follow these steps and you'll be on your way to opening the daycare center of your dreams.
Instructions
1. Talk to your licensing agency to see what steps you need to take to legally operate a childcare center in your state of residence. Running a daycare center without following the proper procedures can land you in a mountain of trouble, as some states impose stiff penalties for operating without being licensed or registered.
2. Create a written contract that clearly outlines all of the rules and expectations of your daycare center, including payment policies. This is a great way to minimize conflict, and protect your business from frivolous lawsuits.
3. Consider the number, and ages of children that will be cared for in your daycare when selecting indoor and outdoor equipment. You should purchase enough age-appropriate tables, chairs, educational materials, toys, highchairs, changing tables, cribs and playground equipment to comfortably accommodate the number of children your daycare will be licensed to care for.
4. Setup your daycare classrooms with the furniture and play equipment you purchased. Colorful bulletin boards should also be included in the decor of your classrooms. As long as you follow the safety guidelines outlined by your state licensing agency, you can let your imagination run wild.
5. Hire a few good employees. Because your state licensing agency determines the ratio of children to adults, you will have to hire employees based on their guidelines. For instance, if your toddler room is licensed for eight kids, and your state's ratio is one adult for every four toddlers, you will have to employ two teachers for that room. You also need adhere to rules that may be in place regarding educational, and training requirements for teachers to be employed in your daycare.
6. Open your doors and prepare to drum up some business. One great way to get business rolling in your daycare is by hosting an open house, and letting prospective clients see what your childcare facility has to offer. You can also advertise with radio announcements, community bulletin boards, fliers and business cards.
Tags: your daycare, your state, daycare center, licensing agency, bulletin boards, center your, state licensing