Starting a business is not something you should consider until you have weighed the pros and cons. I suggest having a plan. I tell people daycare is not something you should "just try". Providing daycare for children of all ages is a big decision. Providing a safe and learning environment should be your number one priority.
If you are thinking, "I'm going to make a lot of money" I would encourage you to make a list of expenses that are involved in beginning your daycare business. I can give you a list of equipment that is necessary to start an in-home daycare.
I love owning my business, but the children I care for are my number one concern. I always think about what is best for them when providing daycare for my families. Every month I spend a lot of personal time preparing craft ideas, preschool activities, meal plans and ideas for to continually planning toy selections for creative play inside and outside.
Serving my daycare families is important to me, knowing how to schedule my day and making things run smoothly helps keep the children excited about their day and more enjoyable for me.
I have a list of items that will help you get started and I have created an, Inspire Me Daycare Business Guide.
In it, you will be able to edit the pages to change the name, pictures and add information where you want to in order to personalize it and make your business successful.
Inspire Me Daycare Business Guide includes an interview page, Policy, working hours/payment spreadsheet, potty training policy, medication permission slip, child supply list, suggested supply list to operate daycare, tax worksheet, ouch report and tips and ideas how to be help run your in home daycare business.
Questions you need to ask yourself before starting your daycare business.
Do you have good communication skills?
Can you work from home for 10 hours a day?
Will you enforce your policy?
Will you be able to discuss disciplinary and behavior concerns of children in your care with their parents?
Are you willing to keep good records of your expenses and stay up to date on bookwork?
Will you advocate for your children you have in your care? (Example: If you notice
one of your daycare children with a learning disability or you believe a child in your care is autistic and needs further testing.)
Are you willing to watch children in your care with special needs?
Can you see yourself providing daycare as a full time career?
None of these questions are to deter you for a career in childcare. I have learned so much over the last 30 years and being the person that spends the largest amount of time helping parents raise their children you are usually the first one to see a lot their development and if they have a disability your will notice that also. I'm not saying you should be looking for something wrong with each child. However, you have to be aware of concerning behaviors or difficulties children my be exhibiting. You have an opportunity to help the child you care for as well as guide the parents to ensure that child is getting the best care possible specific to their needs.
You will need to find out what the laws are in your state and city before beginning. You will also have to apply for a license if that is required. There are programs through licensing that help you with food and in some states offer grants that you can apply for to help with equipment for your daycare.
You should have First Aid/CPR Training incase of an emergency. There are several things that your training will be very informational and help you in several situations and scenarios that could arise.
Thes skill will aide you in establishing a successful daycare business. Daycare insurance is another option; usually your homeowners insurance requires it. I can't not stress enough how beneficial it is to have impeccable record keeping in all areas of your business. Keep everything separate so that it is easy to find tax time. I have created a worksheet that has made keeping expenses easier for me.
If you are excited and ready to begin your in home daycare business, I am going to cheer you on. It is a lot of work but it is so rewarding.
Advertising your business through social media or by word of mouth. Interviewing clients/parents and their children is a great way to see how they interact. I suggest a phone interview first to see if they are a good fit for your daycare next, set up the in-home visit.
Here's a list of policy and information you should have done ahead of advertising your daycare.
Flyer/Post- to advertise online or anywhere you may know parents will be looking for daycare.
Policy -It needs to include rules, schedule and rate you will charge.
Potty Training Policy -give great tips to toilet train a child.
Monthly Spreadsheet -this will help you keep track of times your children have attended daycare and payments. I have designed one in my Inspire Me Daycare Business Guide.
Medication Slip -provides permission so you can provide medication to the child in your care.
Accident/Ouch Report -take good notes because accidents do happen and kids get hurt in your care.
Supplies List- this is important so you can reorder items you use often and helps you keep track of your spending.
Termination Letter and Rate Increase Note-are a couple other items that I suggest having after you have started your business, you will need them both sooner than later.
Are you ready to be your own Boss? Not so fast, seriously your working for parents/clients, providing a service. Being a business owner is more of the title if you need one.
It's exciting and scary at the same time. If you interested in starting your own daycare business or want some fresh ideas and new content to help your business please visit my website beacons.ai/todayiminspired you can purchase my Inspire Me Daycare Business Guide.
As always thanks for taking the time to read my ideas and tips.
TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART,
AND DO NOT LEAN
ON YOUR OWN
UNDERSTANDING.
Proverbs 3:5
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