Since the recent downturn in economic conditions, more mothers find it necessary to work outside the home or start a home-based business. Now, a second income is mandatory to maintain their standard of living. Consequently, there is a new demand for more good, reliable child care service. And the need for a reliable daycare service by working moms is expected to rise dramatically in the next few years.
Home-based daycare centers will continue to fill this growing void. Most home-based centers start out on a small scale with only 2 or 3 children. This is highly recommended until the owner determines whether working all day long with children is for them. Most centers provide meals and snacks, playtime activities, crafts. Others choose not to provide such extra activities. It is up to the day care service what they choose to provide to the customers' children.
Daycare Licensing Requirements
The first step before the doors are opened to the home-based business is to check local state regulations and licensing requirements. States have varying guidelines. Some states perform a very detailed background check for anyone who works closely with children. And the owner will have to pass this very stringent background check to open the day care business. There are also rules about how many children the day care provider is allowed to house in the daycare center. Once again check with local state regulations.
Daycare Charge
Most day care providers charge $100 and up per child. This varies widely across the country.
Expected Income
This also varies widely and depends partly on the part of the area one provides the service in and the competition. It is reasonable to expect an annual income of at least $20,000 and up.
Business Funding Methods
Seek sponsorship at local church or civic group. Use personal savings, charge cards, personal loans. Seek out government funding for programs which help low income children.
Marketing Strategies
Place an ad in the local newspaper for several weeks or more. Distribute flyers around the local neighborhood. Place announcements on church bulletin boards. Use word of mouth referrals.
Equipment
- Sturdy kid-sized furniture
- Cribs
- Chairs
- Toys
- First aid kits
- Crafting supplies
- Story books
- Learning material
- Business telephone line
- Record keeping software
- Computer
- Printer
Skills
Experience working at a child care center. Degree in early childhood education, experience working with own children. A nurturing, patient, kind nature. Need to be very dependable, well organized, good business sense. Most importantly, able to stand the stress of working with children all day long.
Tips
- Take a course in early childhood education
- Seek expert business advice
- Volunteer at a day care center before starting the business
- Hire a lawyer to draw up a contract for clients
- Hire an accountant to keep accurate business records
- Hire a dependable day care assistant
- Learn first aid
- Write a business plan
- Write a marketing plan
For more advice on starting a day care business contact National Child Care Information.
