So You Want to Start a Home Day Care Business?
The days of the single income family are all but over. With today's economy, the average American family is finding it more difficult every day to make ends meet. This fact is forcing more and more would be stay at home moms to seek employment outside the home.
This has naturally led to an increasing demand for child day care. Because of this demand, there has never been a better time to start a home day care business. Now, obviously, this isn't something you can just jump into and it's certainly not for everyone. However, if you're looking for a profitable home business idea, and you think this would be a good fit for you, here are some things to consider when you start a home day care business.
Laws and Licensing
Before you do anything else, you're going to need to find out about local laws and guidelines for home-based businesses. This is especially true of home day care businesses. Depending on what state you live in, it may be necessary to become licensed to operate this type of business.
There may also be various codes and zoning ordinances that your home must meet before you start a home day care business. Many states will also have a limit for the number of children you can have as well. Your local government officials should be able to readily provide you with this information. In addition to that, many areas will require that you are First Aid/CPR certified. Even if it isn't required, it's still a good idea and the parents you work for will appreciate it as well.
Preparing Your Home
Chances are, even if you have children of your own, you will have to take certain steps to prepare your home when you start a home day care business. Your first priority has to be the safety of the children. Make sure your home is child proofed inside and out. If you have children of your own, you may already have a head start on this.
There's also certain materials and equipment that you'll need. The specifics will depend on the ages of the children you're caring for. These should include but not be limited to, age appropriate toys and books, napping areas, diapering area and supplies, games and art supplies, and child sized tables and chairs. In addition to toys and activities, you'll also need an abundance of nutritious foods and snacks.
Things to Think About
There are some other important considerations before you start a home day care business. Even if you have a genuine love for children and enjoy spending time with them, operating a day care in your home is a lot of work and can become quite stressful. You will need to consider how this will affect your home and family, especially if you have children of your own. At the end of the day, when all of the other children leave, will you have the energy to give your children the attention and care that they require?
When you start a home day care business, you need to be aware that it's more than just a job. You are going to be a huge influence in the lives of the children you care for, whether you realize it or not. What you do and how you conduct yourself will determine whether that influence is positive or negative.
