Watch Out for Daycare Startup Requirements
Many people think that all they need to start a daycare center is a home and a sign but there is so much more to it than that and all of the facets of daycare startup require a dedication to the daycare profession than maybe some people were not expecting. So if you are looking into maybe starting a daycare startup then take a little walk with me through just some of the procedures you will need to follow, and maintain, and what you can expect for just some of the start up costs you will run into.
License
The most important thing for any daycare startup is to get licensed to work in a daycare center. You are not going to get a license to start a daycare center just because you were a mom of three. There is a lot that goes into getting licensed as a daycare professional and the first thing you want to do in your daycare startup is to see if you have the desire you need to do the job and go through some of the licensing classes. They cost money and are mandated by the state so contact your local child welfare office and ask them how to get started in your daycare certification training today.
Location
Next step is getting your location certified by the state as a daycare startup and by the health department as a building suitable for use by a daycare center. If you plan on using your home then you will need to file for a daycare facilities license with the state and they will visit your facility and make sure that it is fit for a daycare startup. You aren't done yet as you still have to talk to the health department and make sure your home is suitable for the proper care of children. Oh and did you call the city or town you live in and ask them if zoning laws prohibit you from running a business in your residential community? You're going to need to do that too.
Finances
A daycare startup is like any other business in that you have costs. You will need something to keep track of money so do you buy a computer or hire an accountant. Then you need something to keep track of all of the activities you will have to plan along with the lunch menu you will need to post so it looks like we are back to the computer again. You will be required by state law to keep certain records so you will need to figure out where you will store everything you need to store. Then there is cost for food and caring for a group of children. Food and diapers are not free and every little thing adds up.
Now you have to consider staffing. There is a list of staffing requirements you will have to meet from the state and as your business grows you will probably have to hire more certified daycare workers before you can expand. It isn't all rainbows and flowers with a daycare startup, but once you are off to a good start, it can all be a rewarding experience in more ways than one.
