by Bernadette Jasmin

Created on: July 10, 2008

To start a family daycare you need to learn the basic operation and set up of a small business. Did you know that there are different types of daycares? For example, there is the family daycare, the group daycare and daycare centers which are usually run outside of the home. The most important part of the family daycare is that it is run from your own home with a limited number of children attendees. There are benefits to running a family daycare and there are pitfalls.

With other people's children in your home your space will be severely limited. Do you have the room to run a family daycare? Another important question that you must ask yourself is. Are you prepared to spend from 8-12 hours a day with children? If so then you are prepared to follow the guidelines of setting up a family daycare.

Here are some basic components that you will need to comply with to have a successful family daycare.

1. How much space do you need?

Generally a family daycare can comprise from about 6-8 children depending on the dynamics of the group. For example, your daycare will normally be limited to the number of babies under two years of age. Usually only two babies are acceptable. Babies' paraphernalia also take up a lot of space. Infants also require a lot of attention, while toddlers can get into a lot of trouble while you are caring for infants. Children also need enough personal space otherwise they will often get into fracases. Most young children play independently or side by side and do not often have inter-play; therefore they need a lot more space.

2. How many exits do you have to you're room or rooms in your daycare?

Fire safety is a major concern when dealing with children. You need to remember that in an emergency you will be limited to the ratio of adults to children in the daycare. So, fire safety and hazards will be a major component of your preparation in running your daycare facility safely.

3. Do you need an assistant?

You have to consider your energy level and experience. You might need someone to help out on a regular basis for a few hours or in case of an emergency. What will you do in case of illness? This person will also have to go through a fingerprint check, so consider carefully the person that will assist you.

4. Are you prepared for a background check?

A major part of opening a family daycare is a background check. You, your family, and anyone else in your household will be fingerprinted. If there is anything untoward in your past now will be the time to cough

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>