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 it up. The main factor is the severity of the incident or if your infraction had to do with children. So press forward.
5. Do you need insurance?
In many cases your home insurance does not cover daycare. Nevertheless, you
may be able to add coverage or get insurance through many insurance companies that specifically deal with daycares.
6. What about training?
There are many classes offered in many states, as well as online that can help you prepare to run your childcare efficiently. During this process you will also learn about your states licensing and regulations for running a daycare. Don't fret about classes. Most classes are offered in the evening or on the weekend to accommodate childcare providers. Some grants are also offered to help defray the cost.
7. What about your business plan?
Remember this is a business so you have to run it as such, with the care and nurturing of the children uppermost in mind. There are many factors that you will have to take into consideration in the operation of a family daycare. A contract and policies will have to be thought over and adapted to whatever situation exists. There are times when you will have to deal with difficult parents. What about the parent who does not pay? You need to remember that this is also your livelihood. You have to be firm, yet fair in dealing with these issues. You need to remember that you do not have to continue if the parent does not comply with the mutual contract.
8. Now what?
Now that you are prepared, how will you get parents to bring their children to your daycare? Remember you need to make the space welcoming and inviting. At first it takes a little time to have clients. Advertising is essential. Put out flyers wherever you can. Let friends know that you are starting a daycare. Who better to recommend you? Print up cards that you can give away. You may be able to start a free web page or for a small fee to advertise. Be creative and put all your energy into it and you will have results. There are parent websites that offer free ads.
Well if these questions don't sound daunting then you are probably ready for the adventure of starting a daycare. Although the family daycare is run on a smaller scale then other daycares there are still some important aspects of this business that will take time and adaptation. In order to be successful you have to behave as a professional.
By this time you should start thinking of a name; this will have to be cleared by the state to make sure there isn't another business by the same name.
Another component of opening a family daycare is getting a Tax ID number through the state or federal government. This can also be done online. After all you will be running a business and "Uncle Sam" wants his cut so you have to consider tax requirements. You will also need to register and get clearance through the local council or office. During this segment you have to place an application in to them.
A myriad of papers have to be filled out for criminal background checks as well as medical clearance. Then in the third step your home will be checked for safety and hazards. The council or person that is assigned to you will advise you on what needs to be done for clearance. Fourth, you will then need seminars and professional development classes that deal with children and childcare.
This process will not occur overnight, but don't give up in spite of the initial grind it can be very lucrative to run a family daycare. Very often a daycare provider is given at least six months to attend a certain number of development classes to gain experience in the field of childcare. Usually these classes take a couple of hours. By this time you are probably getting quite nervous. Don't be! Some governmental entities sometimes offer grants or loans to aid in the daycare setup.
Now once you have gone through the initial procedures what are you going to do with those kids? There are cheap ways to collect items for your daycare. Some thrift stores
offer many items that are slightly used or new at remarkable prices. Remember you don't have to have everything at once. You can begin collecting a number of items not in use from friends and neighbors. People are always throwing out baby items that are no longer useful. Some items you might consider are children's books, CD's, DVD's, baby blankets, toys, crayons, cushions, old clothing for play, stuffed animals are always plentiful, Lincoln logs, wooden puzzles, large blocks, small tables and chairs. These are just a few of the items that you can collect for free or next to nothing.
Lastly there are a few items that will help you to have the least amount of grief. You have to remember to be a good record keeper. Have your parents sign their children in and out. Keep careful records of payments and receipts. At tax time it will be essential. Remember there are times when parents have complicated issues between them. Make sure that you are delivering children to custodial parents. Another essential item with dealing with young children is consistency and routine. Children are not little adults, although they many behave that way. Running a family daycare can be complex in the beginning, but once you get the hang of it, it will be like an old hat, very familiar.