Start Your Own Day Care Business

Lesson 1
Start Your Own Day Care Business Module 1
Determining Where to Start

There are many different reasons to open your home-based daycare. But knowing just how to get started is key to success. In module one, we will take a look at how to financially get started with your business. Additionally, we will explore the business basics of licensing, registration, and how to make a profit.

The Benefits of Family Child Care
Outfitting a Family Child Care Center on a Budget
Licensing and/or Registration
Planning to Make a Profit
It’s Really Not as Hard as It Sounds
Start Your Own Day Care Business Module 2
Policies, Procedures, and Your Daily Schedule

In module two, we will focus on the day to day basics of operating your daycare. Do you want to be open before and after school? During the day? At nights? Weekends? Any age? Preschool only? School-age only? There are many things to consider when deciding upon your enrollment and hours you will be available. Making sure you have policies set in place, your clients understand the policies, and following through with these policies are a must to help things run smoothly. Also included in module two is the types of training and background that the provider should obtain.

Enrollment Records and Policies
Hours of Operation
Policies You May Wish to Consider
Your Background and Training
Devising a Daily Schedule
Start Your Own Day Care Business Module 3
Activities, Guidance Tools and Solving Common Problems

Without providing the right kind of structure and curriculum, your home-based day care will seem chaotic and unmanageable. Module three will explore the types of activities you can provide for the children in your home. Also in this module, we will look at what developmentally appropriate positive guidance techniques you should use in your daycare to decrease difficult behavior and foster good social skills. Occasionally you may run in to problems with parents or with your family. Module three will look at how to minimize interruptions and solve problems quickly.

Curriculum and Fun Activities
Discipline and Guidance Techniques
Fostering Good Social Skills
Problems with Multiage Mix of Children
Problems with Parents and Your Family
Start Your Own Day Care Business Module 4
Running Your Business

Module four will go over the basics of the client screening process and how to decide which families and/or children will smoothly transition into your family and already present daycare children. Setting up an office and having an organized record keeping system will save you time in the long run. Also included in module four is how to determine the type of licensure you want and the basics of the accreditation process.

Generating Enrollment
Screening Families
Setting Up Your Office
Small Versus Large License
Planning for Accreditation