DNatureofDTrain's Forum

Making your own daycare business is a great business venture. It works exceptionally well if you like children. It can be a source of income for you and your family, just like a regular business enterprise. Its size can range from just a small home-based project to a grand commercial establishment. It’s all up to you to decide which way you plan your business to go.

But having your own daycare center is entirely different from the babysitting you used to do for your neighbors back when you were just a teenager. A daycare center is a real business just like any other business venture. You need to decide what services you will be offering, the age range of your target clients, and any other aspects that you need to worry about as you make your commercial enterprise.

And since this line of work involves taking care of somebody else’s children, you must be aware of your responsibilities as well as the rules and regulations that govern the business. You need to be aware of the laws and rights and other licenses that you need before setting up your business.

Before anything else, you need to do a market study around your community. Determine the needs of your area. Do they need a daycare center? Are there parents in need of such a business? The site location is another thing to consider. Will it be an extension of your house? Or will it be a separate establishment? Choose the area that you are most comfortable with, accessible and, affordable.

Do a rough estimate of everything you will need to set-up and start the business. You will also need manpower to staff your daycare center, which must also be included in your estimate. You may probably need to get a bank loan, or get a financer to help you out with the capital.

After that, you need to accomplish all the necessary paperwork. The licenses that you need to operate as well as any permits needed vary from state to state. Thus, it is your responsibility to research on the necessary requirements. It may take you several weeks to a few months to accomplish all of this, but it is a necessity to have them before operating.

You and your staff should also get the necessary trainings and seminars to be able to handle emergency situations such as calamities or basic first aid and life support. Make sure that you daycare is fully equipped with all the necessary first aid paraphernalia and fire extinguishers for emergency purposes. It’s better to be prepared for the worst case scenario.

Be sure to adhere to all the protocols and policies required by your state, you never know when they might suddenly give a surprise inspection of the place. Also do a market study on the common prices and packages offered by other daycare centers and think of your own prices and gimmicks to stay ahead. Remember this is no mere child’s play but a serious and heavy business to manage.

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