The majority of families today do not fall into a male breadwinner-female homemaker model. Shift work is an increasingly prominent feature of the new economy, with more and more people working nights and weekends. In some two-parent households, one person works the day shift, and the other works the night shift People are waiting longer to retire, which means that grandparents are less available to take care of children.
Professionalism and business acumen Willingness to take risks Ability to supervise staff Access to financial resources Organizational and record-keeping skills
Look at demographic data. How many children are there under the age of five in your area? You can get this and other important pieces of information from the U. S. Census Bureau or local municipal centers and school systems. Also consider conducting a focus group of parents in your area. [6] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source How many childcare centers already exist to serve these children? You can find this information through your municipal center’s licensing office, local daycare referral agencies, or the phone book/Internet. Once you’ve established a comprehensive list, contact each center to find out how much they charge. [7] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source Is there a need that these centers are not currently serving? Perhaps an age group or time frame is being neglected. If so, this could be your niche. You might want to consider the following options:[8] X Research source Care during the traditional work day Before or afterschool care Evening, overnight, or weekend care Care for a specific age group Consider other features that could set you apart from other childcare centers in your community as well, such as a focus on education, upgraded facilities, community engagement, a state-specific certification or highly-qualified staff.
What supplies will you need to purchase? Keep in mind that this is not a one-time cost. You will need to replenish supplies regularly. These include toys, games, books, arts and crafts, playground equipment, and more. What alterations, if any, will you need to make to your house to make it safe for children? What are the licensing and insurance fees in your state? How much will it cost to provide meals and snacks for the children in your care? How many children can you care for in your home? Will you need to hire extra staff, and, if so, how much will you pay them? How much will you charge parents for your services? Will it be enough to balance out costs? Conversely, will it be so much that it drives parents away?
Many home daycare centers are sole proprietorships. While this is the easiest and least expensive structure, it means that you will have to file both business and personal taxes together. Consider becoming incorporated if you employ other people. You will likely need to pay attorney’s fees and higher taxes, but your own property will be protected. Becoming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is also an option, but the parts of your home, furniture, materials, etc. that you use for the daycare will not be protected. Choose a partnership if you and a trusted colleague have complementary skill sets and wish to divide the labor. While this will allow you to participate in business decisions and receive any profits equally, you are also both responsible for any losses.
Helping you decide if you want to start a daycare center Determining if you are qualified to start a daycare center Informing you of what is required before you can open your center Going over rules and safety requirements Providing information about adult-child ratios and staffing issues Introducing best practices in the care of children
Character references or recommendations Medical information, including testing for tuberculosis Information about any criminal convictions Forms allowing background checks for anyone living in your house (and any staff) who is older than fourteen A fee
First aid, CPR, and emergency preparedness Developmentally-appropriate discipline and activities Child health, nutrition, and development Making sure your home is safe for children Communicating with parents
Grants and loans can allow you to keep your prices down. You may also be eligible for tax credits. [17] X Research source
Look into graphic design and writing professionals in your area. If you are working with someone who has children, you may even be able to trade childcare services for their services. As you are designing your marketing plan, think about the same questions you considered when deciding what kind of service to provide (and make sure that your materials describe these specific services to avoid any confusion). What audience are you trying to reach? How will your service be different from, and better than, the one they are currently using or others they might be considering? What characteristic(s) do you want to emphasize? Caring? Flexibility? Affordability? Choose the most important ones, and use them to craft a consistent and appealing image.
