How to start a daycare: 10 steps to the business of your dreams

Have you wondered how to start a daycare? In the United States, the child care services industry is made up of more than 50,000 companies, which earn a combined $27 billion a year. If you consider that 27% of children in the country require some type of care, and 11.9% of them go to daycare centers, it just makes sense to start your own daycare. Here are 10 easy steps to get started.

Gather the required documentation

The documentation that you will gather before starting your daycare business depends on several factors, but mainly on whether you are starting from scratch or acquiring a franchise whose success has already been proven. In any case, it is necessary to go to the state officials to find out what requirements must be met.

How to start a daycare: Choose a location

Location is a factor that can directly influence the success or failure of any business. In the case of daycares, it is essential to carry out a market study to verify that the area where you want to open your daycare is viable for your interests. In addition, the strategic location must cover the market demand, as well as be suitable for meeting licensing and childcare requirements.

Get insurance

One of the main investments that you will make when opening a daycare center will be getting insurance policies with strategic coverage, especially when it comes to damages to third parties. It is recommended that, in addition to third party damages, your policy include civil liability, worker’s compensation, business coverage and any other areas that protect your economic interests.

Apply for an operating license for the daycare

A crucial step to successfully open a daycare center is to obtain the license and authorization from the state to operate officially. Although many people avoid this step, it is always best to invest in the required operating license. According to the authorities, the documentation required to obtain a license to open a daycare center includes: certification to provide first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and an impeccable driving record.

Develop a business plan

Establishing the mission, vision and philosophy of your company, will show you the path for directing your goals, not only economically but also in the attitudes and values that you will promote in your business. Like any business, your daycare will require following an achievable and measurable action plan to achieve all the financial objectives that you have set for yourself in the short and long term.

Define your internal regulations

Children in nursery with caregiver — Shutterstock

A daycare, like any other company, could not function without the establishment of rules. They must be followed by all workers who provide their services in the company. In addition, it will be necessary to define the rules that must be followed by your clients, in order to avoid misunderstandings or risk situations that may affect your economic and business interests.

Invest in surveillance technology

Even if you have many employees, it is always necessary to have as much surveillance as possible inside and outside your facilities. The strategic placement of surveillance cameras could prevent unfortunate situations or those that put the safety of children at risk. Surveillance cameras at the entrance of the daycare center and in the rooms where children are in the care of childcare professionals will provide greater certainty to parents yourself.

Promote your business

Do not hesitate to make use of social media to promote your business, especially those that provide you with segmentation and advertising tools to reach the public that really needs your services. Regular posting on social networks will also be a way for your current and future clients to create familiarity with the service you offer and have the confidence to come to you.

Find great employees

A daycare could not function without the meticulous work of professionals trained to care for children of all ages, especially newborns or those who require special attention. Positions you’ll need to fill include: Daycare Director, Administrative Assistant, Custodian, Teachers, Babysitter or Babysitter, Child Care Specialists, and Nurses/Licensed Nurses.

Buy the necessary equipment

A little girl laughing in a nursery — Shutterstock

Another of the investments necessary to start a daycare is the purchase of specialized equipment to guarantee the safety, well-being and comfort of the children that you will have in your care. First-aid kits, fire extinguishers, special furniture for children of all ages, tables, toys, books and safety products are just some of the items that cannot be missing from your nursery.

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