1)Making the decision:

Ask your self, do you enjoy children? You must enjoy watching children play and interact with each other. You must enjoy interacting with children. You should be able to handle conflict with a stride, humor and love.

Do you enjoy other people's children? Most people love their own children. You must love children!!!! Some people enjoy their own children but have a harder time with other peoples children. In order to start a daycare you need to love and enjoy all children.

Do you enjoy staying home with your child and watching him/her interact with other children?

For those of you who have children at home this is a great oppurtunity for your child to enjoy interacting with other children. However, can you treat your child like everyone else. Some children do have a harder time lisening to their parents when other children are around.

Do you enjoy cooking? As a daycare your children will need a well balanced meal. If your cooking for your child this shouldn't be hard

Do you enjoy teaching? Children are taught daily. You must tell them everything twice and keep reminding them guidelines. Children are little sponges, they absorb everything you tell them and everything you do.

2) Research:

How many daycare's are there? There are 2 types of daycares: Home Daycares and Daycare Centers. You need to find out how many you have of each type.

How much competition would you have? Is it profitable to have one in your area.

What is the going rate? Would the price per child cover your daycare expences.

3) Location:

Location is very important. You need to be in a high traffic area or central location. Being in an conveint location for parents dropping off their child is a big plus!!

Is the daycare going to be in your home? Haveing a daycare in your home will keep you very busy. Keep daycare and your child toys seperate. Your child will not be happy sharing.

Will your daycare be in your home or a seprate location in your home? It is good to have a seperate area for example: a closed- in garage or basement. This can help seperate home life from business.

4) Steps for Liscensing:

Most states have a website that will give you all information you need to get started. They will tell you what kind of classes you need. What steps you need to do obtain your liscence. All the child safty items that need to be done.

Most states require: Drug testing, federal Criminal Backgroud Check, CPR/FIRST AIDE. Some states require college classes on child development or CDA. Fire Safty Plan, Fire Extinguire, Tornado Plans and other things.

5) Business plan:

Name? Pick a name that describes your daycare and the type of imaige you want.

Thing You need to get Started? Make a list of thing you will need. Figure how your floor layout is going to be. Make a check list of toys, cots or mats, and any other items needed. You want age approprate items.

Contract? Write a formal contract that tell your parents your mission statement, the hours open, Fee's and Rates, health issues, personal info, discepline, school activities ect..

After reading this:

Are you ready to start your own Daycare Business????