You’ve always wanted to own a daycare centre, but you’ve never been brave enough to start the entire process? Well, it’s about time you changed that and made your dream come true at last! Of course, no one says that this will be an easy journey.
There are so many things you should be aware of, so keep on reading if you want to learn more about them. Here are five steps on how to start a daycare centre, so check them out and enjoy!
Decide what type of daycare you want to start
Before anything else, you must decide what kind of daycare you want to start. For example, there is a huge difference between starting it at home and establishing a commercial facility. This is because different municipalities may require different permits depending on the type of daycare centre you want to start.
When you figure that out, you should research the way you will be taxed once your business opens. Besides that, you should consider buying into a daycare franchise. This is a great choice that’ll simplify the entire process of opening a daycare centre!
Write a detailed business plan
The next phase is writing a detailed business plan. It is essential because you need to carefully plan every step of the process in order to succeed. Firstly, do market research. You don’t want to invest your money into a daycare centre if there already are too many similar facilities in your area, right? Also, don’t forget to plan your budget.
The costs associated with opening and running this facility can easily go through the roof if you don’t plan them wisely. Did you know that you can claim some tax deductions as a daycare centre owner? That’s right, and these will certainly make it easier for you!
Find a location for your daycare
If you plan to open a daycare centre in your home, this step is quite straightforward. However, if this isn’t the case, you’ll need to find the right location for your facility. Truth be told, a lot of churches, schools, and recreational centres have enough space to host a daycare for a monthly fee. If that sounds interesting, research it online and find such options in your area.
An ideal location for your daycare is child-friendly, easily accessible, and situated in the centre of the town. This is what the majority of parents find most convenient, so go for that, and you won’t make a mistake!
Equip your facility to the max
Once you’ve picked the location, the next step is equipping your facility. The first and the most important step is cleaning and sanitizing the entire space. Then goes childproofing, which is crucial as you want all kids to be safe in your daycare centre. When that’s done, you should lay out toys and set up play equipment – both indoors and outdoors.
Remember to check out the best playground equipment and find pieces that perfectly suit the needs of your facility. From swings, balance bars, and sensory play panels to exciting curvy climbers – all of these should be a part of a modern daycare centre. Bear that in mind and you’ll do a great job!
Establish important policies and procedures
Last, but certainly not least, you must establish policies and procedures which ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. These are essential for everyone – your staff, the families that attend your daycare, and you as an owner. As for the procedures, these should include privacy protocols, safety procedures, emergency plans, and other rules for your daycare.
Establishing these will keep the children safe while protecting yourself from potential liabilities at the same time. This also includes creating a contract that encompasses important questions such as what time should parents pick up their children, what services you will provide, and what is your policy regarding sick children. Think about that, and you won’t skip anything vital to your business!
As you can see, starting a daycare centre can be a quite challenging task that requires a lot of steps. However, it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you probably thought. All you need to do is to stick to our tips, and you’ll inevitably make it happen. Just follow the guidelines, and you’ll be much closer to accomplishing your goal!
Article by Stella Ryne
Stella is a proud member of Alejandra’s Life Family Team
