Research Starting a Daycare in 3 Steps
Let us assume you know nothing about the child care industry except that it involves children but you have always dreamed about quitting your job and starting a daycare. That is pretty much the position I was in when I started my day care 10 years ago. I spent a year and a half researching and learning before I got going. But, do not panic. Allow me to cut short the research time a little with some pointers on how best to prepare for the exciting journey that is starting your own child care business.
Every successful venture starts with a well thought out business plan thus enabling the entrepreneur (you) to get a clear, overall picture of what your business will entail. This is the vital, unavoidable first step if you are to have any chance of understanding what it takes for your idea to succeed. Many people get to the business plan stage and no further due to a realization that the project is unfeasible for whatever reason. So, use your business plan as the first step in your research to figure out if your business will be viable.
The vital elements of starting any business are covered by your business plan. Introduction/description,benefits, market research, key financial info and conclusion. Like a good teacher it provides the questions and ensures you fill in the blanks. I found it to be a great checklist of things to do as I worked my way methodically through each of the required steps. Areas I might have omitted or glossed over were covered leaving me with thorough and accurate vision of my business. Here are some suggestions for business plan templates.
www.sba.gov USA www.bytestart.co.uk UK www.teagasc.ie/startingyourownbusiness/template.htm Ireland
Next, talk to the experts. Arrange a meeting with your local licensing representative, have them visit your premises and find out what they will be requiring in terms of premises layout, contents, play area and general health and safety issues. Get them to give you guidelines and tips on policies and paperwork. Do not be afraid to ask questions, remember this is the expert and the person who will be granting you a license, so best to have a heads up on what they will expect from you. Prepare in advance of this meeting and come armed with a list of comprehensive questions so you do not waste a great opportunity to absorb as much knowledge as possible.
Some of the best tips, hints and advice that I received while researching my business were from other providers. I actually still attempt to visit other daycares at least once a year to get new and fresh ideas. Existing daycare owners are an invaluable resource for practical advice. Call up a couple of established providers (preferably not too close to your proposed venture, they might not be too enamored of the impending competition!). Most people are delighted to mentor a budding entrepreneur and proud to showcase their business. There is nothing quite like the advice of people who have been there, are doing that and wearing the tee shirt daily.
ideas before they vacate your head (as they do mine). Ask questions, listen and observe. Notice daily routines, room layout and equipment, methods for dealing with behaviors, staff and child interaction, health and safety procedures, hygiene practices, peruse paperwork (ask for copies of the paperwork to help guide you when formulating your own). Find about the best methods of advertising, what suppliers you should use and the range of fees locally. Try to speak with the owner or manager, the staff and the cook and get a feel for each unique role. Don't just ask them what they do but also ask for their opinion on how things could be better. You will gain an immense wealth of practical knowledge simply by asking these open questions.
These are just three steps you can take in pursuit of your dream seeing them through to completion will give you a fantastic head start in terms of researching your business. Your confidence in yourself and your ability to achieve your vision will peak and you will be propelled into further positive action. So, start that research and make that dream a reality.
10 years of running a daycare leaves Fiona Lohrenz with a lot of knowledge to impart. This she does on her website plus on her 'Start a ChildCare Business' DVD guide: StartChildCare.com You can find her at her website: ChildCareOnly.com
Published January 7th, 2008