How to Start Your Own Home Based Childcare Program
Do you love children? Well, it is possible to turn this love into a great business opportunity. A home-based childcare program is operated out of home, which makes the risks and startup costs of the business low, while the emotional and monetary rewards are high.
However, before you open your home-based childcare program, there are a lot of things that you have to consider. It is important to remember that even though you are working from home, owning a daycare is still a business. You will have to handle all the business aspects such as licensing, regulations, taxes, budgeting, etc. Here are a few important parts to help you get started:
Home childcare license
Every state has a different licensing process. Some have an online portal while others require you to fill out a paper form. In most states, like New York and Massachusetts, it can take about 2 to 3 months to get a license. It involves background record checks, online training, and a home inspection. It is also important to note that different states have different terms for home daycare. For instance, in some, it is known as Family Child Care (FCC). And in such cases, you will be applying for the Family Child Care license.
Setting up your home
In order to get your license, you have to set up your space, regardless of whether you have your own home or you rent one. This is because the license won’t be just for you, but also for your specific childcare space. And in order to get your license, you must meet all the safety and health requirements. Here is what you will need:
Furniture
You will need kid-sized chairs and tables for activities like arts and crafts and lunchtime.
Toys and equipment
Having toys and tools that can support the children’s growth is crucial. Check out some ideas:
- Gross motor skills – Structures that kids can play around and large soft blocks
- Fine motor skills – Puzzles, toy cars, stuffed animals, and playdough that engages their minds and hands. A wide array of pencils and pens to help with teaching handwriting are good to have around as well.
- Arts and crafts – Paper, paints, crayons, glue, and more.
- Sensor play – Pillows, water tables, textured books, and sensory sand.
Naptime needs
Every child will need a crib or pack and play. For older children, you can use a cot or mat. You will also need bedding for each child.
Mealtime supplies
You will need a lot of kid-friendly cups, utensils, and plates.
Bathroom and changing station
Your child care center should have a bathroom with a step stool, a toilet, and a sink. There should be a safety release on the door from the outside so that kids aren’t locked in. The changing station needs a sturdy table with diaper storage, sanitary paper, and a locking trash can.
First aid kit
It is crucial to have a first aid kit that is easily portable.
Establish the business
There are different ways you can establish your home-based childcare program. It is recommended that you go for sole proprietorship as it will allow you to own 100% of your business. Also, it won’t be taxed separately and your business’ income and your income will be considered the same thing. Next, you should apply for the Employer Identification Number (EIN) which enables the government to track your business. After this, you should get a general liability insurance policy for your business. Also, don’t forget about the taxes. You will need a CPA for paying your quarterly estimated taxes. In order to be prepared for your business, you should download daycare management software to help you with your operations.
Find families
Today, parents start searching for child care online. So, what you need is an online marketing plan. Here are a few steps that you can take to successfully launch your home-based childcare program.
- Tell your story
- Set up your online profile
- Spread the word
- Get enrollments
Open the daycare
Now that you have a license and the first few families, you are set up for success. You can install an online daycare solution to help you deal with the day-to-day operations of your business.
Conclusion
Starting a home-based childcare program can be a significant undertaking. However, it can also be a rewarding business opportunity. Follow the above-mentioned steps to get started with this amazing opportunity.