Home daycare questions? for people who already have one of their own?

Question

I recently turned 20 years old and my life dream has always been to open my own home daycare! (Ever since i was a child myself)

My whole life I have wanted to work with children - even when i was little! When i was 16 i began working at a childcare center - where i still work now! 4 years! i LOVE it! I am going to school to get my early childhood ed associates degree...and then perhaps my BA and MA in elementary ed.

I've looked deeply into this, and realize that it "Takes money to make money" and i've got a good plan set.

One thing i'm wondering is ... I live in the state of Connecticut. When the state comes out to inspect your home, do you need to have the area all set up and ready to open? as it would be after you get the licence? For example, do i need to have toy shelfs up and toys on the shelf and changing talbes, cribs, cots, tables chairs..all set up as they would be when there are actually children in the center? Or do they just inspect my home as it is?

Answer 1

your best bet is to have it all set up and ready to go..better to be safe than sorry....if they come and see you have made adjustments to fit their requirements they may refuse to give you a license and you would have to go through the process again..they have to observe the environment as it would be when you open for business...if you aren't sure call them and ask if that option is available to you

Answer 2

Check out your Resource & Referral Department in your state they should be able to direct you in the right direction!

Check out this website

http://www.211childcare.org/

Answer 3

yes it is best to have it set up and ready to go so they can make sure everything is up to state standards. I don't think they will license you without seeing everything first no matter what state you live in. I think it is great you found a niche.

Answer 4

Congrats to you!!!  I am 22 and just opened my childcare less then a year ago.  I was in the same boat as you which is that I have wanted this my whole life.  It's a fun & rewarding job.

Anyway, I would say you need to have everything at least 90% complete.  They are coming out to look at that stuff although they know you are starting up so they are aware that more will be added.  They will mostly look at your house in general, at the sleeping arrangements, diapering area, toy shelving, outdoor area, etc  but if you are not completely setup that's ok too.

Here is a helpful site that I use but I am providing the link for your state... http://www.daycare.com/connecticut/