I want to run a childcare service?

Question

I have three children and their ages are 9wks, 2 and 3 years old. We just moved into a house my husband and I and I thought of turning my garage into a childcare area.Is this a good idea, does it make money and is it hard to start?. I dont trust daycares and I am a stay at home mom who wants to help out by bringing in extra income.My husband says dont worry but I would like to build our savings account w/o going out to work.Any Idea's all the internet jobs seem like scams...

Answer 1

It takes quite a bit of money, first you will have to convert your entire garage, that means insulating it, heating/cooling it, putting down some kind of flooring as well as windows.  You will need to provide enough sleeping areas for the number of children you will have.  You will also need to upgrade your home owner's insurance because normal home owner's insurances do not cover in home businesses and if a child were to get hurt in your day care their parents can sue you and you would wind up losing your home and everything in it, your automobiles, etc and be basically homeless.  You'd better start doing some more research before you make that kind of commitment.

Answer 2

If you want to do an informal daycare in your house, many states allow you to have up to 2 or 3 kids(not sure on different states rules, NY says 2) in your home without being licensed. If you looked for kids around your children's ages, you wouldn't have to put much money into it, as you already have toys, so it would be like having a few playmates for your kids, and if you keep their playroom clean (living room/family room, wherever you would have your kids play) then you wouldn't have to put much money into it.  This way you could bring in a few hundred a week (not much, but if your only looking for a little extra cash, it might be worth it) and not have too much to buy, maybe just get some craft supplies, preschool learning materials, etc. With this approach, you can build a little bit of savings and not dish too much out to get your daycare moving.  Good luck.  

Answer 3

I have a childcare at home.  First, you want to contact the licensing agency and ask what you would need to do.  I too have 3 children, therefor many materials already and a playroom so I only put a couple hundred into licensing etc.  Having a lic. will help people who are looking for daycare find you, also many states have Food programs that will pay you re-imbersmant$ if you give healthy food, plus it can get you involved with the community and you have more resources available.  The money depends on where you live.  I'm in a small town and get $4 per hour per kid- but people in the city laugh at that b/c they get like double that.  But, it is a lot of work, and there is a difference between being a stay at home mom, where you can catch a nap when the kids are asleep or make a phone call, get on the computer, take the kids and run errands etc.  To have a daycare and treat it like one- not just like a babysitter, you'll need to take it seriously like a job.  People want the child to not just be watched, but to really grow in each area of development- to be learning, doing activities, eating well etc.  And then you have to "deal" with parents- I've been lucky and have wonderful families and no problems, but I hear of some who always come to pick them up late, pay late or complain about things that you do or don't do, or blame you when the child learns a new bad habbit that all kids do anyway like hitting or saying "mine" etc.  Also, it can be a huge benefit to your own children to be more social, sharing more etc. but it also takes some time and attention away from them, and they too can pick up things from other kids- anything from a runny nose to a bad word.  I would find out what the need is in your area too, are lots or people looking for daycare, or are there already many centers will openings?  If there is great need you could fill all of your slots and have like 3-4 daycare kids, and make enough to hire a sub. or part-time assistant that comes even like 5-10 hours a week so you can get things around the house done or errands or time alone with your kids.  Hope this was help-check out my daycare website- it may give you some ideas.  good luck

Answer 4

Before you open a daycare, check the licensing requirements for your state.  I know Michigan has a lot and add more every year.