I want to run my own daycare, how do I start?

Question

I just need to know what education i need, how much to charge or how much they make? And can they make good money?

Answer 1

Depends on where you live, for all your questions.  Finding out what your licensing requirements are is quite possibly where you need to start.  They will have the necessary education required in your rule book.  If you live in the U.S., you should be able to get them off of your State's official webpage.  In our state we need a bacherlor's degree with credits in early childhood or equivalent (CDA + experience) etc.  You also have to have an administration course under your belt.  

Again...what you charge is going to depend on what area you live in.  You'll need to do some research :-)  Find out if there is even a need in your area.  If there isn't...and if you are not offering something "special" then it might possibly not work for you.  Something to keep in mind is that starting a day care, outside of your home...requires quite a bit of $$$ put into it at the beginning.  Whether you make "good money" or not depends on your ability to run a successful business...this includes maintaining good staff.  

If this is really what you with to do...I do suggest becoming licensed in your home first, if at all possible.  Though it is a bit different and you do not have as much paperwork, liability, staff, etc...it does give you an idea of what is involved and how much it costs to actually run a child care...a lot of hidden costs there.  At least find a mentor!  Find someone who has gone through this before that can answer your questions, remind you of things that you might not of thought of (those hidden costs), and walk you through some of the more difficult steps.  Good luck!

Answer 2

go to

www.jobs4u.co.uk

wicked website type in "teacher" and im sure daycare manger and or headteacher or any other educational thing will show up its sick.

Answer 3

First, hit up the neighborhood for their children and their toys. Second, spray paint the babies so they don't recognize. Third, you might want to make plans to get out of the country, because this isn't going to work. I'd say for you to ask you financial adviser and see if you can't get a loan or something. You don't want it to be in your house, trust me. Also, get a license to handle the children, and build up a reputation. Plus, get a staff that you can rely on. If one of them happens to be a pedophile, your operation could get shut down.

Answer 4

I have four years of college in ECE and have worked in several businesses and daycares and also have a degree in business.  I think to run a daycare you first need to have a building to do it.  You can have a family daycare and start out small.  If you are licensed you have to have so many requirements as outlined by the state you live in such as so many square feet per child, must pass a safety inspection, so many doors in the facility or house, changing area for infants,

and so on.  If you meet the requirements you can get on their food program.  Also, you must have adult CPR and infant and children CPR and Red Cross training.  You have to have so many classes in ECE.  Your can also get your CDA through Child Care Connections.  They have a lending library for you to check out books and equipment.  You also need to know how much to charge your clients.

If you have the energy and can do it, it can be kind of fun.  But remember, if you are the owner, you can find yourself working 12 hours or more a day.  You might want to get a helper.

Good luck.

You also have to be able to pass State and Federal Background checks and have no criminal background in crimes of moral turpitude (no child molestation, rape, etc. on your background.)

Answer 5

Your local Pre school learning alliance should run drop in sessions for anyone thinking of doing this find out any info by calling them.  Phone your local council and they will give you the number.  I done this one year ago and it is tough at first but worth it.  PLA have a website with all the local contacts

Answer 6

I'm considering the same thing.  Congrats, I hope you give it a go.  I was told to be certain that what I wanted to do and the best way to find out would be to work for someone else for at least a couple of months to observe the problems a local daycare experiences.  Most parents will feel comfortable leaving their little ones with you if you have at least a 2-year degree and CDA certification.  However, check with your state education department for certification or education requirements.

Some smaller daycares barely get by.  True earnings really depend on where you live.  What  you can charge is somewhere between $100 to $400 per week per child.  The factors that dictate the rate are the cost of living in your area, the child's age, and the length of time he or she will be in your care.  Still, in some states, they make just above minimum wage.  In others they make as much as a public school teacher with a 4-year degree.  But, the average annual salary for a preschool teacher is $22,000 per year.  You can expect to make more since you will be the owner.

Consider operating a home daycare.  Your starting costs will be lower than trying to start a full blown center and you build a loyal client base that will give you good referrals when you decide to grow your business.  Another way to get good information on running a daycare and the associated costs is to request information from a few daycare franchises.

Yes, they can make good money, but there are bigggg risks.   There are millionares like the founder of Kindercare, Perry Mendel.  But even this large chain of centers went bankrupt in 1993.  They've pulled themselves out of the red, but they offer a good example risks and rewards of operating a daycare.

Answer 7

I have some really good links on this topic on my website:

http://www.the-preschool-pages.com/Links

I coach teachers and directors in 15 child care centers. Yes, they can make money, IF they are good at management - both fiscal and personnel.

Answer 8

i work in daycares, and i can tell you that owners definately make more than the "regular" staff of the daycare!

you will more than likley at least need a degree in early childhood education, and it would also probably help if you knew something about running a business! depending on the size of your dayscare and what services you provide and where it is located is what you would charge. are you going to have it in an "upper class" area, or somewhere where many families will need subsidies because they cant afford to pay?

there are many things you need to take into consideration, hope this helped a little!

good luck!