Imagine you are planning to open a play group next year.?

Question

what training would you consider necessary? include academic and practical.

Answer 1

In England:

Training-

The leader who will plan the curriculums and lead settings will need a level 4 such as NVQ or Certificate in EY Practice3.

Assistants will need to have level 2 as a minimum preferably level 3 NVQ/BTech/CACHE's are all fine.

OTher training:

ALL STAFF MUST HAVE-

Paediactric First Aid

Food Safety

Safe Guarding Children

then other SHOULD HAVES:

-SENCO (Atleast one member of staff)

-Early YEars Foundation Stage (all staff)

-Every Child Matters (all staff)

Then its good if staff have had other training such as informal courses like:

"Observation and Assessment"

"Learning Through Play"

"The Learning Environment" etc

The amount of staff required depends on how many children in which age groups but ALL Staff must be trained and CRB checked, Leader should have a deputy of similar qualifications.

Answer 2

You will need to become familiar with the Early years foundation stage so check your local training provider or lea, also you may like to consider doing an nvq level 4 in childcare as this covers alot of managerial skills and organisational aspects.

Answer 3

It would help to know where you are.  If you're in the states I would recommend that you take three or four Early Childhood Education classes at your local junior college.  These should be in foundations such as child growth and development, family & community, and basic curriculum.  Not only will these classes give you the foundation you need, but you will also meets tons of other people who are preschool/day care teachers and you can network with them, swap ideas, etc.  

If you're opening up a playgroup in your home I don't think that you need any special licensing or degrees, but I would recommend that you take an administration course so that you know how to deal with parents, record keeping, finances, etc.

You should have a plan as to what your daily schedule will be.  What will you charge?  What ages will you accept?  Will you provide a snack/meals or are children required to bring them?  What releases/paperwork do you need parents to fill out?  What is your plan in case of an emergency?  

There are lots of questions to answer before you get started, but I wish you the best of luck!