Is it easy to open your child care center?

Question

does anyone know what is the process of opening a child care center? what are the procedures? is it a lot of work and hard?

Answer 1

It's one of the hardest businesses to start since you are dealing with multiple layers of government regulations. it's easier to start a Family Day Care but even then it's complicated. Start by finding out if there is a Child Care or Day Care Council in your area. many of these hold Information Sessions for people who are interested in start-up.Also try the nearest licensing office. Sometimes they do the same.

The agency I work for tells people they should have at least $150,000 and a minimum of a year to spend without any return.

Answer 2

Yes actually it is kind of hard. You have to consider the costs of food and hiring workers. you have to have safe conditions for the kids too. it would roughly cost around 15 thousand dollars that is for the facility its self and for the cost of food trucks and a play area and staff.

Answer 3

You are looking to open a center-based day care business? First, I would look into the state regulations and licensing for a large family day care center. That will give you an idea of state regs. Also, if you do not have any education in the early childhood eductaion field, get some!  Even if you hire fully trained teachers, you will need the education in order to run a good center. The building/site requirements are rigorous, safety, bathrooms, food prep, space per child and outdoor facilities, also handicapped accessiblity. Google "Licensing for day care center (for your state) and contact the licensing agency. Opening a center is NOT easy. Becoming a family day care provider is easier. You must submit to a criminal record check, have some knowledge of child development, and have a safe, spacious and developmentally appropriately stimulating environment. (Meaning, toys and equipment sutiable for young children)  Illegal drugs, weapons , dangerous pets, and folks with criminal records are not permitted in your home when you operate a family day care. Good luck.  Day care is not easy, but a rewarding career that benefits society and the future!

Answer 4

You will need to check with your local licensing agency.

There's a great resource on here...

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

Answer 5

It is more than you could ever imagine. Please be dedicated to this before you just build yourself a center.  My mom just opened one. They have been open for about 8 months.

The processes are:

If you don not have any education in childcare, I suggest you get some. You may hires someone to be the director of your center. But if you do that yourself, you must have a director's training course.

Finding a location zoned for child care

Going through your city to get permits

And much more (Can't help that much I don't know where you are)

Also it depends if you are building from scratch. That's what we did and that requires many more permits.

Make sure you keep a very good eye on your money, making sure you aren't spending to much. Whoever said it will only cost $15,000 knows nothing. Have a reserve to fall back on. You will need it. Also, be prepared to spend a lot and not get a lot back. (At least for the first year) You have to be inspected by the health department to make sure that conditions are safe. You have to get a fire alarm and test it once a month. (Alarm must be installed by fire department)

Please be prepared for a lot of hard work. It is a lot of money, time, and headache. But if you are serious about this. It is well worth it.