Opening a Daycare/Preschool Center?

Question

I was trying to find some information for people interested in starting up a daycare/preschool center for children. I found starter kits online that may be useful, but can anyone tell me where I can get free information?

I also would like your opinion. Is this a good business to have? Soon I will graduate with an Early Childhood/Elementary Education Certification (P-5) and I'm also majoring in Psychology. I plan to do teaching for a while; and since I enjoy working with children, having a daycare/preschool center would probably be a great thing.

I just need to know how to start.

Answer 1

I'm in the exact same boat as you are in just that I'm not teaching at an elementary school or taking psychology lol. I currently work in a preschool and I personally find it's hard work but in the end I enjoy it. I'm hoping to open my own day care next year after I graduate in June. I found some information on the government website about opening a small business which is  http://www.gov.on.ca/ont/portal/!ut/p/.c...  

There's a lot of information that I'm still reading on that site that I'm finding helpful. I'm also personally going to take a course about opening up a daycare and how to run it properly next summer to help me. I hope that info helps!

Answer 2

I suggest one or the other.  Owning a day care should be the priority and it cant be if you spend 8-10 hours a day focused on your teaching.

I also suggest you work in a day care and see ALL the PETTY stuff you have to do.  It is not go sit and hold babies, walk through the rooms and love the kids.

The owner/director (saves money) is the chief book keeper, you have to follow ALOT of state regulations regarding staffing, education, class room management, toys etc....  You also have to be the one to force payment from the parents who dont pay, you are the end of the line in discipline and all staff/parent/child problems.  Don't get me wrong.  In the right hands its a great idea.

There are alot of classes (in services) that you can take.  Our local community college even offers a course on owning your own child care center.  Check into that too.  Free information.  Visit every single center in your area and talk with the owners/directors who can tell you the truth.  

Either way Good Luck.

Answer 3

You should only do one thing at a time (in my opinion) b/c teaching elementry school and starting a daycare will be too much all at once. Teach for a few years and talk to people about the daycare idea. Then get into that. There are books at b&n on daycares and talk to real people & ask questions.

Answer 4

hello there you know i think is a good idea a day care, if you feel that is what you wanna do i think you should try,

not long ago  i saw a report on tv about day care bussiness and they talked about this woman that was trying someting different to offer to parents and children and she ofered music lessons and she hired some college students that were bilingual and starered teaching 3 languages when the parents saw that the kids were relly learning they told every one they knew about this day care

now the bussiness of this lady is huge she has 20 day cares in NY that can be you.. good luck...

Answer 5

Yes, call your local 4'cs or bananas they have free one day classes to obtain your license.  The classes and information are free but it cost $100.00 for the actual license.  There's a grant you can apply for to furnish your child care, purchase toys, and provide meals. The child care business is very lucrative but requires alot of patience.  You can charge more of you are teaching as well as providing childcare.

Answer 6

Since you like children then yes its a good business, all you need is for the state to approve your house or business location, you'll need a fire license, get intouch with any child develpment center or preschool and ask for the state phone number so you can talk to them and get ready to open up your own day care or preschool.

Answer 7

For me I started doing childcare in my house.  I am lic'd for 12.  I did check into the center but found it was more hassle that it was worth.  For instance to get a 2nd home loan if the house was under 50 miles interest was 10% or more, so many children you need bathrooms per number of children.  Also by the time you add up expenses for help and just general bills.  I make more staying at home in my own house.  I don't know what state you are in but I would check $$$ where you stand.  Hope all goes well.  I don't want to discourage you but centers are alot of work.