Starting my own in-home daycare in NC?

Question

I am currently going to school to get my associates in early childhood education. I would like to start my own in home daycare as soon as I graduate school, but I have a few questions. I know I don't have to have a degree to start my own in home daycare, but it gives me an opportunity to work with young children and learn how they grow and develop, as well as activities that I can do with the children, since I don't yet have children of my own. My questions are: What is the process that you have to go through to get liscenced? Are these fair rates to charge parents for daycare? If not, what do you suggest?

infant-19mths - $175/week

20mths - 3 yr - $150/week

3-5 yr - $125/week

before school/after school care - $50/week (summer rates change to $125/week)

In the state of NC I know that you can hold a maximum of 8 children (5 preschool children and 3 school age children), but do you have to take in less children if they are infants? I know in other states, that this is the case.

Answer 1

Contact your local Smart Start. They will send you a packet that has everything you need to know about starting a home daycare in NC. I am working on my BS in Early Childhood here in NC. Below you will find a link to the Smart Start website. You will be able to find one near you on this site and they will send you a free packet also they will become your best resource as an early childhood professional. Good luck.

Answer 2

You should have the answer to all of these questions in the courses you are taking. The ratios for infants will be higher than the ratio for preschoolers since they require more constant care.