What's it like to run a daycare centre? Is it too hard? Will I be able to have a life?

Question

I know that running a business takes up all your time. At least that's what I've heard. Anyway, I want to start a daycare centre (first at home and then expand and get licence). I absolutely love kids and I love teaching them things and seeing them laugh. I know kids can be hard, trust me, I have my own! But I am looking into this opportunity because I feel like I can create a really super healthy and educational daycare centre. I know I can. I'm just worried that I won't have time for anything else.

What do you think?

Any tips you have for starting out would be really appreciated.

I'm gonna read all the response so please do respond! :)

I am most likely going to a community college to become an Early Childhood Educator. I will also complete my degree (in process) and become a preschool/junior teacher. I'm serious about this!

Answer 1

We bring out kids to an at-home daycare.  She is state liscensed so she gets help with meals etc..I would go for the liscensing right away, it doesn't take much.  Parents will respect and want to bring their children to a liscensed child-care person verse a non-liscnedsed giver.  

We received a whole booklet on her vacation times for the Holidays and the time allowed for her to take vacation a year ( I think she had 2 weeks total through the whole year, 1 of those weeks we still had to pay her).  

Keep in mind things like if they go on vacation of are absent, do you still get paid?  I think you should.  

THe kids always had a naptime after lunch and story time ( their days were almost always the same so they knew exactly what to expect) and then their babysitter would get the craft ready and also be ordering new ideas etc...

If you would like a more in depth detail of the info. she gave us please email me.

Oh - I also know she was taking classes at a community college as well.  She did this 1 night a week when all the kids were gone.

Only take the number of kids you want to.  If you want to be able to go out and do things with them, you can only have the number that can fit into your vehicle.  Or if your town has public transport that will pick the whole pack up at your home - even better. ( our babysitter brought them to story time at the library once every week).  What age group do you want to have?  Do you want a little of everything?  Or do you want them within a few years so all the activites you plan are appropriate for that one age group?  

Just a few things to think about ( you may have already).  

Best of luck!!

Answer 2

Hi,

First of all, go for it!  You sound genuine.

Ok, so, yes & no on the "will I have a life" question.  If you are running a daycare out of your home, then parents will expect you to be available.  I think if you have a written policy that says something like you are closed the week of Christmas, then they will understand.  You can't just decide to go on vacation for a week anytime you want to.

Now, if you became licensed and opened your own center, then the same rules apply, however, I assume you will take on more children and therefore have more staff that could cover for you.

If you worked for a center, then you should be able to just put in a vacation request a few months in advance and be able to use vacation you have accrued.

Keep in mind that when the kids go home, you will still have to make up lesson plans, meal menus, craft projects, clean the nap mats, keep files up to date for the state like shots for the kids, CPR, etc for the staff.

Good luck!