What do I do to have a home-based child-care business?

Question

What qualifications and other things?

Does it take long to get to that stage?

Thanks!

Answer 1

You will need a Criminal Records Bureau check - a CRB as well as reputable references from previous childcare positions for instance experience from a nursery for from being a nanny etc.

If you are running the business from home, insurance, security and childproofing will need to be looked at professionally and I would strongly recommend getting added on to your Local Authorities list of registered childminders.

Seek the advice of professionals but a good place to start to work with children, provided you have experience of working with kids is to get a CRB.  

Answer 2

Most states have a course in this that you have to take no big deal two weeks a few hours from your life then they register you fingerprint you do a criminal background check and you're on your way. After getting insurance and needed town permits. And a D.B.A. a businnes name and tax number from the county clerks office so you can pay your taxes. Your on your way. Certain areas may or may not inspect to check for certain saftey and cleanliness in the place.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Start by finding out what the requirements are in your State since they are all different. Do a search for "Child Care Regulations in (your state). In my State, NY, the process can take a good six months and maybe more. There is a lot of paperwork, some inspections, and a required 15 hr. Health and Safety training before you can start. You might also want to talk to someone in your area who already does child care to find out what it is really like. The good new is that in NY the State regulations override the local ones and you do not need to deal with local Fire, Health, or Zoning departments.

Answer 4

How do I become a registered childminder?

First you need to contact your local authority: Childcarelink - tel: [phone] will be able to give you their number. Remember, if you work as a childminder without being registered you are breaking the law. Anyone who cares for children for more than 2 hours per day for reward (this includes any sort of payment i.e. payment in kind or even a bunch of flowers!) must be registered and inspected by Ofsted. You can visit the Ofsted website for more information about inspections and registration. There are also downloads of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which you are required to meet as a Registered Childminder.

Do I need any special qualifications?

You do not need any qualifications to apply but once registered you must complete the FIRST UNIT of the diploma course Home-based Childcare (Cache level 3) and also complete a 12 hour Paediatric First Aid Course and gain a certificate - you will be given help in finding a suitable course near you.