What do you recommend to get a Daycare started?

Question

How many employees should I have? I need books, sleeping mats, food, toy's, outdoor gym, cribs, playpins, highchairs, eating table etc. Give me some other ideas.

Answer 1

depends on how many children you have how many employees you will need.  State will state the child/staff ratio and also your inventory.  Contact your local job and family services and they will help you get started. Good luck!

Answer 2

First you will need to check your state's requirements and licensing information.  

Resell shops are great for toys, books (you want to get those!), blocks, etc.

Check recalls for everything.  

Carry a receipt book with you to garage sales and write one up right away.  You will need this for taxes.  

Craigslist works well for used toys, etc.

Decide if you want infant, toddler, preschooler, and focus on that.

Get a good contract.  Some ideas to write your can be found (free) at:

http://www.supportingproviders.com/

Good luck.

Answer 3

It depends on how many children you plan on having. Each state has different teacher:kid ratios. I'd also reccomend craft supplies. I found some great craft sites online this one here I liked best; http://www.preschoolexpress.com

Answer 4

Day Care Center or Day Care Group Home or Day Care Family home?  A big difference.  As an individual who has worked in child care for over 10 years I've done the center route and am doing the family child care route presently.  My husband and I also have looked into opening a center.  Check with your State rules and Regulations.

In Michigan the child-teacher ratio for child care is 1:4 for infants and toddlers, 1:10 for preschool and I believe 1:12 for school-agers.  That should help with your question about employers.  

Beyond equipment...think philosophy...what is your philosophy regarding early childhood education.  Create a handbook of policies and stick with it!  

Some food for thought:  The quality of a preschool and the quality of a childcare/preschool should be NO different.  Consider incorporating a high-quality preschool program.

Consider education...how much do you have?  Does it meet state guidelines?  How much does your employees have?

Advertisement... using the classifieds in the newspaper will get you EVERYONE and especially problem families.  Word of mouth is best... consider having an "open house".

You will definately need a schedule for each classroom... it will be fine tuned as you go along...but there should be a variation of activities provided and areas for quiet play and large motor play.  Consider centers in older toddler on up.  

Oh the list goes on.  Hope this helps!

Answer 5

See if there is a Childcare Resource and Referral Agency in your area. They are usually called something like a Child Care Council or Day Care Council. They often have training or other help to get you started. Contact the licensing agency and see if they offer help.It is not simple, and please do not think of doing it unlicensed. There is s great potential for serious liability problems if you do.