What should I know in setting up a daycare facility?

Question

We've come up with a church project to set up a free daycare center for indigents. The funding is bare minimum, and Id like to know the most basic things i should equip myself as far as the curriculum, educational equipment, facilities, etc to start with. The children's age range from 2-6 years old. Your help will be very much appreciated.

Answer 1

PATIENCE

Answer 2

The are several things to think about, but the most important being:

1.  Your state regulations.  Go to your home state website and they should have requirements there.  In some states a pre-inpection will be required before they will issue a license.

2.  Insurance.  Insurance companies are very careful about insuring this due to the liability of watching someone's kid.  I would contact a good agent immediately.

These two things should be consulted at the very first because they will directly impact the resources (ie money) you will need to expend on the project.  This is not something you or your church should go into lightly or unprepared.

Answer 3

Great advice from Redtic...you must first check your state's minimum standards for child care.  Insurance is a must also.

Good luck and hats off to you for helping children of lower income families!

Answer 4

I suggest SECURITY FIRST.

I have a center, and here's our setup. The parents were upset at first, but now, they even take off their cothes before entering...

http://www.freakingnews.com/USA-Owned-by...

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Answer 5

staff skills, first aid certificates for all staff, security,  toilet facilities, maybe some sort of bedding system for afternoon naps,  outdoor play area with sandpits, toys etc (maybe a short trip to local park which probably would need parent permission), fridge facilities,  chairs and tables for somewhere to eat.  maybe buy cheap childsafe paints, pencils etc for craftwork and maybe parents, general community donate egg cartons, paper etc or even get local businesses to sponsor or donate childsafe toys etc