How to Start a Home Day Care Business?

Starting a home day care business is a great option for someone who wants to work out of their own home and have a passion for working with children. Today, about half the children in this country are cared for by someone other than a family member. Because many of these children are pre-schoolers, there is a need for care in a center, franchise or home setting.

A home day care business can be an easy start-up operation with minimal costs and can produce an attractive income. Here are some steps to take in setting up your own day care business in your home.

1. Self Assessment - A home day care is a business, not just babysitting. Once established, you are committed to providing the services you promised to parents who enlist your services. Be sure that you have the stamina to care for other children and deal with the concerns of many types of parents. Your family should be willing to assist if needed or be willing to sacrifice their personal space and your time.

2. Choosing the Type of Business - There can be many options for day care. How many children can you handle at one time? Can you care for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers at the same time? Will you offer after school care, extended or overnight care or full time care during vacations? Will your business be licensed or unlicensed? Some states will allow day care operation without a license if you are only caring for a few children.

3. Getting a License - Contact the National Child Care Information Center in your state for specific rules and guidelines . They can give guidance on licensing as well as information on local resources. Licensing has many requirements but also advantages. Most parents feel more assured when they realize that the day care provider is licensed.

4. Setting Up - Aside from the furniture and equipment needed to run the business, there are many issues including insurance, contracts, setting prices, tax issues and advertising.

Once you’ve followed these basic steps, you should be on your way to having a very successful home day care business.