How can I start my home based daycare?
I currently live with my parents. I was just approved for a one bedroom apartment. I dont make enough to qualify for a two bedroom apartment. I want to start a home based daycare but a one bedroom would be too small. Any ideas on how i can start my home based daycare without changing locations. By the way i live in Ohio
Public Comments
- I would tell you, but then i would have to kill you.
naw really just research it
and pass out flyers or something
it cant be toooooo hardd
- just start out with 3 or 4 kids until you are making more money and can get a bigger place
- um i think you could just have a crib and a lot of blankets and be very gentle and if you have any problem try something else.
- this will not work.. you may keep up to three children in your home without being state approved.. otherwise you will be in trouble with the state. Check with local state services for more information.
- Please go to this site. It will tell you everything that you need and will also tell you how to avoid costly mistakes. It's a great site from a real person that has been through it all.
http://startingadaycaretoday.com/index3.html
- I don't know what state you live in, but in Texas you can't have a daycare in a home you are renting for insurance reasons. You can be listed and they inspect you one time unless you get reported. You need to contact Children's Services and they can tell you what you need to do. Have fun and good luck. I had a home based daycare and the state inspectors give you hell, but it's their job to keep the kids safe. I enjoyed it until my kids got old enough for me to go back to school so I closed it down. It was good money, but you have to be responsible or you could end up in a lot of trouble legally.
- If you live in Canada, make sure you contact your local municipal government for the rules in your area. There are limits to how many kids you can have (based on age - like two babies, three toddlers, 4 preschoolers, etc.)
You will need to consider liability insurance (not covered under your home insurance policy) and you'll also want to child proof your home before potential clients come over.
If you want to be a subsidized day care, you'll have to register it and it will be more scrutinized than a private arrangement.
You'll also need to clear your idea with your landlord and neighbors before offering your services. They will likely have some issues with this (most daycares are in private residences with a yard).
Consider an after-school program where you keep kids between bus drop off and parents getting back from work. This seems to be less regulated than all-day daycares.
Or, if you wish to run a daytime program, look for available space like a church basement that you can rent. Write a business plan and make sure you'll make money on the idea before committing to anyone.
Whether it's required or not, you should seriously consider getting certified in first aid and CPR. This is not only a selling feature to parents but will also put you a little more at ease when caring for other people's little ones.
Write up a good contract and make your clients stick to it. Make sure you cover all your bases - like fining people for coming late to pick up their kids (some parents will really take advantage of your kindness and always show up an hour late). If they know they'll be charged an additional $20 for being even a few minutes late, you'll have your own life back on time more often. Have parents outline any special requirements their kids have (allergies, meds, habits, restrictions, etc.). Make them sign a sheet every day when they drop off their kids and when they pick them up. Consider how you would handle having someone other than the parents pick them up (like a grandparent). The more you can stipulate at the outset, the fewer nasty surprises you'll have to deal with when life happens...
The good news is that up to half your household expenses (like toilet paper, cable TV, etc.) are now "business expenses" and therefore tax-deductible. In Canada, a business must only "attempt to make a profit" - so even if your idea just helps pay some of your bills (but doesn't really make you a lot of money), you can get some business tax advantages from it.
Good luck with it!
