What do I need to do in order to start my own in home day care?

I've graduated from college with a diploma in child care services and Im interested in starting my own in home day care. What do I need to do to get it started?

Public Comments

1. You need to contact the DHS (department of human serices) licensing division and get the guidelines from them for a in home daycare. Next, you need to go to the SBA (small business association) and get all federal and state requirements, comes in a free package. They can also get you in touch with a mentor or some classes to prepare you. Good Luck.


2. Well you can not copy any ideas from another day care center your ideas should be original. First you should start off by putting posters and flyer's in your neighborhood. I am not an expert on this but i think you should first get someones permission. If they agree and kids start coming, get books and movies from the library for them to watch and read. Also supply the children with a healthy snack. Remember to get permission because i do not want to get you into trouble!!

   Hope I helped,

   ~Sanah~



3. Check with local Department of Human Services. You will need a copy of licensing standards to make sure that your home is safe, secure and a positive learning environment. If you will be preparing meals in your home you will need to make sure your kitchen is up to date... have very hot water for sanitation purposes...cabinets that lock for cleaning solutions... etc. They will have to come out and inspect everything and do background checks on everyone who will be working in the daycare. There is alot to it..BUT It can be very rewarding. Good luck


4. I think that after you have received your application packet, which includes the licensing requirements you will be on your way. :-) The packet I received was pretty thorough :-). The licensing requirements give you the "foundation" of your program. It will tell you your space requirments, training requirements, what paperwork you MUST have (don't fall for those online "kits"...I purchased one and they are not benefitial unless you don't have a bit of common sense! The required forms are free from the state.

   Things to consider: By no means do I mean to discourage you. I am enjoying my in home child care but there are some things people just don't think about :-) Cover your basis before you open and reap the benefits!

   * Please consider yourself a professional and act accordingly with all aspects of your child care.

   * Will this be taking place in a separate space of your home or will it be in you main living area. It effects your WHOLE family when it's in your main living area. It's doable...we are doing it...and my husband handles all the charts and art projects and calendar and all the items that go with it fine...but it's definately not his first choice of decor! You also have to be firm about them making sure they put their things away. Making sure they cover the outlets again. Not leaving drinks laying around, or cleaners or toilet lids up, closing doors, etc. :-) Most of it is common sense but if they aren't in the habit it can be very stressful!

   * If you have children...they will be effected...no matter how easy-going they are!. I kind of laughed when they told me that the main reason why people are not successful with child care in their home is because of their children. I now say AMEN to that. My "problems" derive from my own children not those I care for. Just be aware and act accordingly.

   * Consider whether you are going to do more than just babysitting. So many do only "babysitting" and it's so sad. These are their "learning years" and they are sponges! Think about your philosophy and what you would like to offer.

   * Consider that the majority of the children that need care are infants and toddlers. Also, consider that when you have a mixed group...you can NOT leave out the smaller itemed toys because of the younger children so you'll need to think of how you are going to challenge the older children. I have a drawer in a separate bedroom with "special" items that they can bring out to the table but must put back away into the drawer.

   * I have found that young children do not "play" for more than 45 minutes without problems arising :-) So we have a schedule. I'd be glad to share it with you if you are interested. Just email.

   * Will you be licensed for 6 or for 12? This does make a difference...just something to consider.

   * What type of outdoor equipment do you have or need. How is it set up? Do you need a fence around it? (Depends on where you live or if there is a body of water...all in your licensing requirements). How are you going to store it all? I see some people that leave all their outdoor toys out all the time and it's a disaster to look at and the children will not play with it. Better to have storage and rotate what items are out.

   * Find a good tax preparer! You can claim quite a bit. Keep a "journal" of miles and time.

   Oh, I could go on :-) If you have specific questions I'd be glad to answer them.



5. congrats.

   Check out the site below: offers step by step training for operating an at home day care

   http://www.startchildcarebiz.com/

   good day care are always in demand, can be very profitable and rewarding.



6. Fantastic ideas you're getting here, makes my input not half as good!

   Idaho here...contact your local Health Department for City Licensing to find out what is needed for your home day care. Then do what is required to obtain a license in your area. Your first obstacle will be meeting/acquiring the city licensing. Make a plan so everything falls in to place.

   Outside of what you have learned in your child care services classes at college, you could contact your local Head Start Program and they should be able to give you some ideas and tell you anything they have heard locally on what their families are indicating is needed in the community (this will help you personalizing your day care to community needs).

   Hope I was helpful you're going to love it.