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Tips on Starting Home Daycare

by Cate Rushton

Overview

You would love to stay home with your children, but need to contribute financially to the household budget. Sound familiar? Opening a home day care might be a great solution to your problem. However, it is important to think carefully about what is involved in running your own business before quitting your day job and embarking on the journey of opening your own home day care.
Licensing

Depending on the requirements of the state in which you live, you may need a business license, food handler's permit and/or a child care license. Your state will have regulations regarding how many children you may care for at once and the safety precautions of your home, and may require you to have current CPR and first aid training. Check with your local business licensing bureau.

Insurance

Before opening your doors to other children, contact your insurance provider. Your homeowner's policy may not be sufficient to cover you if a child under your care is injured. Your agent will be able to recommend additional coverage that will fully protect you and the children in your care.
Safety

You may have inspections from the fire department and the licensing board. Even if these are not required, it is a good idea to carefully inspect your home for possible safety issues. You should have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as a fire extinguisher. Make sure that your entire home and yard are safe and free of potential dangers.
Training

Many states offer training classes to home day care providers. Take advantage of these and learn everything you can about child development and running your business. CPR and first aid training are of vital importance--even if they are not required in your state. Also, look for support groups for or networks of other home day care providers in your area. The advice from veteran providers is invaluable.
Planning

Think about the day-to-day activities you will expect once your business is open. Planning the daily menus and schedules will help your day run smoothly. Parents will also expect to know how their children are spending their day.
Working with Parents

Professionalism when communicating with parents is very important; it will help you set boundaries and expectations with them and give you the credibility you need to have for them to trust you to care for their children. Your local child care licensing board may be able to give you a good idea about the rate you should charge to care for a child in your home. You can also check with other home child care providers to see what they charge. Once you have decided on a fee, you need to put together a basic contract for parents that outlines expectations for both them and you. For instance, include information about what the latest time for pick up and what fine you charge for a late pick-up. Also include the circumstances under which parents should not bring their child to your day care, such as fever, vomiting or an unidentified rash. Also include what will happen if you are sick. It is best to have all contingencies in writing from the beginning.