Make Money Running an In-Home DayCare Center

With several families requiring daycare providers, starting an in-home daycare seems like a good idea. If you follow these steps to opening a daycare center, the daycare business can be a great work-from-home opportunity.

If you’re already good at taking care of children, setting up small games and nap times, moving forward to starting a daycare business of your own is the next logical step. You can be your own boss, set your schedules and payment rates. At the same time, you’ll be doing something you love and enjoy.

If you already have small children, it’s a great opportunity to look after your own kids and also earn a handsome income on the side. Many parents also prefer the personal attention you can give, as against a big center. How much better could it get?

Well, actually speaking, a daycare is a little more than just babysitting. There are several important things to consider amongst the requirements to own a daycare. For instance, you will need home daycare licensing and there are some initial costs to be incurred.

Check Out These Steps if You are Wondering how to Start an In Home Daycare Center

#1. License Requirements for Opening a Home Daycare Center

All states don’t need licensing for starting an in-home daycare. In some states, the requirements to open a daycare might only involve registration.

Again, some states don’t require licensing if you are having less than 5 children in your home. Home daycare licensing differs in each state. Moreover, the requirements for a home daycare are different from a daycare center.

• How to start a home daycare? First and foremost, contact the licensing agency in your town/city to know the regulations.

• Attend an orientation program for licensing and submit the necessary application.

• Some states require submission of:

1. Your medical records/health report to prove that you are free of diseases and will not be putting children in the daycare center at risk.
2. Checking of criminal records.

• Spot Inspections (most agencies specify at least 35 sq. ft. per child along with outdoor space and toys, etc.)

#2. Eligibility Criteria for Starting a Home Daycare Center

Check out the following requirements:

• Whether your state imposes any child care standard.
• Whether you need liability insurance (this is for coverage against accidents or injuries and any other kind of damage to the property).
• Age criteria (owners must be above 18 years of age in some states).
• Whether you need to submit a health report to show that you are free from diseases and will not be putting children at risk.
• Some states specify the number of children in a business or the ratio between the caregiver and the children.

#3. Consider Qualifications for Running a Day Care Center

Do you need a degree to open a daycare center at home? Well, you might probably laugh at this. You’re a mom and who would know better than you to look after infants or children. Yet, there are many parents who would be more reassured with their children in the hands of a certified caregiver.

What certifications do I need to open a daycare? Do you need a degree to open a daycare? A high school diploma is a minimum requirement in most states.

There are certificates like the Child Development Associate program. The CDA certification costs around $350 and you can do it online. However, all states don’t impose this requirement. You could still go in for it. It’s not necessary right at the start, but you could consider it at a later point when the daycare business picks up.

#4. Organizing Yourself While Opening a Daycare Business

• Create a paper contract that parents have to sign. This will include:

1. Payment
2. Policy for sick children
3. Overtime payment; holidays; schedules

• Create files for children, with details of immunization, contact numbers, medical details, etc. Maintain records of children and workers (if you are hiring any)
• List out the cost of starting your own daycare startup
• You can also find many useful computer software for running daycare centers

#5. Starting a Home Daycare Checklist

• Create a large play area in your home or in the yard if you are living in an independent house. Collect different types of toys and games suitable for various ages. (Remember to include these in your daycare startup costs)

• If you are planning to have children of a specific age group, plan the toys accordingly. Mixed age groups are also fine while running a daycare, as they offer a more natural environment for children.

• Select toys and games that offer educational value while considering home childcare business. Encourage children in your care to get both physical and mental exercise.

• Offer healthy snacks, water, clean cups, and plates.