Initial Planning For Home Child Care

[Unregistered]

I am considering starting my own home daycare in the next 6-9 months. We live in a 2 story home where the lower level could be completely devoted to the childcare (including a full kitchen, large playroom, small room, bathroom, and dedicated entrance). This is not a spur of the moment decision. I worked in a childcare center for several years, was the assistant director of an afterschool program, have a bachelor's degree in psychology and K-6 teacher licensure in our state. I have always wanted to open my own childcare, and it seems that now may be the best time.

My questions are...

1 - What is your best advice for someone who is just starting out?
2 - How do you advertise? (We have recently moved to a new town and do not have a large network of friends/family)
3 - What are some childcare items you can't live without?
4 - What paperwork is included in your enrollment packet (registration forms, contract, policies, handbook, etc.)?
5 - What types of curriculum do you recommend?


Any other information you think I need to know would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!!!

[Blackcat31]

I am considering starting my own home daycare in the next 6-9 months. We live in a 2 story home where the lower level could be completely devoted to the childcare (including a full kitchen, large playroom, small room, bathroom, and dedicated entrance). This is not a spur of the moment decision. I worked in a childcare center for several years, was the assistant director of an afterschool program, have a bachelor's degree in psychology and K-6 teacher licensure in our state. I have always wanted to open my own childcare, and it seems that now may be the best time.

My questions are...

1 - What is your best advice for someone who is just starting out?
2 - How do you advertise? (We have recently moved to a new town and do not have a large network of friends/family)
3 - What are some childcare items you can't live without?
4 - What paperwork is included in your enrollment packet (registration forms, contract, policies, handbook, etc.)?
5 - What types of curriculum do you recommend?


Any other information you think I need to know would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!!!

#1 My advice to newbies just starting out? Set your policies and stick to them. If you don't follow and respect them, why should parents.

#2 I don't advertise much anymore as I get almost all my clients through recommendations of current clients. However, there are MANY ways to advertise. Here area few threads about advertising: https://www.daycare.com/forum/tags.php?tag=advertising

#3 Items I can't live without? Small motor toys, large motor toys, books and art/craft supplies. Some states require specific toys some states don't.

#4 Again, some states require certain things to be included in your contract and policies. I would start with your state's requirements. If there aren't any, I would make sure you include:

• payment policies
• illness polices
• guidance/discipline procedures
• parent expectations
• outline of your services

#5 curriculum requirements also vary from state to state. Some have no requirements and others are very specific. Personally I am play based and do not use a formal curriculum. However, being that I am participating in my state's star rating program, I am now required to identify with one and I choose Creative Curriculum for Family Child Care.

HTH