Did Any Of You Start w/ No Professional Experience w/ Kids?

[mom2many]

the one thing I will say about advertising for a new daycare, you will have some parents that come interview specifically because you are new and they can take advantage of you. Research your parent contract thoroughly and be prepared to set boundaries from day one. Don't start off an interview negotiating with parents because that part will never end, they will always want more and more.

Good Advice! I started out without even putting a contract together and quickly realized that I desperately needed to lay down some specific rules/guidelines! For the most part, the dcps were respectful, but its important to have things in writing so there is no confusion and hold to it.

[JaydensMommy]

The only experience I had before opening my home daycare was working at a center, I did the drop-in child care.. on my own. While I was there.. I realized that I was actually pretty good with children.. the parents were always asking me if I did child care outside of work. So, that's where the idea started and I realized I could do this at home... And I did it.

[PeanutsGalore]

I really appreciate all of your replies! I was thinking that once I have my license I will start advertising and once I have two kids secured I will quit and start the daycare. I can deal with the financial loss for a few months while I get my bearings and then add kids as I can. Actually, I was concerned that there wouldn't be enough interest in my daycare (especially with my lack of experience) to fill to capacity at first anyway. How was it for you ladies? Was there a lot of interest when you first opened?

It would still be a huge adjustment but I think it would be worth it to be able to stay at home and hopefully have another baby in a couple of years. I will be taking the required classes (CPR, First Aid, Preventative Health) and plan on taking night classes in child development at a community college starting in the fall.

Unfortunately, I don't have any opportunities to get experience now. None of my family or friends have kids and my job is very demanding so I couldn't do a part-time job. I like the idea of only taking kids around the same age or younger than my son, at least at first - I think 5 young toddlers would be way too much!

You may not have to wait until you have your license before starting. Check your state guidelines, and if it's legal to take in one or two kids without a license, get to advertising! There's no experience like, well, experience.

It's really hard to find good childcare, so if you're good at what you do, don't give off a creepy vibe, have a clean home and a happy, well cared for kid, the lack of references won't matter much--surprising, I know, but moms tend to go on instinct. Keep us posted on how things turn out, and you are very welcome about the advice. I hope it's helpful.