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This blog is all about how to start a daycare at home.
I'm beyond excited that you are thinking about how to start a daycare at home! Starting a home daycare is one of the most rewarding decisions you will make. This world is so fulfilling yet it has its challenges, too.
I know it can feel overwhelming~ that's why I'm breaking down a step-by-step guide for you! In this blog post, I'm going to cover the exact steps you need to start a daycare at home!
HOW TO START A HOME DAYCARE
Requirements To Open Daycare
Each state has its own set of regulations and guidelines that must be met to open a legal home daycare. I couldn't possibly learn them all and be an expert in that area to guide you.
However, I can guide you to childcare.gov. On the website, choose your state, then click the box titled "Understanding and Finding Childcare Resources," then click Childcare Licensing. This will take you directly to your state's regulations and guidelines to earn your home daycare certification.
I'm in Kansas and extremely confident in helping other fellow Kansans to start their daycare.
Pick A Business Name
Picking the perfect home daycare business name is important because it sets the tone for your brand, attracts the right families, and makes you memorable.
What do you want your mission and values to be for this daycare? I'd lean into that and brain-dump names that align. Plug into AI your mission and values then request it to give you name suggestions if you need extra help.
Check the availability of that name by doing a quick Google search.
Keep it simple! You want it to roll off of your tongue and be easy for others to remember!
Market Research
Now that you've started your licensure requirements it's time to create a business plan! You can and should simultaneously work on this and licensure.
I think it's smart practice for every business to create a plan regardless of the size or if seeking funding.
First, create a spreadsheet or grab my free one here. You'll want a section for other home daycare names, hours, ages served, rates, play-based or structured learning, and services they provide. Now call them, yes you! Tell them your name and that you're starting a daycare at home, word-of-mouth advertising, win-win.
Second, based on the research, you're going to choose your business hours, days, rates, and what services you're going to provide.
Do NOT feel you need to open 5-5 because all others are in your community. If that doesn't align with your mission, then don't. That is the beauty of being your own boss. Find the gap in services that aren't being provided, and if it aligns with your mission, offer it! Set yourself apart from the other daycare businesses.
Choosing your rates requires you to refer back to your results. Do you have experience or degrees, are you filling gaps in services, are you opening longer or shorter? You want to align your rates with your competitors.
Start-Up Costs & Budget
Have you heard the saying, "You have to spend money to make money"? It's true! This business requires money to be spent before you can open your doors.
Only you know what you're comfortable spending budget-wise for opening your home daycare business. However, I can give you a few ideas of items that will need to be purchased. I go into more detail about what things typically cost in Opening A Daycare? Everything That You Need To Know!
- liability insurance
- license application fees
- professional development training
- child-proofing & fire safety
- first aid
- indoor and outdoor toys
- sippy cups, plates, bowls, silverware
- cribs, sleep cots, sheets
- baby monitor
- arts & crafts supplies
- payment services
My best advice is not to compare your space to others that you see online. You'll quickly overspend and feel burned out. Buy used and start small, slowly adding to your business as you grow.
Daycare Policies & Procedures
When creating your daycare policies and procedures, always refer back to your business mission, values, and vision. These will help guide you in designing policies.
You need to think of as many scenarios as possible and create a plan for them. Sickness. Vacation. Holidays, will you take them as paid or not? Difficult parents or children. Biting. Potty training. How do you want drop off and pick up to look and feel like ?
I recommend having a contract, a family policy handbook, and an employee handbook if that applies.
You want these planned out, to be very confident in your policies, and have them in writing for parents to sign.
Advertising & Enrollment
You've reached the part to get the word out and interview families!
Talk, talk, and talk more to everybody about the new business that you're opening. Word of mouth is going to be your most profitable advertising tool in daycare.
Advertise where you can for free to keep your budget low. Utilize your Facebook personal page, start a business Facebook page, and join groups in your area. Encourage your family and friends to share your Facebook posts so you have more reach.
Put up flyers at your library, local gyms, and kids' sporting events.
I have parents fill out a Google form, answering a series of questions before meeting them. I use this to filter out families that don't align with my home daycare's mission statement.
I do not tell anybody I have openings. I use the language I am taking interviews. That is exactly what it is: an interview on both parties. You are interviewing them to see if they align with your mission and values just as much as they are interviewing you. Don't make a decision on accepting a family for at least 24 hours! Trust me and thank me later!
This blog was all about how to start a daycare at home.