What Are the Requirements for Opening a Childcare Center?

If you have a passion for caring for children, watching them grow and learn, then deciding to open a childcare center could be the right decision for you. However, before you place an open for business sign in the window, there are some things you’ll need to check off of your to-do list first.

Any small business owner should have the proper training and education before diving headfirst into a new business venture, including a prospective childcare owner. Consider obtaining a degree in early childhood education from Athena Career Academy.

Taking the extra step to earn your early childhood education degree will not only set you apart from the competition, but it will teach you valuable insight and knowledge on the ins and outs related to teaching young children in a successful childcare center.

Look Into Licensing Requirements

Perhaps in the past, a license wasn’t required to care for other people’s children, but many states are now requiring that childcare owners have the proper permits and licenses in place prior to opening their doors.

The legal requirements will vary depending on which state you live in, so you’ll want to check into your own state’s specific laws. The permit and licensing process will also differ depending on which type of childcare center you plan on opening. For example, an in-home childcare will have a different process than working out of a commercial space.

Create a Business Plan

Creating a business plan with your financial goals in mind is an important step for any business owner and will help you remain focused and on track.

If you aren’t sure how to get started, there are plenty of templates you can find online, but keep in mind that a business plan is your roadmap to guide you through the process of opening a childcare, and should include a summary of all of the important information about your childcare business. Some sections to consider could be a mission statement, market analysis, organization and management, sales and marketing strategies, and funding and financial projections.

Create a Contract

Once you have all of the details figured out, you will want to write up a solid legal contract that will clearly outline what you will and won’t provide, as well as your expectations for your clients.

Here are a few questions to consider when writing the contract:

· What time do you want parents to pick up their children? Are there consequences for being late?

· What services will you provide and what items are parents responsible for providing?

· What is your sick policy?

· How do you handle late payments?

Whether you write up your contract on your own or obtain legal counsel to assist you in the process, make sure that your contract is totally complete before opening your doors.

Market Yourself

In order to have a successful childcare center, you need to make sure the right people are able to find you. Go back to your business plan to help guide you here, but use both online and print materials to help market your childcare business. Hang up flyers at schools or other businesses, use social media to advertise, etc., but make sure to get your business info out there as much as possible.

To get started on your journey of opening a new childcare center, contact Athena Career Academy to learn more about how to earn your early childhood education degree to get you started on the right path to success.