DAYCARE BUSINESS

Since the recent downturn in economic conditions, more mothers find it necessary to work outside the home or start a home-based business. Now, a second income is mandatory to maintain their standard of living. Consequently, there is a new demand for more good, reliable child care service. And the need for a reliable daycare service by working moms is expected to rise dramatically in the next few years.

Home-based daycare centers will continue to fill this growing void. Most home-based centers start out on a small scale with only 2 or 3 children. This is highly recommended until the owner determines whether working all day long with children is for them. Most centers provide meals and snacks, playtime activities, crafts. Others choose not to provide such extra activities. It is up to the day care service what they choose to provide to the customers' children.

The first step before the doors are opened to the home-based business is to check local state regulations and licensing requirements. States have varying guidelines. Some states perform a very detailed background check for anyone who works closely with children. And the owner will have to pass this very stringent background check to open the day care business. There are also rules about how many children the day care provider is allowed to house in the daycare center. Once again check with local state regulations.

Most day care providers charge $100 and up per child. This varies widely across the country. This also varies widely and depends partly on the part of the area one provides the service in and the competition. It is reasonable to expect an annual income of at least $20,000 and up. Seek sponsorship at local church or civic group. Use personal savings, charge cards, personal loans. Seek out government funding for programs which help low.

Place an ad in the local newspaper for several weeks or more. Distribute flyers around the local neighborhood. Place announcements on church bulletin boards. Use word of mouth referrals. Experience working at a child care center. Degree in early childhood education, experience working with own children. A nurturing, patient, kind nature. Need to be very dependable, well organized, good business sense. Most importantly, able to stand the stress of working with children all day long.