How to Start a New Daycare Business
- 1). Analyze competition and key concerns parents might have when putting their children in your care. Research competing daycare centers online and take a look at what makes their daycare special. Find features or benefits competitors have that other daycare centers may not have, interview business owners of successful daycare centers and get to know the needs of parents.
- 2). Choose a location for your daycare business, and consider whether you will operate your daycare business from home. Operating a daycare from home might be cheaper than operating one outside the house, but it also might be more cluttered. Choose a location that has a playground or fenced-in area outside so children can play, a large room inside where children can do activities and a separate napping room.
- 3). Find funding to cover start-up costs so that you can buy equipment and toys for your daycare business. Apply for a micro or government loan at your local bank, depending on how much money you need. According to the Business Finance website, micro loans are small loans of $35,000 or under to help new businesses get started. Government loans, however, allow you to apply for an unlimited amount of money from the government.
- 4). Apply for a daycare license by contacting the licensing department in your state. The requirements to receive your license will depend on where you live, according to the government's Business website. In some cases, you will need to pay a fee and complete a form. However, some states require you to complete an exam.
- 5). Promote your daycare business. Parents want to put their children into the care of people who they trust. For this reason, word-of-mouth and referral marketing is especially effective, according to Home Business Center. Alert everyone you know about your new daycare business. Pass out business cards and brochures that describe your daycare as well as the daycare's features and benefits. Make a website for your daycare business to make it easier for potential customers to contact you with any questions. Your website should have an about, services, privacy and contact page with your business address, phone number and email address listed .
- 6). Hire staff so that you can grow your daycare business, because many states regulate how many children are allowed per daycare worker. Have potential staff go through a background check to ensure that they do not have a criminal record. Potential staff also should be certified and experienced in handling children.
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