Q&A for How to Start a Home Daycare Center

In a sense, yes. Anyone who wants to pursue a new business venture and attract more clients to a space should be knowledgeable about their target demographic and how to market to it. On top of that, you'll need your own budget for start-up costs and marketing. As long as you're passionate about what you do, it'll definitely shine through. When you're an entrepreneur in any industry, you'll have to make a lot of calculated business decisions, but being detail-oriented will pay off in the end. Good luck!

You could. It might be a struggle, depending on how small or large your apartment is.

Go to your town hall or courthouse, or look up the rules and regulations for your area online.

It is up to you. Most charge by the week or month.

Having a friendly pet in your professional in home daycare is perfectly acceptable. To cover your bases, be sure there is full disclosure of your pet in the marketing of your daycare, your pet is properly trained, and your pet is up to date with shots.

You should get toys that make sound, like squeaks or music. Toddlers also like to push buttons and play around while younger kids like small balls or rattles. Bells could help.

No, but I would highly recommend going through some to make yourself seem more legitimate. You'll probably get more business that way.

Go to D.H.S. for guidelines.You will also have to get a business license for the state in which you live and apply for the license in the name you want to call the daycare.

It depends on what country and state you live in. You should be able to find that information on Google. The minimum education you must have could be a factor, as some countries require a few years of higher education. It also depends on the size of the daycare home. If you only have a few children and are the only staff member there, some countries only require you to be at least 18 years old. In many places, you need to be licensed.

Laws governing an in-home daycare center differ from state to state. Try Googling something like "how to start a home daycare in (enter your state)". Most states have specific departments that handle licensing, regulations and assistance in opening a daycare in your home.

No, you cannot legally open your own in-home daycare at 12 years old. However, you could start your own babysitting business.

No, that is illegal and you will likely be sued by parents or have a very difficult time getting clients.

You will need at least 3. This way you can divide the children into 3 groups of 8-9 children.

You should advertise. Make sure your prices are affordable, and that you clearly state all information you need to.

That should be a fine place to start, as long as it passes the home inspection.

The laws are different in different states. You should expect to have at least a two-year degree, but many states may require something more advanced. Check with your own local and state authorities to be sure.

You will need to ensure that you have the proper licenses, and the appropriate equipment before you can start a daycare.

No, but your parent may be able to. They should look into what permits they would need for this to be legal.

I used to run my own family day care in Melbourne, however, the laws are federal, so the procedure is the same. Check out the Family Day Care website to answer questions you may have now and along the journey, and it will help you understand and implement best procedures and remain on the right side of the relevant legislation.

A pack and play can work. Just put down some soft blankets.

For babies, you'd need to follow through with what the parents want you to give them, whether that be pumped breast milk left by the parents or formula and/or solid food. For toddlers to preschoolers, you can feed them meals that are simple yet healthy. Try creating the food in fun shapes to get them excited about eating the food, and ask them every now and then if they're happy with the menu or want something different. Make sure that you have the food groups of grain, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and protein in your meals as well.

The most that any home daycare can have is 12, but it's dependent on the local rules where you live. If you're doing it by yourself, you're going to need to consider your age range as well as how well do you think that you can manage a lot of kids. For instance, if you'll accept eight kids maximum, you'd need to consider the time you'll need to teach and entertain the older preschoolers and the time you'll need to feed, change, and entertain the babies and toddlers. If you're working with someone else, you can split up the age ranges. One of you could be in charge of the preschoolers and the older toddlers while the other can be in charge of the babies and younger toddlers.

You'll need to obtain the appropriate license for your jurisdiction. Not having the correct or not having any license will get you in trouble with the state, and you'll ruin your reputation and risk losing your business.

Yes! Just be sure to decide the right number; three kids might be too few, while ten might be too much to handle. And keep in mind that you'll have other things in life to do; it would be best to close around 5 or 5:30 P.M. if you'd like to be able to use the rest of your evening for yourself.