what do i need to do to open a daycare in my home in charlotte nc?

Question

I am a stay at home mom with two girls(4 months and an almost 3 yrs old) what is the best way to get it started? I don't know anyone here because we have been here for a little over 1 year and my hubby works and i don't go anywhere to meet new people or friends. We just had a house built and there is plenty of room for atleast 3 more children. How should i go about doing this. I would love to here from people who already an have in-home daycares but everyone else who has any ideas are very welcome to respond. Thanks in advance!!

Answer 1

I run a certified child care program in home in Georgetown Kentucky. You can call your Cabinet for Family and Children and they will put in contact with who you will need to talk with. You can be certified and care for 6 or you can become a registered provider. To get started I ran and ad in the local paper. I even put and ad up at the doctor's office. That is how I received all of my kids. Good Luck!!

Answer 2

I opened my in-home daycare while 5 months pregnant last June. Here is how I got started:

First of all I came up with a name and had my husband help me create fliers and business cards. Word of mouth is a great way to start. I passed out fliers and cards to everyone we knew, and spread the word that I was opening an in-home daycare about 2.5 months before I planned to open. I had a metal sign made at a sign company and put it up in my yard about a month before I opened also.

I'm not sure how familiar you are with daycare policies but I worked in several daycares prior to this and had a pretty good idea of what policies I wanted to implement. You can ask some local daycare centers for a copy of theirs to go off of if you'd like. If you'd like to see mine, email me (link on my profile) and I'll email you a copy of my handbook for you to check out.

I purchased nap mats and a couple porta-cribs (NOT playpens). I bought a lot of toys from second hand stores and garage sales to accomodate all ages and stages. You will also need several highchairs, bouncy seats, exersaucers...if you don't already have them.

Then I ran an ad in both the local newspapers and got a great response. When I had parents come for a "tour" I had all the paperwork (forms, handbook...) in a folder for them to take home, I went over it briefly with them. Then had them go home and think it over, told them to call with any questions, then did a follow up call in two days to see if they needed anything else or would like to visit again.

There are a lot of state regulations that you will need to look at also and they do vary from state to state. You can contact your local Department of Human Services to get tat info.

9 months later my business is going wonderfully, I am happily staying home with my 4 year old son and 6 month old daughter...plus I have 3 other kids in my daycare (I'm currently full). I also have 2 on my "waiting list". There is so much more to it, so if you would like more info or advise I'd be happy to help, it's such a great way to be able to stay home and still afford the little things :) Just do be aware that it is often long hours ( I usually have kids from 6 or 7am until 6 at night) and you don't get "breaks" so it can be stressful and tiring, that said, it is one of the most rewarding things you can do...I like to say I get paid in hugs and kisses :-) You can email me if you need any resources or ideas, I'd be happy to help!

Answer 3

If you are wanting to open a licensed daycare then you need of course a license. You will need to attend an orientation that will supply you with use-full information and a check list. you then will need to get finger printed (everyone 18 and over in your home) and then you will need to child proof your home and make it regulation. there will be inspectors that will come out and make sure you have everything done. make sure you buy supplies for your daycare and then advertise. it doesn't take long!! oh, contact the "city of Charlotte" and see where you go to obtain this license or contact other license daycare and find out where they went. Congratulations on your new business!!