Questions about starting a home daycare?

Question

--how much does it cost and how much time does it take to get licensed?

--what are some guidelines that have to be followed and what kind of features does your home need to have?

--how much should I charge in order to make $15 per day per full-time child, after income taxes, food, etc.?

thank you!

Answer 1

I have been a licensed child care provider in my home for 20 years. Start up costs will vary depending on how much equipment and supplies you might already have at your home. You can save by buying some items at resale shops or garage sales. My older 3 kids were 8, 5, and almost 3 when I started providing child care so I had many items already in my home that I had used for them - toys, books, crib, high chair, silverware, cups, bowls, bibs etc. Each state has their own set of rules and regulations so the length of time to get your license will depend on your state's process. I live in Michigan. I made the initial inquiry about becoming licensed in August and was licensed by November. In our state, you can begin to provide child care at the same time you begin the process of licensing. There was paperwork to be completed, a physical to be gotten, and an orientation class to take. Our initial home inspection is done after your license is received. This is to help asses your interpretation of the rules and give hands on help to make you compliant with the rules. As far as guidelines and home features, this will vary according to your state's rules. Each area of the country is vastly different when it comes to what level of fees are affordable. Cost of living varies from state to state as well. I only provide part-time child care and I charge $3/hour. I know providers who charge by the day and some who charge by the week. Your rates will likely need to go through some changes until you come to a decision as to what you need to charge to make your intended income. Start by researching what other child care homes in your area charge. You don't want to charge too much or you will not find yourself with any families to care for. Check in your yellow pages to see if you have a local ChildCare Network or similar organization. Look under Child Care Referral Services or Child Care Consultants. An organization like this is invaluable to both child care providers and parents. Parents looking for child care can be connected to providers looking to fill their openings. Best wishes in getting your business off the ground - I love what I do.

Answer 2

It depends on where you are located, the laws vary.

Here is a great link for Texas, you may be able to find some info there and/or a link for other places.

http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/child_care/search_texas_child_care/

(There's a link on the left hand side that reads, "How to start a business". You might find some info there.)

Answer 3

You may need to consult with an actual daycare person for this information. It would be best to talk to someone who keeps children in the home as you would like to do.

Answer 4

Your best bet is to contact your local 4C program as they will give you all the information you will need. And they can show you all the programs and pricing plus they will hook you up with clients as well.