Do you run a daycare centre or work in one? I'm scared a little?

Question

I have some concerns about running my own licenced daycare centre.

I want to go to college and get my Early Childhood Education diploma and then get my degree in the same field -- then I want to start a licenced daycare centre.

I love kids and I am really good with them. I also always dream about having a business. This career option appeals to me also because I want to have several kids of my own and I'll be able to take care of them in my daycare centre and feed them the way I think is best, etc.. I'm 20 years old. My parents are telling me it's a no-no because running a business is extremely hard work and I won't have time for anything else. Is this true? Do you think I'll be able to have a great daycare centre and still be able to run errands and be with my husband (and kids)?

Don't get my wrong, I am ready to work hard. I know it won't be easy.

Answer 1

My wife has been in the childcare business continuously since 1970. She has owned her own center for quite a while now. 120 kids. She started in childcare with a chain, and as a result knows the methods used by them. One aspect of her work during those years was to 'play by the book', the one written by her employer. This made life more predictable for employees under pressure situations. And there are many of those in this business.

Another factor she experienced working for someone else was to learn a proven bookkeeping system. This helped her to develop one of her own based on the business needs.

Also there are application programs out there that are available for managing childcare centers. I would check out some of these.

About work hours, yes it pays off to be predictable for the most part, both at home and at school. As a husband I can testify to that.

By now you have checked out the state requirements about your education, e.g., ECE, to be director qualified.

I think that by the time you are through with your ECE you will have had enough networking to give you a better feeling as to which way to go.

If I were to give a pat answer at this stage, it would be to work for a well organized company first, save your 401K money and then go into business for yourself after a few years. It's a better story for the bankers too.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Here are my 2 cents. My wife runs a home daycare.

My wife got her teaching license. After 2 yrs of substitute teaching she opted to open a day care. We started with word of mouth & friends. Another good way to get your business going it to be registered with your local daycare license, i.e. Children's Home Society. nothing against you, but if you dont have kids of your own parent may not be ready to leave their kids with you.

Running a daycare is a lot of work. It is important to have strict business hours & late pickup policies. This will ensure that you can have a normal social life outside of work. Your family is ALWAYS first before work. Your husband will appreciate you more when he knows your priorities.

good luck

Answer 3

Go to http://www.score.org/index.html and in the upper left hand corner, enter your zip code. On the next screen, you will get information on the nearest SCORE chapter. Call them and arrange for a free meeting with a SCORE counselor to discuss what it takes to run a daycare.

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

SCORE has 389 chapters in locations throughout the United States and its territories, with 10,500 volunteers nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business counselors.