Thinking about starting a daycare...
By apsuz73
@apsuz73 (28)
United States
July 22, 2007 12:04am CST
I would like some suggestions or ideas that might help get me started. I live in a small community, but I see a need for 2nd shift childcare (I currently work 2nd shift). I am bilingual, and a large percentage of the workers are hispanic, so I think I could fill that need. I'm just not sure how to go about getting supplies and other things I would need. I've contacted the state (Missouri) several times to see about licensing and left messages, but have not gotten any response. Does the SBA help with loans for starting daycares? I figured I would need about $3000 for everything I would need (I made a list, and did some quick price checks on items I don't have such as extra high chairs, cots and bedding, toys, playards, cleaning supplies, safety supplies, storage (cubbies), etc). I would also like to purchase a minivan and a few carseats, so I could pick up children after school. I am figuring a good used van could be purchased for less than $10,000, including license, insurance and registration fees. Am I missing anything else that might be helpful? Does anyone know of any other organizations that help with start-up funding for this sort of business?
2 people like this
9 responses
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
22 Jul 07
When my girls were younger, I did daycare out of my home. In my state, we are allowed to watch up to 6 children without a licence. That amount differs if you are caring for infants as well. There is very good money in that.
It sounds as if you want to start up a larger business.I would strongly suggest you get a partner or two. You have a very good thought going and I am sure there is a need.
The hours you are providing alone are hours that are difficult for many mothers to find sitters for. The fact that you are bilingual makes it even more desireable.
As far as supplies such as car seats, highchairs,etc, I would bet you could parents to help with such things.
Your idea is really great....wish you the best of success. I wish I could be of more help. I felt overwhelmed reading what you are hoping to do. its huge! If it were me, I would start out small with little cost and move upwards. Have you done any work in this field before?
@GardenGerty (161010)
• United States
23 Jul 07
Instead of contacting the state, go to your local county health department. Here in Kansas that is where you go for licensing. It will be able to tell you about the regulations.I do not know about loans, financing, etc. I just started with what I had, and had kids the same age as mine. There may be some grants available. I would look into seeing if there is a Head Start around, as they could, possibly give you an idea of how to get some grants, which are better than loans, as you do not pay them back. Good luck., and welcome to MyLot.
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
22 Jul 07
Wow-- quite the new venture- I wish you luck- Sounds like the perfect solution for many parents that work that shift- I would definatly check with the state prior to purchasing all the needed items- I'm pretty sure it is the same in each state- you have to have your house inspected and be licensed- (think it takes classes and such)- I know alot of unlicensed daycares in the area- You are allowed so many kids before they make you go licensed- The only problem with this is- alot of parents- including me- will only go with a registered licensed daycare- Good luck to you! I'm sure you'll do great once you get the basics done! In NY- there is a daycare council that helps out- each county I think- I'd try to find them and then I bet they can help you get licensed and all the necessary items!
@cmsk2005 (1770)
• United States
22 Jul 07
I like this idea of your, i have always an idea like this but i could not make it real though, at least so far for so many reason. So go ahead as u already have planned so many things and in the good plan so, but i know some name of org but I cant just remember now, i will get back if i find them, their sites
@lovespecialangel (3632)
• United States
22 Jul 07
When I lived in North Carolina I started my own daycare in my home. I got my license, First Aide training and CPR training. Which is very good to have. In North Carolina you can't have a daycare without those to certificates. But I didn't have a lot of stuff like high chairs and stuff like that. For activities, I would go online and find coloring pages and such. I taught ABC's and things like that. I also had the local library come in once a week to read to the children and do an activity with them. Sounds like you are on the right track to getting started. Find out the local laws on child care for your area. That will help you a lot. Especially when finding out who to call for your license. Good luck!
@bambi_doe (566)
• United States
22 Jul 07
I would first get the license as they have to inspect your home and tell you what needs to be upgraded. My grandsons daycare lady has inspections 1 time a year and has to upgrade everytime. She got a small business loan for improvements. She buys alot of baby items such as high chairs and things from yard sales and second hand stores because of the distruction children make. She did say that her cable - phone - car - and everything needed for the day care is tax deductions at the end of the year. If she buys furnisher or anything the children use it is tax deducted. You do have to save all receipts though. I would shop as I needed the items at grage sales and get the stuff cheaper then retail. hugs and good luck. I watched my grandson but she worked all hours and also weekends when I would have liked to go out so I stopped watching him.
