Opening A Center
If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’ve been bitten by the daycare bug—you’ve decided opening a daycare, either at home or in a center, might just be your calling. Before we dive in, allow me to set the stage.
I’ve been in the childcare world since 1991. That’s over three decades of wiping noses, organizing nap schedules, and learning every licensing rule imaginable (only for it to change the next day). My experience includes working at centers, running an in-home daycare for seven years, owning a small(ish) center with a capacity of 79 children for 13 years, and for the past 11 years, managing a larger center with room for 177 little ones. I’ve got my CDA (Child Development Associate) and a Certificate of Mastery in Child Development, but even after all this time, I’m still learning—thanks, state agencies, for keeping us on our toes with those endless handbook updates!
Rule Number One? You’ve Got to Be All-In
Here’s what no one tells you before starting a daycare—it’s not the kind of business where you can disappear off the grid sipping mai tais in Hawaii (I know, disappointing). Sure, it’s tempting to think, “Well, I’ll just hire a manager to run the place.” But I hate to break it to you, the saying “While the cat’s away, the mice will play” hits a little too close to home here. Nobody (and I mean nobody) will care about those kids, those parents, or those licensing rules as much as you—the person who has some serious skin in the game.
Oh, and if you’re not there keeping your eye on things and little Johnny somehow breaks an arm on the playground? Yes, you are 100% liable—even if you’re sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere. Fun, right?
Money? Oh, honey, get ready for reality to slap you harder than unpaid bills at tax season. For a while, you’re not swimming in dollars—you’re barely treading water. Payroll will be your biggest monthly headache, and trust me, paying your staff (because happy employees = a functioning business) will keep your wallet on edge. Don’t forget the delightful duo of payroll taxes and insurance—they’re like that obnoxious relative who never misses a family dinner.
Think you’ll finally make some money? Only if, by some miracle, there’s any “cookies left in the jar” after covering every bill in sight. And then, just when you think you’re out of the woods—BAM! The toilet breaks. Again. Or your ancient equipment decides today’s the day to bite the dust.
The “profit” you’re dreaming of? If you run it right, you will make some money... but not right away. You have to build your business first.
Still interested? Great! Passion is a big piece of the puzzle, and if you’ve made it this far, you’re already on the right track.
Getting Started the Right Way
Step one is to call your local licensing agency and get your hands on their requirements handbook. Read it. Twice. Trust me, this will be your daycare bible. From square footage regulations to child-to-caregiver ratios, these rules will shape everything from the space you choose to the number of staff you’ll need.
Speaking of space, find a location that gives you room to grow—it’s better for business, and trust me, you’ll need it sooner than you think. Ratios are another biggie; every state has specific rules about how many kids you can care for based on the number of staff you have. Don’t gloss over this—it’s a deal-breaker for getting licensed.
The Basics of Setting Up Shop
Here’s the short version of what you need to do to get up and running:
- Secure a Location: Whether it’s your home or a commercial space, make sure it meets state code.
- Hire Staff: Start lean—you likely won’t need a full team at the get-go. My pro tip? Get your early hires to help you set up the rooms. It’s a great way to build rapport with your team while tackling a major to-do item.
- Buy Equipment: Cribs, toys, bookshelves, miniature chairs—the works. It might feel overwhelming, but remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Oh, and a word of advice? Avoid hiring family or close friends initially. It sounds like a good idea—until it's not. Boundaries get blurry, expectations clash, and before you know it, you’re in a sticky situation. Keep it professional for now, especially in those tricky first months.
Don’t Forget the Paperwork
While you’re cleaning, painting, and assembling teeny-tiny furniture, you’ll also need to tackle the less-glamorous side of daycare ownership—the paperwork.
Your checklist should include:
- Parent policy handbook
- Staff policy handbook
- Licensing-required forms
Most other templates can be modified from what your local licensing agency provides, but here’s the deal—put in real effort in your policies. My first parent handbook was eight pages long; today, it’s 56 pages, and I’m still adding stuff. You won’t know what details to include until you’re knee-deep in running your center (trust me, you’ll want to document everything when Karen sends you a passive-aggressive email about nap times). If you’re feeling stuck, shoot me an email—I’m more than happy to share some templates that saved my sanity.
Final Thoughts
Opening a daycare isn’t easy, but for those passionate about shaping the littlest humans into the best versions of themselves, the rewards are immeasurable. It’s a mix of hard work, humor (seriously, staff come up with crazy reasons they can't work), and a whole lot of growth.
If you’re ready to follow your heart—and your state’s licensing rules—consider this your first step into a world of organized chaos, endless giggles, and the occasional rule change (or five).
Chapter two will be coming soon.
Good luck! You’ve got this.
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