Running a daycare is a bit like tending to a flourishing garden. At first glance, it seems simple—plant the seeds, provide water and sunlight, and watch everything grow in harmony. But anyone who's tried their hand at gardening knows it’s never that straightforward.
I run a 5-star daycare center in Oklahoma, a place filled with giggles, toys, and potential. On paper, it sounds idyllic, but behind the brightly colored walls and cheerful posters lies a mountain of stress, much of which, surprisingly, doesn’t come from the children. No, the children are the roses in this garden. They are content with a room full of toys and the freedom to play. The real storms come from the adults—the parents, the staff, and even the system itself.
Take parents, for example. They trust us to provide care for their little ones while they go about their day, and rightly so. But sometimes, situations arise that leave us as daycare providers in a perplexing bind. There’s the parent who drops off their child, fully medicated with Motrin because their fever was 104°F that morning. Their hope? One dose of medicine will last until six in the evening, conveniently avoiding the risk of missing work. The inevitable fever returns, and when we call the parent to pick up their child, the frustration comes back at us tenfold. Suddenly, it becomes our fault, even after we learn that little Timmy spent last week at Aunt Linda’s—who just tested positive for COVID.
And then there’s the staff, the lifeline of any daycare. Some of my employees show up every single day, despite personal health battles or family challenges. These women are warriors—true cornerstones of my daycare’s success. But others? Well, there are those who mysteriously vanish after a sneeze or strategically schedule their doctor’s appointments for the middle of the day, making it impossible to work the hours before or after. Like a garden, the health of a daycare relies on all its parts working together, yet some flowers don’t always pull their weight.
Add to that the looming shadow of DHS (Department of Human Services) and the bureaucratic hurdles that can feel as relentless as weeds on a summer’s day. The myriad forms, inspections, and compliance requirements can leave even the most prepared daycare operator second-guessing every decision.
Then, there’s the financial strain. The cost of running a daycare has skyrocketed—supplies, inventory, you name it. To cover expenses, prices rise, and suddenly you’re the villain for charging what’s needed to maintain quality. It’s a delicate balance, like watering your garden just enough to keep it alive without drowning it.
Still, through all the stress, there are the moments that make this garden worth tending. It's seeing a child learn to tie their shoes for the first time, watching friendships blossom in a sandbox, or hearing the unfiltered joy of laughter during playtime.
Working in childcare isn’t for the faint of heart. Owning a daycare is an even steeper climb, full of challenges that could dishearten even the most determined individuals. But if you’re reading this, and you still think running your own daycare sounds like a dream—call me. I might just be willing to hand you my garden gloves. 💐