| So, you think you'd like to start a day care but | | | | from you. Prepare in advance of this meeting and |
| where to start? Let's assume you know nothing | | | | come armed with a list of comprehensive |
| about the industry except that it involves children!!! | | | | questions so you don't waste a great opportunity |
| That's pretty much the position I was in when I | | | | to absorb as much knowledge as possible. |
| started my day care 10 years ago and I spent a | | | | An invaluable source of information on setting up |
| year and a half researching and learning before I | | | | your day care is existing daycare owners. When I |
| got going. Before you go running for the hills in | | | | was researching my business I received some of |
| dismay allow me to cut short the research time a | | | | the best tips, hints and advice from other |
| little with some pointers on how best to prepare | | | | providers, in fact, I still make ‘information |
| for the exciting adventure that is ‘Starting a | | | | gathering visits' once a year and learn something |
| daycare business'. | | | | new everytime. Call up a couple of established |
| Your first port of call should be your business plan. | | | | providers (preferably not too close to your |
| Every successful business starts with a well | | | | proposed venture – they might not be too |
| thought out version thus enabling the | | | | enamoured of the impending competition!), explain |
| entrepreneur (you) to get a clear, overall picture | | | | your situation and set up a day to go visit. Most |
| of what your business will entail. Many people get | | | | people are delighted to mentor a budding |
| to the business plan stage and no further due to | | | | entrepreneur and proud to showcase their |
| a realisation that the project is unfeasible for | | | | business. Become a sponge for that day and |
| whatever reason. Better find out now than | | | | absorb every tidbit of information available. |
| after you have ploughed a lot of time and money | | | | Take a pen and paper for notes, ask questions, |
| into starting a business going nowhere. | | | | listen and observe. Notice daily routines, room |
| The business plan covers all vital elements of | | | | layout and equipment, methods for dealing with |
| starting and operating a business - introduction / | | | | behaviours, staff and child interaction, health and |
| description, benefits, market research, key | | | | safety procedures, hygiene practices, peruse |
| financials and conclusion. I found it to be a great | | | | paperwork (ask for copies of the paperwork to |
| ‘checklist' of things to do as I worked my | | | | help guide you when formulating your own). Get |
| way methodically through each of the required | | | | tips on advertising, pricing and suppliers. Try to |
| steps. It forced me to consider, research and | | | | speak with the owner or manager, the staff and |
| document every aspect of my potential business, | | | | the cook and get a feel for each unique role. Ask |
| propelled me to analyse in detail areas I might | | | | questions like ‘What do you feel could be |
| otherwise have glossed over (or ignored | | | | improved?' or ‘If you were starting out what |
| completely). Like a good teacher it provided the | | | | things would you do differently?'. These open |
| questions and ensured I filled in the blanks. There | | | | questions will provide you with an immense wealth |
| are many great business plan templates out there | | | | of knowledge, all of the practical, hands on |
| and I have listed some that I particularly like | | | | variety. |
| below: USA Ireland | | | | These are just three steps you can take in |
| Next, talk to the experts. Arrange a meeting with | | | | pursuit of your dream to start a day care |
| your local licensing representative, have them visit | | | | business and they will provide you with a |
| your premises and find out what they will be | | | | tremendous amount of information and guidance. |
| requiring in terms of premises layout, contents, | | | | Your confidence in yourself and your ability to |
| play area and general health and safety issues. | | | | achieve your vision will peak and you will be |
| Get them to give you guidelines and tips on | | | | propelled into further positive action. It costs |
| policies and paperwork. Don't be afraid to ask | | | | nothing but time and if you can get yourself to |
| questions – remember this is the expert, the | | | | this point there's no looking back. What are you |
| person who will be granting you a license so best | | | | waiting for? |
| to have a heads up on what they will expect | | | | |