| Maybe you've already decided that starting a | | | | for you. |
| daycare center is for you, or maybe you're | | | | For starters, check out the licensing requirements |
| simply considering the idea. As with all | | | | in your state. Then go take a look at some |
| entrepreneurial ideas, it's best to do your | | | | successful daycare centers and try to talk to the |
| homework and research them thoroughly before | | | | owner or manager. Don't be afraid to tell them |
| jumping in midstream. | | | | that you're thinking of starting a daycare facility |
| Starting a daycare and making a success of it will | | | | and ask them for any tips on how to make a go |
| require certain very specific strengths in your | | | | of it. |
| situation and character and that of anyone who | | | | While you're visiting the other daycare, notice |
| helps you work it. Consider these essential traits: | | | | their setup. How is the place laid out? What kind |
| -Do you like kids? | | | | of furniture and supplies do they have? Ask them |
| -Are you a people person? | | | | how hard it was for them to start a daycare |
| -Can you start a daycare center and run it for a | | | | center. Ask to see the contract they use. If |
| year without a profit? | | | | they're reluctant, offer to buy them lunch! If they |
| -Do you have childcare experience? | | | | say they don't have time, offer to hand them the |
| -Are you a self-starter, responsible and reliable? | | | | money you would have spent on the lunch. |
| -Are you willing to put in long hours, at least at | | | | Usually, though, successful business people are |
| first? | | | | happy to share tips. |
| -Can you lead well? | | | | Gather your information first. If you do a good |
| If your answers were positive, read on. | | | | job on this first, crucial step, you will be rewarded |
| Otherwise starting a daycare center may not be | | | | when you're ready to start a daycare. |