I currently run a listed home daycare, but I have a long waiting list due to high demand in my area. I live in a small town with one large daycare center that has many unhappy parents and multiple ‘incidents’.
I’ve started taking a director’s certification course, and my licensing agent suggested I look for a 3-5 bedroom rental house, as houses in my area can be approved as daycare centers.
Could someone with more experience guide me on what I should be doing next?
What are the next steps I need to take?
Is it possible to ask my licensing agent to inspect the building/house before I sign a lease to see how many children I would be allowed to have?
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Every area has different regulations. I’d suggest consulting with a lawyer to make sure you’re following all the legal requirements. It might seem costly, but it’s better than facing fines or other issues later on.
Make sure the rental house you’re considering allows a business like a daycare to operate there. Some landlords, especially corporate ones, may not approve of this type of use.
I used to run a licensed home daycare. I recommend checking with the agency that certifies you to ask about the National Food Program, which can help cover your food costs. Best of luck!
Sky said:
I used to run a licensed home daycare. I recommend checking with the agency that certifies you to ask about the National Food Program, which can help cover your food costs. Best of luck!
Also, make sure to increase your insurance coverage. Your licensing agency can guide you on what type of insurance you need.
I don’t have kids or much knowledge of daycares, but I’ve noticed that many daycare policies seem very self-serving for the owners. For example, some charge for holidays when kids still have to stay home with their parents. It seems like you need to have a bit of a business-first mindset rather than a customer-service mindset to succeed in this industry, especially with the high demand and low supply.