How to Start a Public Daycare

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for quality child care is increasing in the United States because more parents are required to join the workforce to make ends meet. Starting a public daycare can be a successful and fulfilling business as long as you are in compliance with all of the laws, ordinances, rules and regulations set forth by the state that you plan on operating in.

Instructions

1. Budget and plan your business before anything else. Write down the expenses and revenue you plan on having. Create a blueprint for yourself so you know what to expect. Do market research for your area so you understand the needs of the community and what competition is out there. Set out a plan to fund your business; this can be through private sources, commercial banks, venture capitalists, government agencies and grant programs.
2. Contact the correct authorities for your state.
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   Contact the correct authorities for your state.
   
   Find your state's Child Care Licensing Office by using the National Resource Center (NRC) information (see the Resources section of this page). Contact your state's Licensing Office, tell them about your aspirations and ask for assistance with the licensing process. Attend the orientation or interview that they may set up.
3. Meet the educational and age requirements for your state, and undergo any additional training. Get you high school diploma or GED, since this is the base education required in most states, and check if licensing age requirements are either 18 or 21 years of age for your state. Take early childhood education training, and get work experience at a licensed facility. Check on the requirements for the child care director position if you plan on being the director yourself instead of appointing someone.
4. Submit your license application, which also includes permission to have a criminal background check completed. Avoid having any records of criminal activity of child abuse and neglect in your past.
5. Know what to do in case of an emergency.
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   Know what to do in case of an emergency.
   
   Learn CPR and first aid from a qualified facility, such as the Red Cross.
6. Choose a location for the public daycare service that meets all demands, rules, requirements and regulations set forth by the state. (Meet indoor and outdoor space requirements; provide age-appropriate play materials; keep hazardous materials out of the children's reach; have the appropriate number of handwash basins and restrooms; fence in the outdoor play area; provide separate food preparations and diapering areas and provide working fire alarms.)
7. Take out liability insurance with an insurance agency in order to protect yourself from any unexpected costs in case of an incident. If you plan on providing a transportation service, you will need additional liability insurance.
8. Expect an inspection of the facility by a qualified inspector whom will assure all health, safety, sanitation and building regulations and codes are met. Correct anything that is not in compliance if needed, and prepare to be inspected again afterward.
9. Hire a qualified staff.
   mother and daughter image by goce risteski from Fotolia.com
   Hire a qualified staff.
   
   Employ a qualified staff of teachers and teacher's aides according to teacher-to-child ratios set forward by your state. Hire clerical, kitchen, housekeeping or maintenance staff as needed. Submit all staff members to a criminal background check.
10. Place advertisements for your public daycare service on bulletin boards in banks, grocery stores and libraries. Take out an advertisement in one or more local newspapers. Word of mouth will also bring you business over time.
    

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