Before opening a child care center, you must decide which families you would like to service, and what type of care you are willing to provide. You must also decide if you will provide full-time or part-time care or both. Some options for care include preschool, pre-kindergarten, parent-child center, parent cooperative, family day care, in-home care, child care center, and on-site care. On-site care is usually located on the campus of a large company or industry and provides care only for the children of the employees of that particular company. This type of child care center is gaining popularity quickly.
After deciding what type of care you want to provide, it is time to find an appropriate space for your program. Visit several different spots before deciding on what's right for you. Also, keep in mind your state's standards for child care centers. The state requirements are the minimum standards through which no program should ever fall. Strive to provide more than the minimum requirements, if possible.
It is now time to hire a staff. It is always good to hire staff with a background in child development, some experience, and/or degrees in education or child development. Hire lead teachers for each classroom first, and then focus on hiring support staff such as a front desk secretary, assistant teachers, a kitchen manager, and part-time floating help. Decide on appropriate salaries for each position and whether or not you will be able to provide benefits for full-time employees. Research other child care centers in the area and provide salaries and benefits competitive to the other centers.
Once a staff is hired and in place, it is time to furnish your classrooms. Be sure to consult your state's guidelines for the items necessary in each classroom. Allow your staff to provide input into decorating and furnishing their classrooms. Rely on their expertise and insight since they will be the ones in the classrooms each day.
Recruiting families to your center may be the easiest step in the process. If your location is top-notch, you will have no trouble attracting families. Have a community open house to showcase your new center. Be sure the staff is on hand to speak with families and give tours. Provide handouts and fact sheets about the center that list the price for care, as well as the services available.