Tips To Open a Daycare Center

Tips To Open a Daycare Center

Tips To Open a Daycare Center: What Do You Need to Open a Daycare Center? Set up a day care center that children love going to.

Opening a child care center requires following all the state licensing requirements for the health and safety of children.

When putting a child into day care, parents want to know the day care center is licensed and following the rules and regulations for basic care and safety.

Of course, most parents hope that day care centers go above and beyond the basics when watching and caring for their children.

Opening a day care center requires obtaining the right licensing from the state and hiring staff who pass the health and background screenings required to work with children.

1. Register your business:

Register your business with the secretary of state to legally operate a day care.

Once you have established and received the articles of organization or incorporation.

Obtain a federal tax identification number via the IRS website.

Go back to the state franchise tax board or other oversight entity to register for a state tax identification number.

Once you have satisfied all pertinent business requirements.

Obtain a general liability insurance policy and a workers’ compensation policy.

Not only are these important to protect you, they are required to get a day care license.

2. Get License: 

Every state is different when it comes to the licensing requirements of a day care center.

Check with your state department of human resources or child and family services to determine the needs of licensing based on the number of children in your care.

Tennessee, for example, requires a license if you watch five or more unrelated children for more than three hours per day, while Ohio defines it as seven or more at any one time.

Owners of the facility must obtain LiveScan fingerprints, complete a background check and demonstrate that they’ve completed proper coursework to run the day care.

Also confirm with your state offices regarding which background requirements you and your staff must meet to work with children.

These include vaccinations and health screenings such as tuberculosis tests.

Some states like Illinois have a free online orientation course.

And training to help prospective day care owners with understanding.

And meeting the requirements of opening a day care.

3. Prepare the location

The application process is step one.

Once you’ve completed the basic application and background checks’

You must prepare your day care location for a walk-through and audit.

The inspectors are looking to ensure the location meets city building code requirements.

And has the proper fire and safety warnings and response systems such as fire extinguishers.

They will also consider the cleanliness of the facility and check for signs of vermin.

Make sure that your food prep and changing areas are clean and you have standard operating procedures for cleaning and sanitizing.

As part of the inspection process, prepare your daily activities to present to the inspectors.

These should include the sensitization items.

As well as daily schedules, parent information packets, emergency procedures, security measures for daily drop-off and pickup of children.

And sample menus if you provide meals and snacks.

4. The Long Haul

It can take several months to get a child care license.

Some states offer a provisional permit while you go through the application process.

The more familiar you are with the standards and requirements.

The more efficient the process will likely be.

Work with your licensing representative to fill any gaps that might be in your original application.