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