| Hints for Starting a Day Care |
You want to be with your kids, you need an income, you
want to be your own boss. You've looked at all the dubious
self employment options and you keep coming back to the
idea of starting a day care business. But it has remained
an idea. Why? Fear of the unknown, fear of taking the
risk.
Here's a way to remove the fear. Sample the environment
first, familiarise yourself with the business to see if it
is something you would truly enjoy. Immerse yourself in
this environment for research purposes. Try to get a job
or even get volunteer work at a day care (ideally one that
allows staff to bring their kids or arrange a temporary
child care arrangement whilst you research your potential
business). Get the time off whether using vacation days or
taking a leave of absence. Remember, this is your future
you are planning.
There is nothing like on the ground experience to figure
out your suitability for a particular profession.
Observation and practical application is great for figuring
out what works and what doesn't and if it's for you. You
can learn invaluable lessons and glean tips and hints that
could otherwise cause you to fall at the first hurdle.
An existing daycare can teach you so much. They've already
made the mistakes so you don't have to.
Your research period should be your sponge phase soaking up
every jot of information. Have a pen and paper to hand and
take notes on your lunch break or right after you get home
while it is still fresh in your mind. home in the evening
before you forget those little nuggets. Absorb all
paperwork, policies and procedures every chance you get.
You won't remember it all now but it will give you an
overview of how it all fits together to facilitate the
smooth running of the operation.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, especially of the owner
or more senior, experienced staff. Observe how they work,
their methods of interaction with children, parents and
other staff. Identify the different staff roles e.g. does
each room have a keyworker and assistants? How is
the team dynamic and could it be improved? Be
aware of health and safety routines and issues. Notice the
behaviour policies and whether or not they are adhered to.
You will notice weaknesses too but use those to your
advantage learning what not to do.
Effective systems, policies and procedures enable a
business to run smoothly and give management and staff
structure and direction. A daycare business is no
different and your immersion in the daily routines of same
will enable you to see that and remove much of the fear
that has been holding you back. All the pieces will come
together in your head enabling you to get beyond the fear
to a more confident and constructive place.
Most importantly though,it will give you a very good idea
if child care is a business in which you could thrive.
You will need to love it because,like any business, there
will be tough times and your passion is what will carry you
through to success. So, get researching. You are on the
path to the perfect business for you and your family.
Fiona Lohrenz has been running her own day care for
the past 10 years and is the founder of a childcare
website that offers articles and resources for
child care providers and parents. She has also produced
'Start a ChildCare Business' DVD. Fiona can be reached
at her website here:
http://www.childcareonly.com
Article Source: UnArchived Articles
|
|
|
|
