Start a Child Care Business
By Chris Navi

You may start your child-care business either as a small home based operation with little investment or with large, commercial centres. The decision to keep the business very small, or to grow into a big establishment with millions of dollars as yearly revenue is entirely yours.

This business also offers you great flexibility in terms of deciding the age group of children you want to look after, the number of hours you want to work, the services you provide like transportation or field trips etc. It also requires a sense of responsibility and serious commitment from you because the safety, well being and overall development of children in your care depends on you.

Skills required:To run a child-care service business successfully, you should be energetic, business-minded, professional, a good role model, have a pleasant personality and tolerance for stress. Most important, you should enjoy being with children.

Start up costs:The start-up costs of a child-care service business depends upon whether you are starting the business from home or from a commercial location. If you are starting from home your expense may range from $500 to $5,000. However, this figure may be close to $100,000 if you are planning to start at a business location. You may have to meet following expenses initially:

• Licensing fees for advertising
• First Aid/CPR certification and kit
• Liability insurance
• Comfortable Chairs
• Bedding safety devices
• Educational toys
• Disposable changing pads and gloves
• Antibacterial cleaners
• Sanitary storage for used diapers
• Outdoor play space, make-believe props
• Music system
• Colours, pencils and other miscellaneous art and craft materials