Child care can
be an exciting and rewarding field. It can be a wonderful opportunity
to have an impact on the lives of children and their families. Caring
for children is also a tremendous responsibility, and each State has
regulations that apply to child care settings. Here are some topics
for you to consider when starting a child care program:
Child care needs
in your community;
Licensing
requirements and professional standards;
Legal
requirements such as zoning, insurance, and taxes;
Business plan for
starting and operating a small business;
Costs of center
start-up and operations;
Design of the
facility, including appropriate use of indoor and outdoor spaces;
Suitable
equipment and materials;
Staff
recruitment, training, and compensation;
Policy and
procedures for staff and families;
Health and safety
issues, including accident and illness prevention and emergency
procedures;
Curriculum and
schedule of activities that meet the needs of the children; and
Connections with
community services and organizations.