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SEPTEMBER 2009
SEPTEMBER 2009
WAHMZONE.COM
Where Business and Motherhood Meet
So summer is winding down. Bummer, right? That's a yes and no answer for me. I love the summer weather, of course, and the change in routine, as well as the time with my kids. But still, I long to get back to a schedule and more regular work hours. Not to mention not having to break up arguments and bickering between my kids that tends to get more intense as the summer goes on. That's a tell-tale sign that it's time for school to resume.
What about you? Are you ready for fall?
If you're in the process of looking for a work-at-home opportunity, here's something to consider, especially as summertime babysitters will be heading back to school. Why not start up a daycare business? If you love kids, and are willing to open up your home to children whose parents looking for quality daycare, this might just be for you.
Be sure to check out this month's Featured Wahm, Lisa Pierce, a work-at-home daycare provider. And then go on to read the September Featured Article, which gives advice for starting your own daycare business.
Did you know that there is a forum dedicated to daycare providers? Pop over to the message boards and connect with other daycare providers for tips, insight, and support. http://www.wahmforums.com/
SEPTEMBER FEATURED WAHM
Lisa Pierce is a certified day care provider in the state of Michigan. If you're considering starting your own child care business, Lisa's insight may help. Thanks to Lisa for taking the time to answer my questions.
WZ: What made you decide to open a daycare business?
LISA: I decided to open a daycare business because it was a wonderful way to stay at home and raise my children and still have an income.
WZ: How did you start and what was involved?
LISA: I started by contacting Michigan licensing to find out all the requirements to open an in home childcare. You must prepare your home for inspections and go through a training seminar.
WZ: What were the start-up costs and how much do you charge per child?
LISA: The start-up was $50.00 for the license and then all of the costs for making my home meet regulations. This all depends on what you have to do to your home. I use the basement and had to build stairs to exit out the fire escape window, so my costs were a little higher. There are the costs of toys, games and outdoor equipment. Outdoor swing sets and climbers need to have 2 inches of mulch underneath so I spent about $75.00 on the mulch. The exact start-up costs will differ for each persons home.
Charges per child:
Infants up to the age of 2: 30.00 for full day (anything over 4 hours)
$15.00 for 1/2 day (anything less than 4 hours)
Ages 2 and up 22.00 for full day and 11.00 for 1/2 day
WZ: How and where do you advertise?
LISA: I have advertised in the Advance New Paper (a local paper). There is also a listing on the Michigan Department of Human resources with all licensed daycare centers in the area. My biggest advertising has been word of mouth. If you are a good caregiver word will travel.
WZ: What is the best part of owning a daycare business?
LISA: The best part is being home with my own children.
WZ: What about the most challenging part?
LISA: The most challenging part is the parents. You must have a contract that is very specific or people will try to take advantage of you. The other challenge is that the wear and tear is hard on your home. Little fingers like to touch walls a lot!
WZ: What advice would you give to someone thinking about opening a daycare business?
LISA: My advice is to do your research find out what needs to be done to your home and find good reliable parents to work with. When parents come into your home they want to interview you and your care, but you also want to interview them to make sure they will be good clients.
WZ: Do you have a website or blog? How do you research information?
LISA: I use Google to search for info and do not have a website.
SEPTEMBER FEATURED ARTICLE
As promised, here is a great article that offers tips on starting your own day care business.
Tips for Starting a Day Care
By Fiona Lohrenz
You've always dreamed about starting your own day care business. The perfect situation which allows you to be with your kids whilst bringing in much needed money and being your own boss. But due to fear of the unknown you haven't done so. You're afraid to take that risk.
Here's my tip, remove the fear. Sample the environment first, familiarise yourself with the business to see if it is something you would truly enjoy. This is the ultimate form of research, total immersion. 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). Do whatever it takes to get the time off, use your vacation days, arrange a leave of absence.
There is nothing like on the ground experience to figure out your suitability for a particular profession. Hands on,practical experience will introduce you to the nitty gritty of daily operations. You can learn invaluable lessons and glean tips and hints that could otherwise cause you to fall at the first hurdle. Observation and practical application is great for figuring out what works and what doesn't.
Your research period should be your sponge phase. Use it to soak up every atom of information possible. Take a copy book with you and jot down notes on your breaks, while it's still fresh in your head. Do the same thing when you get home in the evening before you forget those little nuggets. Oogle all paperwork, policies and procedures every chance you get. There'll be a lot so just try to remember key points for now. You can flesh that stuff out later. Just get an overview of how it all fits together.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, especially of the owner or more senior, experienced staff. Observe how they work, how they interact with children, parents and other staff. Try to identify different roles e.g. does each room have a keyworker and assistants? How does that work and could it be more effective? You will notice weaknesses too but use those to your advantage learning what not to do. Be aware of health and safety routines and issues. Hone in on any behavioural problems and notice what is the procedure for dealing with same.
Every successful business has effective systems, policies and procedures in place enabling it to run smoothly. The same applies to day care, once you remove the fear of the unknown by immersing yourself in the daily operations of a day care 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. Passion and interest are paramount...these are what carry you through the tough times to success.
Now, what have you got to lose? Get researching. Potentially, you are gaining the perfect business for you and your family.
Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com
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: www.childcareonly.com
As you head into fall, remember to make WahmZone a regular part of your work routine. Check in daily for resources, tools, and support that will help you be the best work at home mom you can be. THANKS FOR CHOOSING WAHMZONE.COM!
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