Question : What steps does a person need to take to open a new daycare facility?
I am obtaining a degree in Business Management and I am trying to think of things I could do when I am done with my degree that would be helpful to the community and beneficial. Where do I find grants to help with the expenses of building possibly and opening a daycare, equipment, supplies. And how do I go about finding competent, experience people to work there? I am new to the whole entrepeneurial aspect of business and the child care world. Would I also need to get some sort of certification in child daycare, take classes?
facilities management degree

Best answer:

Answer by Jay
You have a few ways to go.

Do you want to run a business? Or take care of kids?

If the later, then I’d suggest that you gain some experience in child care. Some centers will hire you without any real experience or special education, while others will require education and/or experience. If you can, take some early education classes. If nothing else, get a nanny job.

If you want to run a business, they I’d suggest that you hook up with someone that loves working with kids, but knows nothing of business. Someone with several years working as a lead teacher in a child care center, perhaps.

That way, you can focus on business and administration issues while she focuses on interviewing caregivers and such.

I’d suggest that you look to NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Even if you don’t get accredited, they’ll provide excellent guidelines in terms of safety, teacher training, lesson plans, and whatnot.

In the end, your best way to go is to get yourself some early childhood education, work as administrator is a quality center, and then look to “built” your own center with NAEYC as your guideline.

Keep in mind that this is NOT an easy business. Parents are tough customers. Government inspections. Are you ready for the day when a child, in your care, dies due to a peanut allergy?

If you’re not ready for stuff like that, then take a step back before jumping in,