Hello! Welcome to our free How to Start a Daycare online tutorial! In this tutorial, you will get access to valuable step-by-step instruction material and lessons on how to start a daycare. In addition, we provide you with tips and guidelines on how to successfully manage your childcare business once it is open. Tutorial topics (Table of Contents) include the following:

1. Introduction

Types of Childcare

Care in a Regulated Daycare Center

Care in the Provider's Home

Care in the Child's Home

Preparing Yourself as a Daycare Owner

Financial and Accounting Skills

People and Communication Skills

Advertising and Marketing

Organizational and Record Keeping Skills

Develop Knowledge of Childcare Field

Certification and Training

2. Getting Started

Consider Your Options

Buying or Starting a New Daycare: The Pros and Cons

Home Daycare or Daycare Center: The Pros and Cons

Plan Your Daycare

Creating a Business Plan

Choosing a Daycare Name

Types of Business Structures

Find a Location

Site Considerations

Demographic Considerations

Health and Safety Considerations

Family-friendly Facilities

Building Types

Buying or Renting Space

Evaluate Feasibility of Business

Start-up Costs

Operational or Ongoing Costs

Setting Your Childcare Fees

Government Subsidies and Grants

Analyzing Your Profit Potential

Sources of Funding

Daycare Licensing

United States

Canada

Licensing Process

3. Setting Up Your Daycare

Setting Up Rooms

Types of Programs

Program Rooms

Other Areas (e.g. Office)

Interior Considerations

Setting Up Outside Area

Signage

Playground

Furniture and Equipment

Infant Room

Toddler Room

Preschool Room

School-age Room

Playground

Kitchen

Office

Laundry and Supplies

Childproofing Your Daycare

Physical/Chemical Hazards

Safety in the Kitchen

Safety in the Washroom

Safety Outdoors

Establishing Policies and Procedures

Writing Your Policies and Procedures

Communicating Your Policies and Procedures

4. Managing Your Daycare

Programming

Philosophy

Planning Daily Schedule

Structured Program and Lesson Plans

Learning Activities and Curriculums

Circle Time

Transition Times

Outdoor Activities

Lunch and Snack Routines

Rest Time

Television Viewing

Hiring and Human Resources

Staff Policies and Procedures

Job Descriptions

Hiring

New Employees

Criminal Reference Check

Confidentiality

Staff Attendance

Meetings and Training

Evaluation and Compensation

Termination

Other Considerations

Marketing and Selling

Marketing

Target Customers

Competition

Advertising Strategies

Selling Process

Making Your Daycare Unique

Strategies

Using Online Portfolios

Generating Professional Account Statements

Customizing Profile Page

Record Management

Enroling New Children

Enrollment Procedure

Enrollment Policies and Others

Using bizAdvantage to Enroll Children

Health and Medical

Daily Observations

Child Abuse

Ill Children

Accidents and Emergencies

First-Aid Kit and Manual

Administration of Medication

Biting or Aggressive Children

Outbreaks

Universal Precautions

Head Lice

Sanitation

Diapering Procedures

Washroom Procedures

Tooth Brushing

Combing Hair

Garbage Disposal

Laundry

General Cleaning

Kitchen Cleaning

Seasonal Considerations

Safety

Fire Safety Program

Playground Safety

Missing Children

Emergency Contacts

Equipment and Play Areas

Reporting Incidents

Managing a Difficult Parent

Safe Working Conditions

Other Considerations

Security

Authorized Visitors

Dealing with an Intruder

Break-in or Vandalism

Student Attendance

Arrivals and Departures

Releasing Children

Late Pick Up of Children

Absent, Sick and Vacation Days

Field Trips

Food and Nutrition

Planning a Menu

Multi-week Cycle Menu

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Food Preparation and Handling

Facilities and Equipment

General Appearance

Building and Accommodation

Playground

Equipment Maintenance

Behavior Management

Behavior Management Strategies

Discipline Policies and Procedures

Staff Monitoring Policies

Contraventions to Behavior Management

Fire Safety Plan

The Manual

Fire Evacuation Floor Plan

Fire Evacuation Procedure

Fire Drill Procedure

Fire Safety Equipment Maintenance

Playground Safety

Policies and Procedures

Staff Responsibilities

Outdoor Safety

Extreme Weather Conditions

Clothing and Footwear

Seasonal Considerations

Financials

Financial Management

Daycare and Accounting Software

Fees

Payments

Financial Policies

Banking

Budgeting

Expenses

Administration Records

Record Keeping

Filing System

Confidentiality

Record Policies

Children's Records

Staff Records

Daily Written Records

Financial Records

Posted Information

Other Records

Others

Insurance

Licensing

Landlords