How to Run a Daycare Center

What You Should Do to Operate a Successful Daycare Center

• 1

  Incorporate. This is a wise thing to do when you plan on having your own business. If it seems complicated, there are many legal services online that will set up your corporation for you, once you provide them with the specifics of your business. There is a fee, of course, but it takes the frustration out of having to do it on your own. Be sure that your business license always remains current. You also need to set up a board of directors to help you make decisions about your daycare center.

• 2

  Make sure that you are abiding by the zoning laws of your area that are related to childcare. Certain restrictions may apply, so you need to be familiar with all standards, in order to avoid disobeying regulations and risking your daycare center being cited or closed down.

• 3

  Make sure you are adequately insured, so you will have coverage for business liability, accidents and other eventualities. Since your business involves taking care of children, the liability risks are extremely high, so be certain your insurance provides the best protection for you.

• 4

  You must be well-organized. You need to have things like contracts, medical release forms, business paperwork, accounting logs and other important documents put in proper order. They should be categorized and filed somewhere where they can easily be found.

• 5

  Screen every person thoroughly before hiring him to work at your daycare center. It's no secret that pedophiles often apply for jobs that put them in close proximity to young children. It doesn't matter how personable an applicant seems; you have to perform a background check to see if he has a criminal background. Never allow any unfamiliar adult onto the premises of your daycare center, and never leave any grownup alone with a child. There is no such thing as being "too careful" in an era populated by so many child predators.

• 6

  If you suspect any physical or sexual abuse on the part of a parent, call the child-protective agency in your area. Never ignore evidence like bruises, black eyes and signs of neglect, as the law requires you to report suspicion of abuse right away.

• 7

  Make sure your daycare center follows health and hygiene guidelines. Germs can easily be spread from one child to the other, so keep bathrooms, toys and playground equipment sanitized. Emphasize to your workers that no dirty diapers should be left lying around, and that they need to always wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water. You, your workers and the children should always dry your hands with paper towels rather than cloth towels, because cloth towels spread germs and bacteria. The kitchen area (and anywhere else you prepare and serve food) should be clean at all times, with dishes and utensils properly sanitized and counters cleaned with disinfectant.

• 8

  Require your workers to go through emergency safety drills. They need to know what to do and how to get children to safety in case of a fire, natural disaster or some other dangerous event. Make sure that exits are not blocked, and that there are no places where children can be hidden from view. You and your workers must learn CPR and other first-aid techniques, and there should always be several cell phones nearby, in case you need to call 911.