Is It Worth It To Start a Daycare?

As you all know, when you start a preschool, you’re doing the complete opposite of the people who try to start a daycare.

But because we’re in a similar childcare field, I’d love to expound upon some questions people ask when they search for answers on starting a daycare in their area.

Q: “Is It Expensive?”

A: It can be very inexpensive to start a daycare, depending on how you do it.  If you have your own young children at home already, you probably won’t have to purchase many supplies to start a daycare.  However, if your children are all grown (or if you’re planning on caring for multiple children), you’ll probably be purchasing lots of baby cribs, changing tables, high chairs, nap mats, and toys to start a daycare.

Q: “How Do I Tell People About My Daycare?”

A:  It’s super easy to get the word out about your daycare.  All you have to do is put up a bunch of flyers in local grocery stores, send around flyers in your neighborhood, or just start talking to other women that you are going to start a daycare.  Remember that word spreads around like wildfire that there’s a new daycare in town–and that word can be good or bad.

Q: “Is It Worth It?”

A: Well, if you love babies and all the itty-bitty cuddles and hugs, then yes, it’s definitely worth it.  However, keep in mind that when you run a home daycare, you not only give 100% of your time to your own children, but you’re also expected to give 100% of your time to the other children as well.  The long hours (in most instances, from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.) are incredibly taxing and might make you reconsider if you want to start a daycare.  On top of that, the children who come to your home daycare will probably start thinking of it as a second home.  And what happens when children get totally used to a place?  They often get bored, act up, or whine.

Q: “Can I teach children for less hours?”

A: If you love children and need an extra income, I strongly recommend you check out how you can start a preschool and work half the time for twice the pay!  And on that note, make sure you consider all the childcare alternatives out there (like starting a preschool!) before you decide to start a daycare.