We will assume you know nothing about the industry except
that it involves children but you have always dreamed about
quitting your job and starting a daycare. That is pretty
much the position I was in when I started my day care 10
years ago and I spent a year and a half researching and
learning before I got going. But, no panic. Allow me to
cut short the research time a little with some pointers
on how best to prepare for the exciting journey that is
starting your own child care business.

Every successful venture starts with a well thought out
business plan thus enabling the entrepreneur (you) to get a
clear, overall picture of what your business will entail.
This is the vital, unavoidable first step if you are to
have any chance of understanding what it takes for your
idea to succeed. Many people get to the business plan stage
and no further due to a realisation that the project is
unfeasible for whatever reason. So, use your business plan
as the first step in your research to figure out if your
business will be viable.

The vital elements of starting any business are covered by
your business plan. Introduction/description,benefits,
market research, key financials and conclusion. Like a
good teacher it provides the questions and ensures you
fill in the blanks. I found it to be a great checklist
of things to do as I worked my way methodically through
each of the required steps. Areas I might have omitted or
glossed over were covered leaving me with thorough and
accurate vision of my business. Here are some suggestions
for business plan templates.

www.sba.gov USA
http://www.bytestart.co.uk UK
[http://www.teagasc.ie/startingyourownbusiness/template.htm] Ireland

Arrange a meeting with your local licensing representative,
have them visit your premises and find out what they will
be requiring in terms of premises layout, contents, play
area and general health and safety issues. They are the
experts and responsible for granting your license so, you
want what they want. Get them to give you guidelines and
tips on policies and paperwork. Do not be afraid to ask
questions. Go to this meeting prepared and armed with a
list of questions so you can learn as much as possible.

When I was researching my business I received some of the
best tips, hints and advice from other providers, in fact,
I still make information gathering visits once a year and
learn something new everytime. Existing daycare owners are
an invaluable resource for practical advice. Call up a
couple of established providers (preferably not too close
to your proposed venture, they might not be too enamoured
of the impending competition!), explain your situation and
set up a day to go visit. People are usually delighted to
help aspiring entrepreneurs and love discussing their own
business. There is nothing quite like the advice of people
who are on the ground, doing the day to day business.

Be sure and bring materials to take notes while you observe
and ask questions. Notice daily routines, room layout
and equipment, methods for dealing with behaviours, staff
and child interaction, health and safety procedures,
hygiene practices, peruse paperwork (ask for copies of
the paperwork to help guide you when formulating your own).
Get tips on advertising, pricing and suppliers. Attempt to
speak to different members of staff and management so you
get a good overview. Don't just ask them what they do but
also ask for their opinion on how things could be better.
These open questions will provide you with an immense
wealth of knowledge, all of the practical, hands on
variety.

Taking just these three steps and seeing them through to
completion will give you a fantastic headstart in terms of
researching your business. Your confidence in yourself and
your ability to achieve your vision will peak and you will
be propelled into further positive action. So, what are you
waiting for...get researching.