Starting A Daycare Center — Introduction

Let’s start at the beginning…

Starting a daycare center is a lot of work, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a resounding success. All it takes is the right approach. For me, founding a chain of daycare centers across Chicago was a chance to combine my business skills with a passion for helping kids.

But, let’s be real: there’s a lot of work and details involved in successfully getting a childcare center up and running. It can be stressful and expensive but it can pay off in the end if you do it right. For now, let’s do what babies do: take it one step at a time.

Why me?

Because I’ve started from the ground up. I know what it’s like to stress over paperwork and then realize that the perfect employee isn’t all that perfect. It happens to everyone but luckily, I managed to pick up a lot of knowledge along the way.

I’ve opened eight childcare centers in Chicago — including the very popular Nook Daycare Centers. I figured out a way to earn from empty slots in the calendar without worrying about marketing plans, and offer daycare on demand without having to do the extra work. I did write the book on daycare business plans, though. I’ve done the research, and the work so I know the demands that come up when you start a daycare center.

I also know the little details that can cause major headaches if they aren’t handled correctly from the start. From municipal to state regulations and everything in between, I wracked my brains over these before I managed to start a daycare center and there’s no reason you should do the same.

Owning a daycare is worth it, emotionally and financially. So here’s a guide that’ll remove the negatives and help you start a daycare the right way.