Starting Your Family Child Care Business: A Guide for New Providers, Part I
Congratulations on embarking on your journey as a family child care provider! You’re joining a dedicated group of individuals passionate about nurturing young children while earning an income. Each year, thousands successfully set up their own child care businesses, and now it’s your turn. Welcome to this caring and impactful profession!
This guide introduces key topics every family child care provider needs to know to run a successful business.
How to Begin
Understand and Follow Child Care Regulations Every state has specific child care rules covering health, safety, training, and the number of children you can care for. Following these regulations is crucial to minimize liability and ensure a safe environment. Being licensed can also provide benefits like extra tax deductions, higher subsidy payments, access to the Food Program, and resources from Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies.
Join a Family Child Care Association Local associations offer support, professional growth opportunities, discounts on products and services, newsletters, and advocacy. These groups are invaluable for networking and professional development.
Sign Up with Your Local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCR&R) CCR&R agencies help parents find child care by maintaining up-to-date information on providers. They also provide training and access to community resources, including grants.
Join the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) CACFP educates providers on nutrition and offers monthly reimbursements for food costs, providing about $600 to $1,250 annually per child based on your location and income status.
Promoting Your Business
Running a successful child care business goes beyond offering excellent care; it involves effective marketing to stand out in a competitive field. Here’s how to promote your business effectively:
Highlight Your Program’s Benefits Identify what makes your program special—child-centered curriculum, safe outdoor play areas, individual attention, professional credentials, etc. Use these points in your marketing materials and conversations with prospective clients.
Create a Professional Image Ensure your home looks welcoming and professional. Keep the exterior clean and well-maintained, and create a child-friendly entry area. A clean, organized space leaves a positive first impression on visiting parents.
Engage in Positive Communication Make a positive impression with a professional phone message and during phone calls with prospective clients. Identify their needs and describe how your program meets them. Arrange in-person interviews to further discuss how you can support their children’s development.
Prepare for Interviews Provide written materials about your program during interviews. Offer tours of your home, showcasing safety features and fun learning environments. Introduce family members and use photo albums or scrapbooks to highlight program benefits (with permission).
Build a Strong Online and Community Presence Create and register a business name. Distribute flyers and business cards in community centers like grocery stores, schools, and hospitals. Use social media and local organizations to spread the word about your services.
Offer Incentives Implement a referral program, offering rewards for parents who refer new clients. Maintain connections with children and families after they leave your care by sending cards for birthdays and holidays, showcasing your ongoing commitment to their well-being.
Emphasize Value Over Price Don’t compete solely on price. Highlight the unique benefits and value of your program, such as personalized attention, a home environment, flexible hours, and adherence to health and safety standards.
Starting and running a family child care business is a rewarding endeavor. By following these guidelines, you can create a safe, nurturing environment for children while building a successful and sustainable business. Welcome to the profession, and best of luck on your journey!
