I was also a preschool teacher before starting my home daycare. Like you, I did not know if it was possible to have a home based program and ONLY take preschoolers. So when I first started I took what I could get for 2 reasons 1) my own 2 kids were 1 and 3 yrs old so I already had young ones and 2) I needed the money and starting up is the most difficult time to fill spots. So I spent 2 yrs " growing the children" and only enrolled new children who were in my target age range (3-5). For the last 2 1/2 yrs I have been open, I have only taken preschoolers and turn down calls for other ages. It has been the best decision! A lot of families move to me from other home programs that are childcare only with all ages. They want their kids to have a preschool atmosphere but stay in a home setting. It has been a good niche for me.
I call myself a home-based childcare and preschool. I would love to only offer preschool sessions but there is no money in that. I take 8 full time preschoolers.
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