Originally Posted by Unregistered:
It cost me close to $12,000.
Between the remodel of our walk out basement (carpet, tile, paint, trim, new toilet, sink)
Daycare equipment (shelves, tables, chairs, cubbies, cots, pack n plays, high chairs, toys, book, supplies)
Licensing and zoning requirements.
Plus advertising.
Playground equipment.
Yes,close to $12,000.
The only equipment I bought new was the shelves and tables and chairs because I wanted it to last until I retire.
Everything else was garage sales,craigslist,donations and ebay.
It really can cost as much or as little as you want.
My friend opened a daycare and had two little ones already so it cost her around $1000 to add some new stuff and licensing costs.
I run mine a little like a center and she has hers in her main living area.
I will say that it does cost money to make money but you don't have to go over board at first.I've added new things every year.I usually invest between $2500-$5000 back into my daycare every year depending on the year.
I also run mine like a center but did not remodel anything beyond tearing down a wall. I also did not install any playground equipment as we have 6 areas we walk to quite quickly in my area. I spent about $5,000 and most of my stuff was new. I have added a bit each year since then.