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Unregistered 09:28 AM 01-01-2011
Originally Posted by Daycare_Mama:
First off, depending on what state you're in, you will more than likely need to be licensed for childcare to do what you are describing. I know there's a couple states that let you watch up to 4 kids that aren't related, but in a lot of states you can only watch one family without being licensed. You can't just up and start a big preschool. I'm not saying that's what you're doing, but it kind of sounded like you just want to start right away and as soon as you want to, you can. There's a lot of things to do.. fire inspections, group meetings, etc. etc. And a lot of licensing takes months, so I would get started on that part of it.

As far as the dame, I think you should keep the word "daycare" out of it and use child care.. and I really like what the other poster did under her name.. It's pretty clear what she does that way.
Thanks everyone for the advice, and the idea newtodaycare22 gave is really good, thank you! Yes, I know I have to be licensed first. I was just thinking licensing might need to know what I plan to call it so that once the inspections are over, they'll know what to call it on their records. I'm probably getting ahead of myself on the name part, but it's just something that crossed my mind when I try figuring out all the details so I can get this moving. I have a house in mind already and the rent is pretty affordable considering that it would be used for a daycare/childcare/preschool, and the owner of the house is willing to wait for a little while while I get licensing in to inspect it before charging any rent.
oh, and side note, I'm thinking I would only want 8 full time children anyway, at least to start with, not a big group home where I'd need assistants yet. The licensing laws in my state require a ratio of no more than twelve 3-5 yr olds for one person (which in my opinion is crazy. Who can cook, clean, watch, teach, play with, and care for that many children, no matter how well behaved, without some kind of help?). I could have up to 5 children without being licensed, but I don't think that would bring in enough to pay for the rent and utilities, food, supplies, etc and still leave enough for me to have any income left over. So I think I'll go the licensed route and take no more than 8 preschoolers on my own.

What is the difference between "childcare" and "daycare"? I thought the two names were just interchangable. I've noticed most home providers usually call it daycare, while the centers usually call it childcare. Is a childcare bigger?

Any other advice anyone can give on how to get started would be a HUGE help.
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