Hi! I am a new member opening a drop in center in NC. I am looking for any advice you could give me.

I need recommendations on software programs to help determine cost to the minute.

I am going to accept ages 1-12. If you have a drop in center.... what is your employee/child ratio?

Thanks in advance for helping me out!

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Welcome to the forum

North Carolina Regs: https://www.daycare.com/northcarolina/

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Welcome to the forum! What county are you in ? How many children will you be licensed to care for? Will you offer traditional hours?

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I have always done a family home, never a drop in center. I think the hardest thing about a drop in center would be staying in ratio. Seems you would always have to much staff or not enough.

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I was thinking that as well, but was curious about how they plan to set it up (hours and such)

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I am in Iredell county. Drop In's are not required to be licensed. I am hoping to have about 5-10 kids at any time during the day. I will also offer parents night out on Fri and Sat.

I have checked out drop in's near my city, and they always have 1 employee, and less than 8 kids during the day.

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That doesn't seem too different than what I do a couple times a month in regards to parents night out. I offer parents nights and days out for a flat rate plus a one time registration fee. I offer meals and a craft/activity. I usually have one other adult depending on the ages of the kids and the ratio as well as the time. When it is 6pm-midnight I may have an additional adult here for the meal and activity and once we settle the kids for rest time then they leave. Just curious though, how far in advance will you require people to contact you for drop in services ?

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Following...

Im interested in opening a drop in center as well - much needed in my area.
What are some suggested rates per hour?

Thank you!

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Here are some threads on rates: https://www.daycare.com/forum/tags.p...+in+care+rates

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Thank you, Michael :-)

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