Opinions Please

[NBlackburn]

Hello,

Backstory
My family is currently relocating to Michigan for my husband's job. He is an engineer and my background is in youth development. I've mostly worked with non profits like the Boys and Girls club and YMCA to create community engagement programs for children. You two daughters attend a STEMS centered daycare in Pittsburgh. Upon researching the providers in the location we are moving we found the programs severely behind what our girls are used to, which sparked me to investigate starting my own program. I am a firm believer in that by teaching young children to use their thinking skills and ask questions we form a more inquisitive generation...

Now
I'm considering starting my own in home daycare then branching into a center model if it is successful. I would appreciate any advice anyone is willing to offer. I have just started working with my mother a former kindergarten teacher to develop the curriculum.

[Michael]

Welcome to the forum. Here is a link to stating a daycare. https://www.daycare.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31166

[284878]

Originally Posted by NBlackburn

Hello,

Backstory
My family is currently relocating to Michigan for my husband's job. He is an engineer and my background is in youth development. I've mostly worked with non profits like the Boys and Girls club and YMCA to create community engagement programs for children. You two daughters attend a STEMS centered daycare in Pittsburgh. Upon researching the providers in the location we are moving we found the programs severely behind what our girls are used to, which sparked me to investigate starting my own program. I am a firm believer in that by teaching young children to use their thinking skills and ask questions we form a more inquisitive generation...

Now
I'm considering starting my own in home daycare then branching into a center model if it is successful. I would appreciate any advice anyone is willing to offer. I have just started working with my mother a former kindergarten teacher to develop the curriculum.

Welcome to MI, which area you are moving to?

My first piece of advice would be to read the rules and regulations for home daycare, come back and ask any questions that you may have.

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/l...5_494800_7.pdf

You are welcome to PM directly with any questions.

[grandmom]

And spend some time reading here. If you're going to start a new program, you'll be a target for parents who couldn't get what they wanted from the last provider. They will sign up with you and insist you treat their child special. Get a backbone, write your policies, and be prepared to stick with them - before you open your doors to customers.

[284878]

Originally Posted by grandmom

And spend some time reading here. If you're going to start a new program, you'll be a target for parents who couldn't get what they wanted from the last provider. They will sign up with you and insist you treat their child special. Get a backbone, write your policies, and be prepared to stick with them - before you open your doors to customers.

Wow this, I wish someone said that to me when I opened.

[Jo123ABC]

Originally Posted by grandmom

And spend some time reading here. If you're going to start a new program, you'll be a target for parents who couldn't get what they wanted from the last provider. They will sign up with you and insist you treat their child special. Get a backbone, write your policies, and be prepared to stick with them - before you open your doors to customers.

Ha! True story! Unless you're starting with infants. Avoid resentment by holding your ground off the get-go!

I think it's awesome that you're planning this adventure! I'm sure any community would love to have the opportunity you are planning to provide their children. Good for you!