I'v been in the daycare field for eight (long) years now. I've worked in mainstream centres, young parent programs, Montessori schools (I've got my certificate) but I have never been truly happy in any of them. I've always wanted my own facility and fortunately I'm only a couple of years away from achieving that.
I'm wondering if anyone ever regretted the decision to go solo or I'm just a malcontent who's never happy

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Never regretted opening, but would probably do a few minor things differently. But no I don't miss my center days. It's been better for me and the needs of my family to be working from home.

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I've been out of it for a year now. I never regretted having an in-home daycare, there were tons of pros. BUT I do wish I'd known more and had more support right from the beginning. I started caring for children back in 1982 and things were soooo different then. Much less government involvement but also nobody to turn to with problems or for answers. I just did the best I could and see where my mistakes were made.

Looking back, the best changes I made involved contract changes such as charging weekly rates, not depending on attendance. Towards the past couple years I only accepted FT clients.

I put up with so much BS in the beginning such as "I can only afford $40 a week" despite the fact she had 2 little boys. NOT getting paid for when dcfs didn't come. Even towards the end I put up with too much, such as moms overstaying at drop off and pick up. Late payments without fees, because I knew they were good for it.

Burn out is extremely high, having your own children grow up in it can be challenging if you don't make them your priority, not setting limits and enforcing your policies can lead to trouble, not taking care of yourself through it all(IOW, keep those dr. appts., they're important for your well-being!!), don't let demanding dcps talk you into anything, stand up for yourself. And on and on.

Would I do it all again?? I believe it was the best thing for me, and my family and yes I would. With lots of changes!!!

Good luck!!!

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I also disliked working in centers but love running my own. It allows me to meet all of my personal and professional goals without roadblocks or gatekeepers in my way.

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I'm like a couple of the others.

I don't regret opening my own daycare, but I would've done SO many things differently!

I feel like you go into this business with the mindset that people appreciate you, think of how their choices affect you and want what's best for their kids. ()

I definitely would've developed a backbone earlier on and had stricter policies to begin with and make sure to follow through on them 100% of the time.

But being home with my kids and still making money has been the best thing for our family, despite all the negatives about running a daycare

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I'm like a couple of the others.

I don't regret opening my own daycare, but I would've done SO many things differently!

I feel like you go into this business with the mindset that people appreciate you, think of how their choices affect you and want what's best for their kids. ()

I definitely would've developed a backbone earlier on and had stricter policies to begin with and make sure to follow through on them 100% of the time.

But being home with my kids and still making money has been the best thing for our family, despite all the negative things that come with running a daycare

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Agree with all of this! If I'd started out viewing it as a business (What would KinderCare do?) I would've saved myself a lot of stress & heartache.

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