Why do you want to be a childcare provider or worker? People get into the childcare industry for different reasons. For some, it is a lucrative business idea. For others, it is their passion for children. And some get into childcare to be able to care for their kids and a few others.
Whatever your reasons are, it is essential to understand what you are getting into. Childcare is so much more than a play date. Being a good mother to your child doesn’t necessarily imply that you will make a good child care provider.
To help you get started, I have compiled 5 vital questions you ought to consider before becoming a child care provider or worker.
- Why do you want to become a child care provider?
If you don’t know your goal yet, I strongly recommend you take the time to sincerely answer this question. It is the first and most important factor that will ultimately influence your business model, program type, financial structure, and every other important decision you will face down the road.
Are you in this just to take care of your child through pre-k? Maybe you want to own your own business? Or is it the love of having kids around you? There are no wrong answers here. Every reason you have is good and valid. I am only emphasizing the importance of knowing your goal. Be true to yourself and write it down boldly.
- What type of childcare fits your goal?
Becoming a childcare provider entails choosing a niche. The childcare industry is broad. You must first identify your niche before embarking on this journey. A quick piece of advice here is to go for a childcare program that aligns with your goal. For example, you have no business establishing a childcare empire if your goal is to get your child through pre-K. I mean, that’s a waste of resources, don’t you think? Instead, you could offer in-home childcare services that would require fewer resources and no licensing.
There are 8 common types of child care. Time would fail me to explain them in this article, but you can find them in my book [insert book title and link].
- Skills and Qualities: Do you have what it takes?
What are the responsibilities of a childcare provider or worker? Have you considered the must-have skills yet? A good childcare provider possesses certain skills and qualities. These come in handy in the day-to-day running of your chosen childcare program. To be a good childcare provider you must possess a certain level of patience, strong decision-making skills, sound communication skills, among others.
I encourage you to make a checklist of the required skills and traits of a good childcare provider before embarking on this journey. Trust me, you will need them sooner or later.
- Childcare Act: Are you qualified by law?
One thing you will quickly pick up once you get started is the fact that the childcare industry is stringently regulated by tons of laws. The law dictates everything that happens in a childcare program – for good reasons. Unlike the regular business model that gives you full control over what you do and how you do it, childcare laws are present to ensure the kids in your care get nothing short of the best. So, buckle up for a lot of paperwork and scrutiny. First on the list is your qualification and license. You may need to take certain prerequisite courses or training to be eligible for a license. Your best bet here is to check with your local childcare regulatory body. Welcome aboard!
- Opening your childcare ccnter: What’s the plan?
It is not too early to start thinking of your modus operandi. What will it be like running a childcare center? Have you given a thought to finance? How about marketing strategy? What will a typical day be in your childcare program? How do you furnish your center with the required supplies and equipment? Do you plan to use your home or get a designated building? Would you buy a space or build a custom center?
A lot goes into opening and managing a childcare center. You have to put these into consideration to ascertain if childcare is really for you or not.
Conclusion
From these few questions, you will agree that becoming a childcare provider entails a lot more than your love for kids or being a parent. From the decision-making stage to getting the prerequisites, opening your childcare center, and running the center, you will quickly learn that this is quite a journey and you need all the help you can get.
I felt the same way when I just got into the childcare business. That’s why I penned down my experience and everything you need to run a successful childcare business in my latest book titled [insert book title and link]. This is the perfect guide for both old and new childcare providers. You are welcome
