So, you think you would like to start a day care but don't know where to start? Let us assume you know nothing about the industry except that it involves children. That is pretty much the position I was in when I started my day care 10 years ago and I spent a year and a half researching and learning before I got my first child in the door. Before you go running for the hills in dismay allow me to cut short the research time a little with some pointers on how best to prepare for the exciting adventure that is starting a daycare business.

Your first port of call should be your business plan. Every successful business starts with a well thought out plan thus enabling the entrepreneur (you) to get a clear, overall picture of what your business will entail. Many people get to the business plan stage and no further due to a realization that the project is unfeasible for whatever reason. It's better to find out now than after you have sloughed a lot of time and money into starting a business that's going nowhere or you don't enjoy.

The business plan covers all vital elements of starting and operating a business, introduction / description, benefits, market research, key financial details and conclusion. I found it to be a great checklist of things to do as I worked my way methodically through each of the required steps. It forced me to consider, research and document every aspect of my potential business, propelled me to analyze in detail areas I might otherwise have glossed over (or ignored completely). Like a good teacher it provided the questions and ensured I filled in the blanks. There are many great business plan templates out there and I have listed some that I particularly like below:

www.sba.gov USA www.bytestart.co.uk UK www.teagasc.ie/startingyourownbusiness/template.htm Ireland

Arrange a meeting with your local licensing representative, have them visit your premises and find out what they will be requiring in terms of premises layout, contents, play area and general health and safety issues. They are the experts and responsible for granting your license so, you want what they want. Get them to give you guidelines and tips on policies and paperwork. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Go to this meeting prepared and armed with a list of questions so you can learn as much as possible.

An invaluable source of information on setting up your day care is existing daycare owners. When I was researching my business I received some of the best tips, hints and advice from other providers, in fact, I still make information gathering visits once a year and learn something new every time. Call up a couple of established providers (preferably not too close to your proposed venture, they might not be too enamored of the impending competition!), explain your situation and set up a day to go visit. Most people are delighted to mentor a budding entrepreneur and proud to showcase their business. Become a sponge for that day and absorb every tidbit of information available.

Be sure and bring materials to take notes while you observe and ask questions. Notice daily routines, room layout and equipment, methods for dealing with behaviors, staff and child interaction, health and safety procedures, hygiene practices, peruse paperwork (ask for copies of the paperwork to help guide you when formulating your own). Get tips on advertising, pricing and suppliers. Attempt to speak to different members of staff and management so you get a good overview. Don't just ask them what they do but also ask for their opinion on how things could be better. These open questions will provide you with an immense wealth of knowledge, all of the practical, hands on variety.

Taking just these three steps and seeing them through to completion will give you a fantastic head start in terms of researching your business. Your confidence in yourself and your ability to achieve your vision will peak and you will be propelled into further positive action. So, what are you waiting for...get researching.

ChildCareOnly.com is the brainchild of Fiona Lohrenz who has 10 years experience running a day care. Fiona has also produced a 'Start a ChildCare Business' DVD: StartChildCare.com. Fiona can be found at her website: ChildCareOnly.com