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You want to start a day care but have never taken the bull by the horns? Let us assume you know nothing about the industry except that it involves children and you have dreamed about quitting your job and starting a childcare business. Well, I have just described my own situation 10 years ago before I started the one and a half year research that would culminate in the daycare I run today. Before you go running for the hills in dismay at the research time, 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.

The business plan is, without doubt, the first and most important step. Every successful business starts with a well thought out version thus enabling the entrepreneur (you) to get a clear, overall picture of what your business will entail. This is the vital, unavoidable first step if you are to have any chance of understanding what it takes for your idea to succeed. Many people get to the business plan stage and no further due to a realization that the project is unfeasible for whatever reason. You really want to figure out the viability of your business before you start.

The vital elements of starting any business are covered by your business plan. Introduction/description,benefits, market research, key financial info and conclusion. Like a good teacher it provides the questions and ensures you fill in the blanks. I found it to be a great checklist of things to do as I worked my way methodically through each of the required steps. Areas I might have omitted or glossed over were covered leaving me with thorough and accurate vision of my business. Here are some suggestions for business plan templates.

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.

Some of the best tips, hints and advice that I received while researching my business were from other providers. I actually still attempt to visit other daycares at least once a year to get new and fresh ideas. Existing daycare owners are an invaluable resource for practical advice. 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!). Most people are delighted to mentor a budding entrepreneur and proud to showcase their business. There is nothing quite like the advice of people who have been there, are doing that and wearing the tee shirt daily.

ideas before they vacate your head (as they do mine). Ask questions, listen and observe. 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). Find about the best methods of advertising, what suppliers you should use and the range of fees locally. Try to speak with the owner or manager, the staff and the cook and get a feel for each unique role. Don't just ask them what they do but also ask for their opinion on how things could be better. You will gain an immense wealth of practical knowledge simply by asking these open questions.

These are just three steps you can take in pursuit of your dream 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, start that research and make that dream a reality.