Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Family Child Care Business Advice

    Posted 03-22-2019 01:11 PM
    When I started my business the learning curve was sharp when it came to the business side. As providers we wear many hats, Teacher, Director, Janitor, nurse, marketing executive etc. 

    What are some of the things you wish you had known before opening your business. Or what advice could you pass on to someone starting out to help them with their business?

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    Temesha (Ms. Tessie) Ragan
    Family Child Care IF Facilitator
    Perfect Start Learning
    Family Child Care Provider
    Edwards, CA
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  • 2.  RE: Family Child Care Business Advice

    Posted 03-23-2019 05:30 AM
    Congratulations on becoming a Home based Early Childhood Education Program. I am sure the program and services you offer to young children, families and other key stakeholders in your community will contribute to creating a vibrant economy and support to all who work to make sure young children have the foundation they need to reach their full potential.

    I have a few suggestions for your consideration, regarding your business practices to make sure your small business allows you to thrive and grow financially and as an Early Childhood Professional. The suggestions include:

    (1) Create the structure and the system for your business that is grounded in business practices that have proven to be essential to the success of entrepreneurs who decide to create and grow an Early Childhood Education business. For example, will you be a for-profit or non-profit organization. If for-profit, will you be a LLC, S-Corporation or other type of business.

    (2) Use the U.S. Small Business Association as a resource to strengthen your business.

    (3) Make sure you have a strong, high quality Business Plan that will help guide you in the development of your business.

    (4) Consider becoming accredited by the National Association of Family Child Care

    (5) Contact your local ECE Resource and Referral Agency to find out what types of support and resources they can offer to you to strengthen your ability to operate a high quality program with related services for young children and families.

    Good luck!

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    Robert Gundling, Ed.D.
    Better Futures LLC
    Senior Consultant
    Washington, DC
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  • 3.  RE: Family Child Care Business Advice

    Posted 03-23-2019 05:58 PM
    Hi, Temesha,
    Congratulations and good luck! I was a FCC provider for 10 years before becoming a trainer and writer in the field.  One very helpful step is to connect with the other FCC providers in your area, through your local association. Also the National Association for Family Child Care https://www.nafcc.org/ is a great resource. Take all the training you can, too. ​Look into any and all grant programs that can provide you with free or affordable materials, and scholarships. Also, many providers find the Redleaf Press Calendar Keeper https://www.redleafpress.org/Redleaf-Calendar-Keeper-2019-A-Record-Keeping-System-for-Family-Child-Care-Providers-P1982.aspx to be a great management tool.
    With very best wishes
    Hazel

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    Hazel Osborn
    Consultant
    Loveland CO
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  • 4.  RE: Family Child Care Business Advice

    Posted 03-24-2019 04:26 PM
    Hello Temesha,

    When I started my daycare in Arcadia, CA, I knew what my program was all about. I had the focus on healthy development of a whole child with emphasize on helping them cope with their emotions, learn to build positive relationships with peers, academic learning and healthy foods. My mistake was, I overwhelmed myself with the load of everything I wanted to do. For that reason, it is my advice for you to make it simple in the beginning, and add as you go to make the necessary improvements. For instance, my menu was made of gourmet foods, and I spent long hours after the daycare was closed for the day, to prep for the next day. I was burnt out, and not so productive. 


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    Warmest regards,
    Ranum Magellan
    Program Development/Owner
    Arcadia Playschool
    Arcadia CA
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