Step into learning childcare: Step Into Learning Childcare LLC
Step Into Learning Childcare LLC
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About the Provider
Description: Step Into Learning Childcare LLC is a Child Care Center in MUSTANG OK, with a maximum capacity of 60 children. This child care center helps with children in the age range of 0 – 11 Months, 12 – 23 Months, 2 Years, 3 Years, 4 Years, 5 Years, 6 Years and Older. The provider also participates in a subsidized child care program.
Additional Information: Rated 2 Stars.
Program and Licensing Details
- License Number:
K830053935 - Capacity:
60 - Age Range:
0 – 11 Months, 12 – 23 Months, 2 Years, 3 Years, 4 Years, 5 Years, 6 Years and Older - State Rating:
2 - Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program:
Yes - Type of Care:
Daytime Hours - Transportation:
Children’s Schools, Field Trips - District Office:
Oklahoma Dept of Human Services – Child Care Services - District Office Phone:
(405) 550-3764 (Note: This is not the facility phone number.)
- Licensor:
Brooke Horn
Location Map
Inspection/Report History
Where possible, ChildcareCenter provides inspection reports as a service to families. This information is deemed reliable,
but is not guaranteed. We encourage families to contact the daycare provider directly with any questions or concerns,
as the provider may have already addressed some or all issues. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.
| Date | Type/Purpose | Corrections |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-05-19 | Periodic Full Inspection |
Plan: Director stated credentials has been submitted on March 17, 2021. Director stated in the future credentials will be submitted 3 months ahead of time to be sure it doesn’t expire. Correction Date: 2021-05-19 |
| Description: 340:110-3-284.1(b)(C) – has a current bronze or higher level certificate per OAC 340 Appendix EE – Oklahoma Director’s Credential; Licensing observed director credentials expired 4/9/21 |
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| 2020-10-16 | Periodic Full Inspection |
Plan: Director stated soap has already been refilled in both bathroom and will remain full to maintain licensing requirements. Correction Date: 2020-10-16 |
| Description: 340:110-3-294(a)(2) – Hand hygiene. Personnel and children wash their hands with soap and warm, running water or use hand sanitizer as required per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340 Appendix HH Hand Hygiene. Licensing observed no hand soap in blue room and school age room for children to wash hands. |
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| 2020-07-21 | Follow Up Partial Inspection |
|
| Description: No non-compliances observed |
||
| 2020-07-17 | Complaint Full Inspection |
Plan: Director stated extra staff will be required to come in the mornings. Director stated person in charge will be observing ratios in the morning to direct the children to the right class rooms. Owner, Jana Westberry stated during visit that a new director will start in a couple week. Correction Date: 2020-07-17 |
| Description: 340:110-3-286(a) – Ratios.  Ratios mean the number of teaching personnel required to be physically present with a child or group of children per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340 Appendix GG – Ratios and Group Sizes. Only teaching personnel count in ratios, unless the requirements specifically state otherwise. The program is required to maintain ratios at all times.
Licensing observed class room out of ratio. 18:2 with 4 one year old’s. |
||
| 2020-07-17 | Complaint Full Inspection |
Plan: Director stated there will be double the paper towels ordered next time due to running out so fast. If paper towels get lower and order has not arrived paper towels will be bought asap. Correction Date: 2020-07-17 |
| Description: 340:110-3-300(n) – Hand washing facilities. The hand washing facilities requirements listed in (1) through (3) of this subsection are met. Licensing observed no paper towels in all of the bathrooms. |
||
| 2020-07-15 | 340:110-3-286(a) Substantiated Complaints |
|
| Description: Ratio- Complaintant states center is out of ratio every morning. |
||
| 2020-07-15 | 340:110-3-300(n)(3)(B) Substantiated Complaints |
|
| Description: Facility- Complaintaint stated the center will go days without paper towles while children are drying their hands on their clothes. |
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| 2020-01-29 | Periodic Full Inspection |
Correction Date: 2020-02-14 |
| Description: No non-compliances observed |
||
| 2020-01-29 | Periodic Full Inspection |
Plan: Director stated she will call them today and get them to the center asap to get it up to date and keep it updated to maintain requirements. Correction Date: 2020-02-14 |
| Description: 340:110-3-279(f)(2)(C) – inspected and tagged at least every 12 months by a state licensed authority. Licensing observed Central alarm system tagged March of 2018 |
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| 2020-01-29 | Periodic Full Inspection |
Plan: Director stated Staff will have ELCCT completed by Friday and will have staff complete ELLCT within the 90 days of employment to maintain requirements. Correction Date: 2020-02-14 |
| Description: 340:110-3-284(d)(5) – Entry Level Child Care Training (ELCCT) or equivalent. Prior to, or within 90 calendar days of employment, teaching personnel hired after August 1, 2003, complete an approved entry-level training listed on the Oklahoma Professional Development Registry (OPDR) website, such as ELCCT. However, this training is not required when previously received, unless the individual has not been employed at a licensed program within the last five years. 
Licensing observed staff had no ELCCT within the 90 days of employment. |
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| 2020-01-29 | Periodic Full Inspection |
Plan: Director stated Staff will have CPR by Friday and will keep staff up to date on CPR to maintain requirements Correction Date: 2020-02-14 |
| Description: 340:110-3-284(d)(6) – CPR and first aid. Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid certifications are age-appropriate for the ages of children accepted into care and are from approved sources listed on the OPDR website. In addition to CPR and first aid certification requirements for individuals listed in (A) through (B) of this subsection, other position specific CPR and first aid certification requirements are also met per OAC 340:110-3-284.1 through 340:110-3-284.4. Licensing observed staff had no CPR/First Aid within 90 days of employment. |
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| 2019-10-14 | STARS Partial Inspection |
|
| Description: No non-compliances observed |
||
| 2019-09-10 | Periodic Full Inspection |
|
| Description: No non-compliances observed |
||
| 2019-06-26 | Complaint Partial Inspection |
|
| Description: No non-compliances observed |
||
| 2019-05-24 | Periodic Full Inspection |
|
| Description: No non-compliances observed |
||
If you are a provider and you believe any information is incorrect, please contact us.
We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.
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Step Into Learning Child Care LLC
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About the Provider
Description: Step Into Learning Child Care LLC is a Child Care Center in OKLAHOMA CITY OK, with a maximum capacity of 89 children.
This child care center helps with children in the age range of 0 – 11 Months, 12 – 23 Months, 2 Years, 3 Years, 4 Years, 5 Years, 6 Years and Older. The provider also participates in a subsidized child care program.
Additional Information: Rated 1 Stars.
Program and Licensing Details
- License Number:
K830055410 - Capacity:
89 - Age Range:
0 – 11 Months, 12 – 23 Months, 2 Years, 3 Years, 4 Years, 5 Years, 6 Years and Older - State Rating:
2 - Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program:
Yes - Transportation:
Children’s Schools, Field Trips - District Office:
Oklahoma Dept of Human Services – Child Care Services - District Office Phone:
(405) 550-3764 (Note: This is not the facility phone number.) - Licensor:
Brooke Horn
Location Map
Inspection/Report History
Where possible, ChildcareCenter provides inspection reports as a service to families.
This information is deemed reliable,
but is not guaranteed. We encourage families to contact the daycare provider directly with any questions or concerns,
as the provider may have already addressed some or all issues. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.
| Date | Type/Purpose | Corrections |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-06-16 | Complaint Partial Inspection |
|
| Description: No non-compliances observed |
||
| 2021-06-10 | Complaint Full Inspection |
Plan: Director stated credentials has already been submitted. Director stated in the future credentials will be submitted months in advance for avoid non-compliance. Correction Date: 2021-06-10 |
| Description: 340:110-3-284.1(b)(C) – has a current bronze or higher level certificate per OAC 340 Appendix EE – Oklahoma Director’s Credential; Licensing observed directors credentials not met. |
||
| 2021-02-23 | Permit Full Inspection |
Plan: Owner Jana Westberry stated Directors credentials has already been submitted on Jan.20 2021. Jana states in the future she will submit directors credentials the first week it allows and not to wait the week it expires. Correction Date: 2021-02-23 |
| Description: 340:110-3-284.1(b)(C) – has a current bronze or higher level certificate per OAC 340 Appendix EE – Oklahoma Director’s Credential; Licensing observed directors credentials expired 1/21/2021. |
||
| 2020-09-10 | Application Full Inspection |
|
| Description: No non-compliances observed |
||
If you are a provider and you believe any information is incorrect, please contact us. We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.
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Reviews
Write a review about Step Into Learning Child Care LLC.
Let other families know what’s great, or what could be improved.
Please read our brief review guidelines to make your review as helpful as possible.
Email address (will not be published):
Display name:
Which best describes your experience?:
Select from belowI have used this provider for more than 6 monthsI have used this provider for less than 6 monthsI have toured this provider’s facility, but have not used its servicesI am the ownerI am an employeeOther
Rating (1=poor, 5=excellent):
Select your Rating1 star2 star3 star4 star5 star
Review Policy:
ChildcareCenter.us does not actively screen or monitor user reviews, nor do we verify or edit content. Reviews reflect
only the opinion of the writer. We ask that users follow our
review guidelines. If you see a review that does not reflect these guidelines, you can email us. We will assess
the review and decide the appropriate next step. Please note – we will not remove a review simply because it is
negative.
Providers are welcome to respond to parental reviews, however we ask that they identify themselves as
the provider.
Write a Review
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Become a Child Care Center-Based Provider
The survey link below directs you to a voluntary questionnaire that will help determine whether a location is safe from potential environmental contamination. Based on the answers provided, the Texas Department of State Health Services will provide technical assistance and suggestions to help make sure child care centers are safe from environmental contamination.
Take the Questionnaire
The process for getting a permit to operate a child care operation in Texas is designed to protect children by building a cooperative relationship between the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the applicant. Please become familiar with general requirements, rules and resources before you apply
Step 1 – Attend a Licensed Center Pre-Application Class
Contact your local Child Care Licensing office to get dates for pre-application classes in your area.
To attend the training online, select the Licensed Child Care Center Pre-Application Training on the Provider Training webpage. Once you complete all four training modules you will receive a certificate. You will be required to include this certificate with your application.
Step 2 – Become Familiar with Required Materials and Helpful Resources
You will receive an information packet during your pre-application class. The contents of information packets vary by location but will include supplemental forms to complete the application process, as well as contact information for local Child Care Licensing staff.
Please review the following links to learn more about some of the things you will need to consider when applying to become a child care provider
Licensing Requirements
Licensing regulates child-care offered in center-based and home-based operations. Child care includes the care, supervision, training, or education of an unrelated child or children (13 or younger) for less than 24 hours per day in a place other than the child’s own home. There are three types of center-based operations: licensed child-care centers, before or after-school programs and school-age programs.
Background Checks
Certain persons at child-care operations are required to complete a background check, which may include a Central Registry (child abuse and neglect registry), FBI, and a sex offender registry check. Background checks must be completed before a person provides direct care or has direct access to children in care and on a recurring basis thereafter. If a person has a history of abuse or neglect or has a criminal history, then the person may be prohibited from being at a child-care operation.
Minimum Standards
Child Care Licensing develops rules for child-care in Texas. Each set of minimum standards is based on a particular chapter of the Texas Administrative Code and the corresponding child-care operation permit type. Minimum standards are designed to reduce risk for children by providing basic requirements to protect the health, safety, and well-being of children in out-of-home care.
Liability Insurance
Insurance coverage is an important protection for your business. Child Care Licensing requires applicants for a licensed child-care center, before or after-school program, or school-age program to obtain proof of coverage before Licensing issues a permit. Learn more in the Texas Administrative Code.
Application Materials
Your complete application packet includes the application form, application fee, and other supplemental forms and documents. For example, a Plan of Operation, including policies and procedures, is a document that is a key part of the application for some licensed operations.
It requires your time and attention. It is your written plan showing how you plan to comply with minimum standards. For example, it needs to include information about who is responsible for ensuring minimum standards are met at all times, the physical facility, activities, child to caregiver ratios, safety, and sanitation.
Application Inspection
After you submit a completed application, Child Care Licensing staff will conduct an inspection to ensure you and your operation comply with the applicable law and minimum standards. Licensing staff periodically inspects your operation to make sure it continues to meet minimum standards. After you operation demonstrates compliance with minimum standards, Licensing staff will issue you an initial or full license.
Technical Assistance
Child Care Licensing staff will assist you every time you need it. We will support you at your pre-application class, at every inspection, over the phone, and on-line. We encourage you to use the forms and documents created for you.
Visit the on-line Technical Assistance Library.
Fees
Licensing is required to charge fees for processing applications, issuing permits, and conducting background checks. Licensing also collects an annual fee that is due each year on the anniversary date of the issuance of your license. The money from fees is deposited in the state’s general revenue fund.
Compliance History
Information about your operation and its compliance history will be available on our public web site at www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Care/Search_Texas_Child_Care/default.asp. It is available to anyone.
Zoning, Building Codes and other Legal Requirements
In some areas, you may need to meet zoning, building code, home owner association, and other requirements concerning the location and construction of a child-care operation. These are not licensing requirements, but you may have to meet them before local authorities will perform fire and sanitation inspections.
FAQs
The Frequently Asked Questions page will help you find general topics and specific information on many topics.
It helps providers and applicants review policies and learn about recent changes too.
Contact
Contact your local Child Care Licensing Office .
Step 3 – Submit an Application
Complete the application form and send it along with other required forms/documentation to your local Child Care Licensing office.
- Form 2910, Child Day Care Licensing Application
- Form 2948, Plan of Operation for Licensed Center Operations
- Form 2911, Child Care Licensing Governing Body/Director Designation
- Form 2760, Controlling Person – Child Care Licensing
- Form 2985, Affidavit for Applicants for Employment with a Licensed Operation or Registered Child-Care Home
Step 4 – Create a Child Care Licensing Account
Complete Online Registration to create your provider account once Child Care Licensing has accepted your application and has provided you an operation number.
Choosing Quality Child Care | Early Childhood Development
Be sure to print out the guide below and bring it with you.
en Español
While no two childcare programs are the same, it may be helpful to identify what values, elements, and standards are important and relevant to you and your family regarding the care and education for your young children.
Download the Childcare Guide and Checklist
We define childcare as the care and early education of young children by childcare professionals.
What are my first steps?
In Nebraska, anyone who provides child care to four or more children from different families must be licensed as a child care provider. View a roster listing all Licensed Home, Child Care, and Preschool Programs in the State of Nebraska.
Whether in a home, child care, or a preschool program, you can begin by exploring what arrangements will be best for you, your children, and your family and what options are available in your area. Some programs have a waitlist, so it’s a good idea to select a few options and call to schedule a visit.
What does good quality care look like?
Good quality childcare is based in five sections. Click the links below learn more about what, how, and why each of these areas play an important role in the overall quality of a childcare program.
Relationships
Health & Safety
Curriculum and Approaches to Learning
Learning Environment
Policies & Administration
How do I know my child is safe, healthy and learning?
- You feel welcome as soon as you walk into a child care program. Providers assist your child with the transition of a new environment and new faces.
- The program’s curriculum should be developmentally appropriate for the various ages represented. Children are learning through safe exploration and play using interesting and stimulating materials.
- Childcare professionals are knowledgeable about child development, assessment, developmentally appropriate practices and first aid.
- Families are viewed as important members of the childcare program community. They are provided with updates on their child regularly. Communication between the program and the family is received in a variety of ways and the program is culturally responsive.
- The childcare program is community oriented and utilizes local resources.
- The program has appropriately sized furnishings and equipment which are kept clean and in good repair.
- The program is licensed by the appropriate state agencies and administrators/owners follow all state policies and laws regarding childcare.
Resources: Is This the Right Place for My Child? 38 Research-Based Indicators of Quality Child Care, The Essentials: Providing High-Quality Family Child Care, What Does a High-Quality Preschool Program Look Like?
Why does it matter?
The early years in your child’s life are some of the most important years, so why not nurture them with high-quality care.
- High-quality care has been linked to progress in school, higher career earnings as well as a decrease in negative behavior such as getting in trouble with the law.
- Approximately 90% of a child’s brain development occurs within the first five years of life. This foundation is vital for success in future learning, behavior and health.
- Programs can support and nurture a child’s early care and education experience by supporting professional development and making a commitment to program improvement. If you are interested in learning more about Step Up to Quality, a Nebraska resource that helps both families and child care providers learn more about implementing and selecting quality care please visit the Step Up to Quality website.
Resources: http://buffettinstitute.nebraska.edu/about-the-early-years, https://stepuptoquality.ne.gov/
What is DAP?
Each early childhood teacher makes many decisions throughout the day to best support children’s learning and development. Intentionality or being intentional when interacting with children is the core of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP). Teachers should create goals for children on an individual basis and ensure that the activity is both challenging and manageable for the child.
In order for early childhood teachers to set these important goals they must have knowledge about child development, meeting the individual needs of each child, and respecting the cultural contexts of a child’s home and community. Learning needs should be relevant and respectful for the child and in partnership with families.
Resource: Copple, C. & Bredekamp, S. eds. 2009. Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8. 3d ed. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.
How to Start a Day Care: A Step-by-Step Guide
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If you’re a pro at educating and training small children, you may want to know how to start a day care business.
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If you’re a teacher, former teacher, or simply have years of experience caring for children — and an entrepreneurial streak — you might have considered starting your own day care center, either from home or in a dedicated facility.
And at an expected job growth of 7% over the next decade, working in child care is a stable career choice. So, if you’re seriously wondering how to start a day care center, you’ve come to the right place.
As is the case starting a business in any industry, however, your passion for your craft alone — or, in this case, your students — isn’t quite enough to ensure that your day care business is copacetic, either financially or legally. You’ll need to do a good amount of due diligence when looking into how to start a day care business, paying special attention to licensing requirements, and ensuring that your facility and program aligns with your state’s health and safety codes.
If you’re a pro at educating, training, supporting and generally corralling large groups of small children, you should be pretty unperturbed by the work it takes to start a day care business. Here’s what you need to know.
How to start a day care business
Although every path toward starting a business looks different for every business owner, there are a few steps that every aspiring day care owner needs to think about when it comes to how to best start a day care.
1. Decide what kind of day care business you want to start
Before you can even get to writing a business plan for your day care business, you need to decide what kind you want to open. Look into whether you want to start a day care business at home, or whether you want a more commercial facility — there might be different permits required in your municipality depending on which you choose. You also need to decide what age groups you want to focus on.
Next up, you’ll have to decide on a business entity, which will have huge effects on the way you’re taxed and how you operate your day care business. Will you have partners or open your business on your own? Additionally, you’ll want to consider whether you want a business entity that offers you some protection. Making your day care center a limited liability company might be a good move, since the business will take on liability should anything go wrong.
Bluevine Business CheckingNerdWallet rating NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. at Bluevine, Deposits are FDIC Insured |
The scoring formulas take into account multiple data points for each financial product and service.You might also decide to buy into a day care franchise opportunity. This option will significantly streamline the steps you need to take in opening your day care.
Once you narrow down these details about your business, you can move on to the next step in starting a day care business: writing a business plan.
2. Write a day care business plan
This is a step you have to take when starting any business and it can be quite a bit of work, especially for anyone looking to get moving quickly on their business. When you start writing a business plan, start with an outline of all the things you want to include.
Your plan should include a summary, an overview of the company, a market analysis that includes an assessment of the need for a business like yours, a marketing and sales plan, and a financial plan along with financial projections.
Don’t worry, though, you can always add to it as your business grows.
One thing you should include, though, is market research. The last thing you want to do is go through all of these “how to start a day care business” steps, only to find that there isn’t a market for one or that there are already too many day cares in that area to make it a viable business.
Your business plan should also include a budget. The costs associated with opening and running your day care center can never be accurately totaled, but nailing down a budget will give you some parameters to work within (and some peace of mind).
In your budget plan, don’t forget to factor in:
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Your startup costs, including day care equipment, food, toys and educational tools, wages, insurance and licensing.
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How much tuition you’ll charge.
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Your predicted revenue over the next two to three years.
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When you’ll break even.
Also know that day care centers can claim certain tax deductions, which can ease your annual financial burden.
You’ll also want to include a marketing plan. If you’re seriously researching how to start a day care business, it’s likely that you’ve already been caring for children in your area for some time and have built up a network of local parents. That’s one valuable method of attracting customers (aka word of mouth) covered. Still, implementing even a basic marketing plan can help define and legitimize your business — and if you need to implement a waitlist as a result, that’s great too!
Your marketing efforts can be relatively simple and low-cost. You can start by creating a Facebook page for your day care center and building a business website, making sure to include your contact information and a little bit about your business. If possible, plan to include pictures of your facilities and testimonials from happy customers.
If you’re a fan of social media, it also can’t hurt to create an Instagram, LinkedIn and/or Twitter account to keep both current and prospective customers updated on your business.
Just be sure that once you do, you receive permission from parents or guardians before posting pictures of their children, of course.
Analog marketing techniques would work well here, too. If possible, consider distributing flyers or brochures to nearby libraries, schools, places of worship or any other local gathering spots.
3. Obtain the necessary certification and licenses
You may not need a master’s degree in education to become a day care teacher, but each state does require some combination of licensing and certification when it comes to how to start a day care. Visit your state’s Division of Child Care Services (or its equivalent) to find out the training, experience and credentials you need to legally operate a day care facility.
In New York State, for instance, the head of the day care facility must have one of the following:
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An associate degree in early childhood education or an equivalent.
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A CDA credential (child development associate) and at least two years of experience caring for children.
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A high school diploma and at least three years’ experience caring for children.
You’ll probably find that there are some other requirements that usually come up when you’re looking up how to start a day care business at home or in another facility. Your state may require that you and any staff you hire are CPR-certified, for one. Another point of safety to remember is that you should be trained in at least basic first aid for children. You and your staff might also need to be fingerprinted and undergo background checks before being cleared for work.
Even if your state doesn’t require that you obtain a license, you should consider doing so, as your licensing course will go over all the boxes you need to check to operate your day care in your state — including health and safety regulations, proper food preparation and the required child-to-adult ratio.
4. Find a (safe) day care facility
In certain states, in order to obtain the proper licenses or registration to start your day care business, you’ll first need to show that your day care facility meets your state’s health and safety requirements.
So whether you choose to open your day care facility in your own home, or buy or lease a new property, you’ll need to make sure your facility meets zoning, fire, and health and safety laws. When it comes to how to start a day care at home, you may need to make alterations to your house to comply with day care requirements in your state, so be sure to factor them into your budget.
5. Get insured
Another requirement for obtaining your license? Getting insured. In certain states, you’ll need to be licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services to run your day care center, but to do so, you’ll first need liability insurance.
The exception is home-based day care centers, which don’t need insurance to be licensed by the DHHS.
Still, those opening day care centers at home should seriously consider obtaining small business insurance. You always run the risk of a lawsuit when you’re running your own business, but that risk increases when caring for other people’s children — so protect yourself whenever possible.
There are several types of insurance that cover day care businesses — general liability insurance, workers’ compensation, property insurance, abuse and molestation insurance and others — so contact an insurance broker to help you decide which coverage is best for your business.
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6. Get a business checking account and credit card
It’s crucial to separate your personal and business expenses for many reasons, not the least of which is to reduce your (or your accountant’s) burden come tax season.
It’s simply the most professional way to conduct your business, too. Set yourself up for success now by signing up for a business credit card and opening a business bank account, and be diligent about using both solely for your day care’s finances.
Having a business credit card can help you increase your business credit score, too. By paying the card off on time — or early if you can — you can boost your score, which will help you late on when you need a loan or other financing for your day care business.
7. Get financing
Most entrepreneurs bootstrap their businesses at the beginning, as it’s difficult for brand-new businesses with limited credit history to secure a business loan, either from a bank or from an alternative lender.
Your financing options aren’t limited to your own purse strings (or your friends’ and family’s). Here are a few other ways to get funding and loans for a child care business:
SBA microloan
Although most SBA loans are available only to businesses with a few years of experience under their belts, SBA microloans are actually designed to help startups get off the ground.
They’re especially accessible to women, veterans, minorities and business owners in low-income areas. And unlike most other SBA loan programs, SBA microloans are disbursed by nonprofit lenders, rather than banks.
As the name suggests, SBA microloans tend to be on the smaller side, with amounts capped at $50,000, but they may be as low as $500. (For more context, the average microloan amount was $14,000 in 2017.) And because microloans are designed for new businesses, business owners with average or even challenged credit may still be accepted, as long as other aspects of their SBA loan applications are in good shape.
SBA community advantage
These loans from the SBA have all of the advantages that come with SBA microloans but the community advantage loans are specifically for businesses that are serving traditionally underserved communities. These loans are generally for a higher dollar amount than the microloans and can go a bit further for your business.
Government grants
You might be able to obtain financial assistance to start and run your day care through state or federal funding programs for early childhood education providers. For instance, you can contact your state’s Child Care and Development Fund Plan to look into startup funds, or your state’s school meal contacts to seek funding for your day care center’s meals.
Take a look at the Administration for Children and Families Office of Child Care’s list for a more comprehensive overview of federal and state financing programs for child care centers.
Business credit card
It’s important to use a business credit card to keep your day care’s expenses separate from your own. Of course, using a credit card is also the most convenient way to pay for your daily expenses. And since credit limits for business credit cards tend to exceed those of consumer cards, you can spend more liberally without worrying about maxing out your card.
Another bonus? Using your business card responsibly (by which we mostly mean paying off your balance in full and on time, every month) can help you build business credit. And with a healthy business credit score, you’re in a better position to secure business loans with great terms down the line.
If you opt for a card with a long 0% intro APR period, you can essentially use that introductory grace period as an interest-free loan. Look into the American Express Blue Business Plus card, which, at 12 months, carries one of the longest interest-free introductory periods in a business credit card right now.
After your 12 interest-free months are up, though, a variable APR kicks in at a rate depending on your creditworthiness and the market. Check the issuer’s terms and conditions for the latest APR information.
8. Hire staff
You may be planning on running your day care facility solo, but depending on your state and the number of children you’re looking after, that might not be an option — every state sets a required ratio of staff to children to ensure that every child receives adequate care.
They also dictate the maximum number of children permitted in a group.
Adult-to-child ratios and class sizes depend on the age of the children, but they might also depend on the size of the day care facility, or face further restrictions based on municipality. For a day care center in New York state, for example, the state requires one adult for six children under school age. However, in New York City, there must be two teachers or one teacher and one assistant to every six children aged 2 to 3, with a maximum of 12 students allowed in a single group. Your own children may or may not be included in that count, too.
So, while hiring really depends upon your state’s requirements, it makes sense to leave room for hiring staff in your business budget. That way, you’ll be prepared for growth, without worrying about your operation shutting down because you’re not properly prepared for it. (Just keep in mind that any staff you hire needs to be appropriately licensed or trained for it, and potentially undergo a background check.
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9. Write your day care contract and policies
To further legally protect your business, it’s crucial that you draw up a contract, write out your day care policies, and require that potential clients (or, more likely, the parents of potential clients) review and sign both documents before accepting their patronage.
If you’re just starting to read up on how to start a day care business, you might not be clear on the distinction between these two documents. To clarify, your contract is the document stating that you’ll provide child care, be compensated for providing care according to the payment terms you specify, and have the right to terminate providing care.
Your policies, on the other hand, provide parents with important logistical information regarding how you’ll run your day care center. There, you can outline protocol regarding vacation, illness, inclement weather, drop-off and pickup times, curriculum, field trips, and anything else you believe is important for your clients to understand and agree to about your day care center.
About the author: Caroline Goldstein is a freelance writer, specializing in small
business. Read more
On a similar note…
Child Care Quality Ratings | Childcare.gov
In addition to child care licensing regulations, which set basic health and safety requirements to protect the well-being of children in care, many states and territories also have child care quality ratings. These ratings help measure additional program features that go beyond minimum child care licensing requirements to support higher quality care.
In general, high-quality programs support and nurture children’s overall growth and development, including their social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development. These programs support development by letting children learn through play, providing positive, nurturing environments, and offering a wide range of artistic, cultural, intellectual, social, and physical activities.
Moreover, child care quality ratings are how states measure and improve child care program quality.
State and territories use these ratings to share information with you about program quality in a way that is helpful and understandable.
What Can Child Care Ratings Tell You
A child care quality rating helps you easily recognize program quality. Most states use symbols, such as stars, to easily indicate levels of quality. Providers earn higher ratings as the state determines they have met more quality standards.
Like rating systems for public schools, hotels, or restaurants, states award child care quality ratings to early learning or child care programs when they meet a set of defined program quality standards.
The following are ways you can use quality rating information:
- Identify those programs in your search that meet higher quality standards.
- Compare the quality of different programs.
- Consider quality ratings when selecting a program.
How Child Care Quality Ratings Work
Here are some important things to know about how they work:
Each state sets their own quality rating standards.
Although the specific quality standards used to rate child care providers are different in each state, they usually evaluate some of the same program features, such as the following:
- Provider and staff education and training
- Curriculum and learning activities
- Health and safety
- Number of staff and children present
- The program’s business practices
Quality ratings use child care licensing as a starting point.
All states that have quality rating systems consider child care licensing as a key component for participation. However, this looks different in each system.
- In most states, the first quality level simply requires programs to be in compliance with state licensing requirements.
- Some states specify that the license be “in good standing,” which often means that the program has no (or very few and not serious) violations on record.
- Some states require programs to meet licensing requirements and additional quality standards to achieve the first rating level.
Participation requirements vary across states.
Some states require all licensed child care providers to participate in the quality rating system. In other states, participation is voluntary or only required for programs receiving government funding.
Checking a program’s licensing status is still important.
Because states have different licensing requirements and child care rating systems, it’s important to confirm a child care provider’s licensing status and review their child care licensing inspection reports even if the provider participates in the quality rating system. To learn more about child care licensing and child care inspections see the “How is Child Care Regulated to Ensure Health and Safety?” section.
How To Find More About Your State or Territory’s Child Care Quality Rating System
States and territories use different names for their child care quality rating systems. Some states have specific, unique program names for their quality rating programs, such as Reach for the Stars.
It’s important to learn about how your child care quality rating system works so you can use it to choose a child care program.
To see if your state or territory has a child care rating system and learn more about it, select your state or territory on the “See Your State’s Resources” page and review the “Understanding and Finding Child Care” tab.
What if my state doesn’t have a child care quality rating system?
Although most states and some territories do have child care quality rating systems, some do not. Some states and territories are still planning or testing their systems. If there is no quality rating system listed on your state of territory’s ChildCare.gov “Understanding and Finding Child Care” tab, you can consider other quality indicators, such as accreditations, to identify higher quality care. In some areas, there may be regional or local quality improvement initiatives.
Child care centers, family child care homes, school-age programs, and summer programs can also receive accreditation as a mark of quality.
Accreditation occurs when programs are reviewed by an outside agency to demonstrate higher quality. Programs typically submit documentation, and someone may come in to observe program practices. Accreditation can occur through local, state, and national organizations.
Remember: You Decide What Is Best
Child Care quality ratings are just one tool to help you compare the quality of child care programs and make a child care choice. There are other tools to help you.
- Understand your child care options and how they may be regulated in your state.
- Review the Simple Steps for Finding and Choosing Child Care page for simple steps to guide you in your search and make sure you have all the information you need to make the best child care choice for your child.
- Check out the Look, Listen, and Ask: Choosing Quality Child Care tip sheets for the type of program you are looking at and take it on your visit. Use the tip sheet during your visit to help make sure you look at, listen to, and ask about key features of the program to help you choose the right program for you and your child.
You decide what child care program may be the best fit for your child’s needs. Be sure to use the tools that are available to understand your options, learn about what makes child care safe, and ask the right questions to make the best choice for your family.
Step by step transition to family education
Basic concepts
To prepare for the transition to family education, learn the basic terms. This will help to correctly fill out applications and negotiate with schools.
Family education is a form of education outside of school (Article 17 of the Law “On Education in the Russian Federation”). It implies independent development of the main educational program. Parents are responsible for the quality of education.
Self-education – same as homeschooling, only for children over 15 years of age or those who have completed a nine-grade certificate.
Externship is a form of attestation for family education and self-education. When a child is attached to a school to pass intermediate and final examinations, he acquires the status of an external student and equal academic rights with other students.
Step 1. Notify the education authorities
When switching to family education, first of all inform the department or department of education at the place of residence about the change in the form of education. It is not possible to leave school for homeschooling without notice. This can be regarded as improper performance of parental duties and brought to administrative responsibility.
When to apply
You can send a notification at any time: before the start of the school year or in the middle of it. Just consider the response time (on average, the procedure takes from a week to a month), as well as regional requirements. In some subjects of the Russian Federation there are clear dates for informing about changing the form of education.
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How to fill out
A notice of transition to family education can be made in free form or a template can be requested from local authorities.
Sample Application →
To whom to send
A notice of transfer to homeschooling is sent to the department or department of education at your physical address, not at the place of registration.
How to send
Choose a method convenient for you:
- In person. Fill out an application for family education in two copies. Be sure to mark your notification as registered.
- By mail. Sending by certified mail with a list of attachments and acknowledgment of receipt will help confirm that the obligation to notify the authorities of the choice of family education has been fulfilled.
- Remote. If the education authority has an “electronic reception”, you can send a notice of transfer to family education electronically. It is recommended to take a screenshot when submitting.
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