From the Book - Third edition
Introduction. How do they start?
Who's running the centers?
Buying an existing child-care service
Services and policies. Services
Confidentiality and access to records
Chronic misbehavior and other adjustment issues
Smoking, alcohol, and drugs
Safety standards and policies
Children with special needs
Running your child-care business. Children's records
Accreditation for family child-care centers
Structuring your business. Naming your company
Choosing a legal structure
Trademark and copyright issues
Create your own advisory board
Startup economics and financial management. Startup costs: how much do you need?
Building banking relationships
Keeping records: start right, stay right
Getting free supplies and services
Locating and setting up. Choosing a commercial location
Improving an existing facility
Indoor space and equipment
Playground and outdoor areas
Walkways, stairs, and railings
Health, safety, and sanitation practices
Setting up a homebased center
Furnishing and equipping your center. Specific rooms
Toilet-training equipment
Audiovisual and computer equipment
Health and safety standards.
Kitchen and laundry facilites. Kitchen
Food and beverage supplies
Good nutrition and mealtime behavior
Keep your customers out of voice-mail jail
Transportation services. Driver requirements
Children will be children
Starting a transportation service
Hiring and keeping drivers
Parent relationships. Encouraging parental involvement
Helping parents understand your bond with their children
When a parent has a problem
When parents are chronically late
Make your grand opening truly grand
Media kits that get results
Where to look for candidates
Caregiver characteristics and qualifications
The high cost of turnover
Maintain adequate personnel files
Facility maintenance. Building maintenance
When things go wrong. Security
Preventing and dealing with injuries
Tales from the trenches. Invest in yourself
Reach out to the community for enrichment
Find out how you're doing
Differentiate your service
Get commitments from your customers
Follow up on everything you do
Keep a professional distance
Be prepared for the bad days
Child-care service resources. Associations and online resources
Consultants and other experts
Government agencies and related resources
Successful child-care and transportation service providers.