Trying to open a home day care...i need help please

[mickyc]

One thing I would suggest is keeping your child's toys separate from daycare. My daycare is in my basement and it is totally separate. My upstairs is my space. This way I can claim 50% of my household expenses instead of calculating by the number of daycare hours etc. My daughter's toys eventually make it to daycare but I didn't want her to have to share things just because that is my career choice.

Make sure you child proof the daycare area. We changed all our outlets to tamper proof instead of using those terrible plastic plugs (had one melt once). I put baby gates on the stairs, we put in a sink and kitchen cupboards. I cook with an electric frying pan and a hot plate (occasionally throw things in the oven upstairs). I put latches on the cupboards, got a fire extinguisher. You will need playpens, bedding and cots, kids dishes, high chairs. I have a child sized table with small chairs instead of using booster seats at a big table. My husband built me a shelf for bins so that each child has a bin at my house to keep diapers, wipes and extra clothing. I change all kids on the floor but use a diaper genie. I have a bunch of hooks on the wall in the basement for coats and a white board with a monthly calendar on it to post info and reminders. You will need toys appropriate for all ages (which is another reason you should likely keep your children's toys separate as they likely have small things). We hung our TV to keep little fingers from being able to touch it. Lots of toys indoors and out. You will need to register a business name and get additional home insurance.

I agree - do not charge the cheapest rate. You will kick yourself in the butt if you do that.

You get to claim lots. If your basement is designated as daycare then you can claim 50% of your household expenses - hydro, water, internet, TV. I claim 50% of my household groceries at the end of the year. I also keep track of the mileage I use to do my shopping and my accountant claims a portion of my gas, vehicle insurance and vehicle repairs. I also claim a portion of the interest I pay on my mortgage, property taxes, house insurance, household repairs/renos. Also capital costs like a new computer, fridge, freezer etc can be claimed (not sure the breakdown). You can claim 100% of your expenses for supplies for daycare - toys, advertising, equipment, office supplies. You cannot claim your home phone but you can claim 100% of your cell phone.

Make sure you have a contract and sick policy. Also I suggest getting a good accountant and to make sure and keep good records of what you make and what you spend.

Make sure you get paid 2 weeks in advance. Have a late fee for late payment and late pickups. Read lots of the discussions on this website. It has helped me a lot even after being open for 3 years already.

People will try and screw you unfortunately, there is no getting away from it. Just cover all your bases and you can minimize the issues.