So, should you start a preschool at home or a family daycare at home? This was the question that I had to answer. For me it’s a clear answer as I will have my little 3 year old with me. I would like to start a preschool with children near his age group. For me 3-5 year olds are the ages I would like to focus on.
Let’s look at what some questions to ask yourself what you would like to do?
What age group would you like?
When you want to run a family daycare your age range is from babies to primary age children. You get a mixture so have a variance in how you will care for each child.
With preschool you are looking at 3-5 year olds. Depending on your circumstances you may like to take 2.5 years and older so these children grow into your program.
What HOURS WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK?
Family day care hours usually begin when parents require care. For example some parents have early starts and finish around 6 in the evening. You will need to cater for this. You may work from 7-6 each night providing care. You are looking at 12 hour days.
When you start a preschool you will be looking at sessions. For example one session in the morning from 9-12 and one in the afternoon from 12:30-3:30. Here you are looking at 3-6 hours depending on whether you offer am and pm on one day.
What DAYS WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK?
When you operate a family daycare you will work all year round. Preschools will usually follow the school terms. If you are set up correctly you can add an Out of School Hours program during the holidays. This can be a great way to make some extra money and provide an excellent service for your families.
What ARE THE COSTS OF STARTING?
When you provide care in Australia you have to comply with very strict rules and regulations. You will need to make sure the environment is safe and tailored to provide an excellent environment. You will need to consider gates, latches, furniture, lighting, toys, resources and more.
Setting up a family daycare will require more cost as the varied ages you will be expected to cater for will be greater. You will need baby seats, car seats, transport options, high chairs, toddler toys, preschool and primary.
I have set up my preschool using facebook market place and have found this an excellent way to set up quickly and inexpensively.
Regardless of whether you are setting up a preschool or family daycare there will be costs for professional development and training.
