So, you think you would like to start a day care but don't know where to start? Let us assume you know nothing about the industry except that it involves children. That is pretty much the position I was in when I started my day care 10 years ago and I spent a year and a half researching and learning before I got my first child in the door. Before you go running for the hills in dismay allow me to cut short the research time a little with some pointers on how best to prepare for the exciting adventure that is starting a daycare business.

Your first port of call should be your business plan. Every successful business starts with a well thought out plan thus enabling the entrepreneur (you) to get a clear, overall picture of what your business will entail. Many people get to the business plan stage and no further due to a realization that the project is unfeasible for whatever reason. It's better to find out now than after you have sloughed a lot of time and money into starting a business that's going nowhere or you don't enjoy.

Introduction/description,benefits, market research, key financial details and conclusion. These are the vital elements of starting any business and are covered by your business plan. I found it to be a great checklist of things to do as I worked my way methodically through each of the required steps. Areas I might have omitted or glossed over were covered leaving me with thorough and accurate vision of my business. Like a good teacher it provided the questions and ensured I filled in the blanks. Business plan templates abound but here a few that I quite like.

www.sba.gov USA www.bytestart.co.uk UK www.teagasc.ie/startingyourownbusiness/template.htm Ireland

Talk to the experts next. Call your local licensing representative and have them come to your premises for a meeting. Find out what they will be looking for in terms of premises layout, contents, play area and general health and safety issues. They are the experts and responsible for granting your license so, you want what they want. Have them go through expected policies and procedures and get them to give you guidelines and tips on paperwork. Prepare in advance of this meeting and come armed with a list of comprehensive questions so you do not waste a great opportunity to absorb as much knowledge as possible.

Some of the best tips, hints and advice that I received while researching my business were from other providers. I actually still attempt to visit other daycares at least once a year to get new and fresh ideas. Existing daycare owners are an invaluable resource for practical advice. Call up a couple of established providers (preferably not too close to your proposed venture, they might not be too enamored of the impending competition!). Most people are delighted to mentor a budding entrepreneur and proud to showcase their business. There is nothing quite like the advice of people who have been there, are doing that and wearing the tee shirt daily.

Be sure and bring materials to take notes while you observe and ask questions. Notice daily routines, room layout and equipment, methods for dealing with behaviors, staff and child interaction, health and safety procedures, hygiene practices, peruse paperwork (ask for copies of the paperwork to help guide you when formulating your own). Get tips on advertising, pricing and suppliers. Attempt to speak to different members of staff and management so you get a good overview. Don't just ask them what they do but also ask for their opinion on how things could be better. These open questions will provide you with an immense wealth of knowledge, all of the practical, hands on variety.

Taking just these three steps and seeing them through to completion will give you a fantastic head start in terms of researching your business. Your confidence in yourself and your ability to achieve your vision will peak and you will be propelled into further positive action. So, what are you waiting for...get researching.