- Who do I contact to open a Center/School-age program?
- Where do I get money to start-up a program?
- How long does this process take?
- How do I determine where to locate a child care center?
- Where can I find a building for child care?
- What tips would you give in purchasing a building?
- What are the educational requirements for a director and staff?
- How would I find a director and staff?
- What is the average salary for a director and staff?
- When can I expect to make a profit?
Who do I contact to open a Center/School-age program?
- In the state of Ohio, information about licensing for a preschool and center based programming can be obtained from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services at (513)-852-3296.
- If your program will be located within the city limits of Cincinnati additional licensing requirements need to be met. Contact the Cincinnati Health Department at (513)357-7460.
- Public school preschools are licensed by the Ohio Department of Education at (513)-874-1771.
- School-age programs can be licensed by either the Department of Job and Family Services or the Department of Education depending on the fiscal agent. The fiscal agent is the organization that has responsibility for the revenue and expenses for the program.
Where do I get money to start-up a program?
There isn’t money solely allocated for the start-up or expansion of child care. In looking for funding you may want to contact the following:
- Cincinnati Minority Business Development Center at (513) 631-7666
- Small Businessmen’s Development Center (SBDC) at (513) 684-2814
- Service Core of Retried Executives (SCORE) at (513)684-2812
While not all of these organizations offer financial help, they do counsel you as to how to develop a business plan and establish a break-even budget so that when applying for funding you are equipped with the information and a plan.
How long does this process take?
On average, opening a center takes about one calendar year before you are open for business.
How do I determine where to locate a child care center?
In order to determine where to locate a child care facility, it is important to conduct a needs assessment in the area you are considering. It is important to consider what the demographic are of a given area. You need to target areas that include young two income families and single parent families with at least one child under five. Demographic statistics can be obtained from the following agencies:
- Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana Regional Council of Governments: (513) 621-7060
- Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission (513) 946-4500
- Cincinnati Health Department, Research and Development (513) 357-7200
- Chamber of Commerce (513) 579-3100
It also important to be aware of the competition in the prospective area. Specifically look at where existing child care centers are located, the types of services they provide, hours of operation and whether or not they have a waiting lists.
Where can I find a building for child care?
A variety of factors must be considered when searching for space. There are also convenience factors related to location and space that can determine the success of a center. You will need to get zoning approval for operating a child care business in writing. Work with an architect who is knowledgeable about building code requirements for child care centers. Daily program needs and how they will affect building design and renovation must also be given consideration. You will need to consider the cost of renovating an existing building versus the construction of a new facility.
What tips would you give in purchasing a building?
Things to consider:
- Is the center easily accessible and convenient for parents?
- Does it have adequate indoor and outdoor space – does it meet licensing requirements?
- In Cincinnati - 75 square feet of fenced outdoor space per child?
- In Ohio – 35 square feet indoors, per child and 60 square feet outdoors, per child?
- Is there space for a staff lounge?
- Is there adequate space for storage of learning materials?
- Is the facility free of fire draft stairwells or fireplaces; if not is it easy to modify?
- Are there two exits to outdoors on all floors used by children?
- Are the classrooms large enough for groups of 10-15 children allowing for the minimum square footage required by licensing regulations?
- Does the space contain the required number of toilets and sinks? Are they the correct size for the ages of children?
- Is there ample parking for both staff and parents?
Wiring, heating, building materials, etc., require professional judgment and are regulated by local agencies. Be certain that all modifications get the necessary permits before the work is started and a building inspector examines the work after completion to make sure all work is in compliance with the existing building codes.
What are the educational requirements for a director and staff?
The educational requirements for a child care director and staff are located in the licensing rules provided by all licensing agencies. Current research indicates that there is a direct relationship between the quality of child care programs and the education level of the director and caregivers. The ability of staff to interact with children in positive and knowledgeable ways is the most influential factor on the quality of services provided for children.
How would I find a director and staff?
Advertising in the local paper, in church bulletins, professional organizations, local colleges and on the Internet are the most popular ways to hire staff. It is important to advertise for what you want, be specific and concise, stating job title, duties, qualifications, application deadline and your contact information.
What is the average salary for a director and staff?
The Ohio Work Force study in collaboration Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children, the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association, the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio Head Start Association and the Ohio Family and Children First Council’s Professional Development Sub-committee and Q-net provides information on average salaries, benefits and turnover rates of child care workers in Ohio. This is available through 4C.
When can I expect to make a profit?
On average, it takes 18 to 24 months to make a profit on any business and child care is no exception.
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