From Home Businesses

Running a home daycare is the best of both worlds- working and being home.

Important considerations when shopping for your new childcare business are safety, entertainment and food.

Firstly from the safety aspect it is important to see things from the perspective of a child. Child-proof locks need to be put on cupboard doors and anything other potentially dangerous compartments that a child would be able to open from the ground to about four feet.

This includes doors; for doors the common child-proof lock is one that is put over the door knob and cannot be turned unless both of the side buttons are pressed. There are also door top locks, but these aren’t used as much since it is more of a hassle for the childcare provider to open.

For cupboards the best lock is usually the handle tightening locks. These tighten onto handles similar to a zip tie, except can be released by the press of two buttons.

As far as food goes, the tastes of most children is usually simple and they generally reject foods with multiple seasonings and complexities of flavor. Keep it simple with things like peanut butter and jelly and grilled cheese. This also makes it easy; but for a treat kids will often like pizza bagels cooked in the oven or hotdogs and hamburgers. Also try to add in healthy foods: may things can be cooked in electric woks. For a snack try carrot sticks. Make sure you have a good supply of fresh fruit, vegetables and milk.

Childrens furniture is a must. Look online for cheap baby cribs and you might get lucky.

If not already stocked up on them, get lots of games and toys! Card games and board games will keep older children calm and teach them to get along. The games need to be at their level but challenging enough. The game Memory is always a good choice and can be played by any age from three or four. Activity games for younger children and toys suitable for babies will also need to be purchased if you are planning to look after this age range.

Insurance also needs to be considered. If a childcare owner works out of their home and has homeowner insurance this does not mean that their business is insured. There are different kinds that may suit an individual business. For example, if there are employees at the business, workers compensation insurance will be needed.

If you prioritize your shopping list, some things you can purchase immediately, and others can wait to be acquired gradually.