As with any business, it is important to consider the costs associated with starting and maintaining operations.

Although the start-up costs for family child care are typically much less than most other businesses, you need
to have access to the resources you will need to get started. What it will actually cost varies greatly, depending on what equipment and materials you may already have and what you may need to purchase. It is also important to understand that your income as a self-employed business owner may be irregular and particularly unstable during the first year as you establish your business and build your
enrollment.

Consider the family child care basic necessities checklist, remembering that some things are required to begin your business and some can be added as you go. What you will need to get started depends on what ages of children you plan to enroll. For assistance in getting started call your local CCR&R.

It is important to increase income and reduce expense in order to maintain a business. 

Ways to Increase Income:

• Contact the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), which will offer information about the child care assistance program, 1-888-369-4777.
• Contact Child Nutrition & Wellness to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which will reimburse you for healthy meals and snacks you serve, 785-296-2276.
• Make sure the fees you are charging are competitive with other providers. Contact your local CCR&R for the average rates in your area.
• Collect fees on time by having a well-written contract and enforcing policies. Your CCR&R can help you draft these documents.
• Consider extending your hours of operation or offering care outside the traditional work week.

Ways to Reduce Expense:

• Use a tax professional who is knowledgeable about family child care tax law.
• Keep careful records about all income and expenses.
• Prioritize your “wish list” and purchase equipment and materials when appropriate.
• Take advantage of programs that provide FREE materials and supplies for your business.

• Follow all licensing regulations and provide supervision of children at all times. Go over the house rules and safety procedures with the children to avoid dangers.
• Consider all insurance needs. Review insurance policies to make sure your business is covered in all areas. Many people falsely believe that their homeowner’s policy will cover their business and that their automobile insurance will cover them when they transport children enrolled in their child care program.
• Screen and closely supervise anyone hired to help care for the children.
• Report all suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect to DCF. The toll-free Kansas number is 1-800-922-5330.

Although it is very important to enjoy spending time with children, it takes more to be a successful family child care provider. A knowledge of basic child development is key to meeting the individual needs of a child. Being calm during times of stress or crisis and being organized are also important. 

Take time to build strong partnerships with parents. Use various communication tools in order to build partnerships with families, such as daily notes, phone calls, text messages, emails, parent/family conferences, parent evaluations of your program, etc. Invite participation in a variety of ways and remember that happy parents are an extremely effective marketing tool for your program!

How your family feels about your child care business is important to your success, your sanity, and the well-being of your family unit. You will need to customize your business to best fit your family’s needs. You have to find a balance between your own family and the families you serve.

• Consider how the space in your home will be utilized for the business.
• Will your children have to share their toys with the child care children?
• Will the child care space be shared with your family’s living space or will it be separate?
• Will you need to rearrange your family space to accommodate your business needs?

Talk with your family about how your business will change your household operation, including both the positives as well as the challenges. Express the value of your work with children and their families and help your family understand your very important role.