Re: Starting a Special Needs Daycare

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On 6/13/10, Sandi wrote:
> On 6/07/10, Lyn Murray wrote:
>> Hi!! I am a Licensed Master Social Worker, who specializes
>> with Special Needs Children. I am also a previous Group
>> Home Daycare owner. I am very interested in opening a
>> daycare that speiclizes in special needs children. I am
>> looking to open a center, but have no idea where to start
>> my search. I have a business plan in my head but have
>> nothing documented yet. Where do I start?
>
>
> Hi Lyn,
>
> Opening a special needs daycare is a great idea. I know there
> is an incredible need for quality care for this population.
> The first place you need to start is to contact your state
> Department of Social Services who, as far as I know, monitors
> daycares in most states. They will give you their guidelines
> regarding licensing compliance including staff to student
> ratios, physical set up, staff qualifications, etc. Develop a
> website and what really helped the daycare that I direct - be
> willing to accept kids on a part time basis, for part time
> pay. Most daycares will let kids come 2 or 3 days a week but
> they expect parents to pay for the entire week. Some parents
> don't need that amount of time. Offering part time saved our
> daycare from an early demise within the first 3 months. And,
> most importantly, be patient... it takes time to get things
> going, to find the right staff, and to get the word out and
> build your program. Your best referrals will be from
> satisfied parents. We have been open since Sept. 2007 and are
> now serving 68 infants through elementary students. Our
> growth has been because of lots of prayers (we are church-
> based, and word of mouth referrals from parents - even after
> their kids move on to school! Good luck. Running a daycare
> has it's challenges but they are never more than the rewards!
 

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