Turning your home into a daycare is a great way to utilize your skills, and make an income while working from home. After you’ve checked with your state’s requirements, you’ll need to create and organize each aspect of your new daycare. Here are some tips to help you streamline the process.
Make Sure Each Child is on the Same Schedule
Trying to juggle multiple mealtimes, snack times, and nap times, is a sure way to quick burnout and a lot of stress. Create a routine and stick to it. If a child is going to arrive after you’ve already served breakfast, that child needs to have her breakfast before being dropped off. Naps should be taken at the same time to ensure that each child gets better rest, and that you get a break.
Put Your Menu on Autopilot
Figuring out what serve the children every day can be tiring if you are constantly starting from scratch. Instead, tackle a two or three month-long menu plan which you can simply recycle, simply restarting the same menu after you get to the end. You’ll probably still have to tweak it occasionally as you learn what works and what doesn’t, but such changes won’t require a lot of thought or effort. Doing grocery trips all at once can also help you prepare for the beginning of each week.
Have a Place for Everything
Kids easily create huge messes. You need to help balance out their sloppiness by ensuring you yourself are extra-organized. When kids know a certain toy belongs in a certain place, they are much more likely to help clean up after themselves than they are if the toy is simply haphazardly shoved out of the way. Clearly label Quantum Storage shelves, plastic totes and bins to make it obvious where things need to be put.
Keep Papers Organized
You should easily be able to find a copy of your contract in case there is a dispute with a parent. If you keep checklists on childrens’ behavior and activities, these should be easy for you to access and update throughout the day. Any medical or other important information on each child should be keep in a very accessible, obvious place.
In conclusion, make sure things are as easy for you as possible. It’s okay to say “no” to parents who insist on their child having a different schedule. Don’t be unreasonable, but do make guidelines and do make sure you, the parents, and the children stick to them.
