Operating a daycare center gives you an opportunity to turn your interest in working with children into a profitable business. However, being a daycare business owner does not automatically guarantee that you can become the director of your own facility. Before you finalize your daycare plans, find out what is required of owners and directors when it comes to operating a successful and legal facility.

Obtaining Certification and Licenses

Some states require daycare directors to complete a certification process that allows them to work as a director of a daycare. For instance, in Missouri, you must apply for Director Certification by filling out an application and submitting transcripts from regionally accredited colleges or universities. Plus, as the owner of the facility, you must submit a Facility Director Approval Request to name the person you hire as the daycare director. In Florida, daycare facilities must have a credentialed director on staff during daytime hours. Plus, as the owner, you must let the state know that your facility has a director in order to get your license to open the facility.

Responsibilities of Owners

Being an owner and director of a daycare requires a great deal of work. As a daycare owner, you must handle all administration of the business, including finding a location to set up your daycare facility. You must also create a staff handbook that explains the rules and regulations of your daycare so your staff understands what’s expected of them. You are responsible for handling the hiring of employees, including paying wages and taxes. In addition, you need to collect money from parents and pay business expenses. Marketing and promotion of your facility to make sure you have enough children to fill seats is also part of an owner’s responsibilities.

Responsibilities of Directors

As the director of the daycare, your work involves making sure each child attending the daycare receives proper care. This requires knowledge and expertise in child development and educational program administration to create engaging and appropriate activities that meet a child’s emotional, social and cognitive needs. The director also takes on the responsibility for training teachers to work at the center.

Education Requirements

Opening a daycare center requires no special education or skills, although a background in business and childcare gives you an advantage. As for becoming the director of your daycare, the requirements vary by state. In Missouri, for instance, you must prove that you completed at least 30 college semester credits, with six in child-related courses in order to work with up to 20 children in your facility. If you work with 21 or more children at the facility, the requirements are more stringent, requiring more college credits or work experience. In Illinois, daycare directors must have 60 semester hours of college credit along with two years of child development experience in order to become a director.