Let us assume you know nothing about the child care industry except that it involves children but you have always dreamed about quitting your job and starting a daycare. That is pretty much the position I was in when I started my day care 10 years ago. I spent a year and a half researching and learning before I got going. But, do not panic. Allow me to cut short the research time a little with some pointers on how best to prepare for the exciting journey that is starting your own child care business.

Every successful venture starts with a well thought out business plan thus enabling the entrepreneur (you) to get a clear, overall picture of what your business will entail. This is the vital, unavoidable first step if you are to have any chance of understanding what it takes for your idea to succeed. Many people get to the business plan stage and no further due to a realization that the project is unfeasible for whatever reason. So, use your business plan as the first step in your research to figure out if your business will be viable.

Introduction/description,benefits, market research, key financial details and conclusion. These are the vital elements of starting any business and are covered by your business plan. I found it to be a great checklist of things to do as I worked my way methodically through each of the required steps. Areas I might have omitted or glossed over were covered leaving me with thorough and accurate vision of my business. Like a good teacher it provided the questions and ensured I filled in the blanks. Business plan templates abound but here a few that I quite like.

www.sba.gov USA www.bytestart.co.uk UK www.teagasc.ie/startingyourownbusiness/template.htm Ireland

Next, talk to the experts. Arrange a meeting with your local licensing representative, have them visit your premises and find out what they will be requiring in terms of premises layout, contents, play area and general health and safety issues. Get them to give you guidelines and tips on policies and paperwork. Do not be afraid to ask questions, remember this is the expert and the person who will be granting you a license, so best to have a heads up on what they will expect from you. Prepare in advance of this meeting and come armed with a list of comprehensive questions so you do not waste a great opportunity to absorb as much knowledge as possible.

When I was researching my business I received some of the best tips, hints and advice from other providers, in fact, I still make information gathering visits once a year and learn something new every time. Existing daycare owners are an invaluable resource for practical advice. Call up a couple of established providers (preferably not too close to your proposed venture, they might not be too thrilled with impending competition!), explain your situation and set up a day to go visit. People are usually delighted to help aspiring entrepreneurs and love discussing their own business. There is nothing quite like the advice of people who are on the ground, doing the day to day business.

Be sure and bring materials to take notes while you observe and ask questions. Notice daily routines, room layout and equipment, methods for dealing with behaviors, staff and child interaction, health and safety procedures, hygiene practices, peruse paperwork (ask for copies of the paperwork to help guide you when formulating your own). Get tips on advertising, pricing and suppliers. Attempt to speak to different members of staff and management so you get a good overview. Don't just ask them what they do but also ask for their opinion on how things could be better. These open questions will provide you with an immense wealth of knowledge, all of the practical, hands on variety.

Taking just these three steps and seeing them through to completion will give you a fantastic head start in terms of researching your business. Your confidence in yourself and your ability to achieve your vision will peak and you will be propelled into further positive action. So, what are you waiting for...get researching.

Fiona Lohrenz has 10 years experience running a day care and has launched a child care website directed at providers and parents. She has also produced a 'Start a ChildCare Business' DVD guide: StartChildCare.com Fiona can be reached at her website: ChildCareOnly.com