Congregations Caring for Children

Checklist for Opening a Child Care Program

Checklist for Opening a Child Care Program

Checklist for Opening a Child Care Program

Checklist for Opening a Child Care Program

Checklist for Opening a Child Care Program

Major preparatory tasks are common to most child care programs.  The completion

of certain tasks may be a good time for reporting to the congregation.

1. Determine need for child care in community and decide what kind of program to

operate.

2. Consult licensing and other appropriate regulatory agencies to find out about

standards for building an outdoor space and about fire, health, and safety codes.

3. Obtain zoning permits if necessary.

4. Develop agreement between congregation and program (draw up a contract).

5. Prepare layout of rooms and yard with basic equipment.

6. Plan necessary renovations to indoor and outdoor space to meet codes and require

ments.

7. Determine costs for space and equipment needs.

8. Develop and collect data for start up and operating budgets.

9. Develop goals and objectives of program; set hours and calendar.

10. Develop policies on admission, tuition and fees.

11. Finalize set up and operating budgets.

12. Apply for necessary permits and license.

13. Obtain non tuition funding (foundations, grants, government subsidies, contri

butions, bank loans, fundraising).

14. Prepare building for occupancy.

15. Order necessary equipment and supplies.

16. Hire program director.

17. Open accounts for utilities and telephone.

18. Obtain necessary insurance coverage.

19. Set up books for financial record keeping; establish procedures for handling money.

20. Prepare policies for personnel, program, curriculum development; health, safety,

nutrition, parent involvement.

21. Develop food program and schedules; order first month's supply of food.

22. Prepare operations manual, parent handbook.

23. Develop registration and enrollment procedures and forms (master registration/

information card, health form, parent agreement, attendance record).

24. Set opening date; advertise, recruit, and pre enroll children.

25. Hire and orient staff; design staff handbook.

26. Design curriculum, daily schedules for staff and children.

27. Obtain permits and license to operate.

28. Arrange classrooms and develop yard space.

29. Prepare and post emergency and fire procedures.

30. Develop and post program discipline policy.

31. Outline weekly planning procedures (and forms if necessary).

32. Develop evaluation forms (children, staff, and program).

33. Plan pre opening open house.  Invite members of the congregation, parents,

children, benefactors.

34. Open center.

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