Congregations Caring for Children

How to Plan and Start a Good Early Childhood Program

How to Plan and Start a Good Early Childhood Program

How to Plan and Start a Good Early Childhood Program

How to Plan and Start a Good Early Childhood Program

How to Plan and Start a Good Early Childhood Program

Explore the Market

Find out what the child care needs are in your community

Find out what programs are available now.  What ages do they serve?  Are par 

ents satisfied with the quality of the care?  Which families have the most diffi 

culty finding good child care programs?  What are the ages of their children?

When is the care needed?  What locations would be most convenient for parents?

Information resources: Many communities have child care resource and referral

agencies that can provide valuable assistance in answering these questions.

Local government planning offices may also be an information source. See Sec 

tion X for these resources.

Observe a variety of local programs for young children

How do the programs seem to meet the needs of the children?  Their families?

The staff?  Are the programs accredited by the National Association for the Edu 

cation of Young Children's (NAEYC) National Academy of Early Childhood

Programs (see Section X for more information)?  What can you learn from other

programs' experiences?  How are the programs supported?  How could a new

service be coordinated with existing programs?

Obtain a copy of all licensing requirements

What state or local regulations (child care, education, zoning, fire, building,

health) apply to the type of service you are contemplating? How will these regu 

lations affect facility planning? Funding?  Opening date projection?  The children

and families served?  Staff selection?  Community relations?

Plan the Structure

Decide how the program will be funded and governed

Will the program be nonprofit, employer supported, funded by state or local

agencies, or a profit making corporation?  Who will determine policies and

budget?  A board comprised of parents or agency/employer representatives?

The proprietor(s)?  A director?  What items will be included in the program

budget?  Mortgage or rent?  Staff salaries and benefits?  Utilities?  Supplies?

Taxes?  Insurance?  Which items will be contributed or funded by other sources?

Secure the services of specialists

Will an early childhood specialist be needed as a consultant for planning?  Will a

lawyer be needed to file for incorporation?  For purchase or lease of property?

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