It’s entirely possible for virtually anyone to start up their own preschool business if they follow certain steps and protocols.
If you want to start a preschool in your own home or a designated location in your town, simply follow these guidelines.
Get the Proper License
First thing first, you’ll need a proper license to get started. Since everywhere is different, you will need to familiarize yourself with the rules in your particular state and town. Make sure that you follow the licensing requirements to the letter and set yourself up as a business entity.
Depending on where you are, you’ll have several different options for how your preschool business can qualify. For example, some states allow you to be a sole proprietor, whereas others require you to be a corporation or LLC. There are several upsides and downsides to each, including tax liability, so make sure that you thoroughly research the rules in your state.
You should also see if you need to have a license and check out what type of insurance is necessary. For example, if you have employees, you may need workers’ compensation or other types of insurance.
Determine the Location
If you want to set up the preschool business in your home, you might need to get your space up to code. If you’re renting a different location, you should check the local zoning laws and make completely sure that your new school is above board.
Once you’ve determined the location, you can have a little bit of fun. Your preschool’s decor should reflect your personal mission and teaching style. Good spaces include a lot of primary, bright colors, interactive games and toys, and a common area where children can congregate.
Have a Comprehensive Business Plan
Although preschool should be fun and games, you still need a comprehensive business plan to get yours off the ground. Your business plan will look at the bigger picture, plus actionable milestones and objectives. If you want your business to grow or even become a franchise, mention that in the plan.
Put your mission statement at the center of your business plan. It lets possible investors and parents know what your preschool business has to offer. Once you have that in place, talk about how the organization is structured, your budget, how many people you will have on staff, and where you will get the money to achieve your goals.
Many new businesses rely on local and statewide grants. If you’re applying for any of these, you will definitely need a strong business plan under your belt.
Create a Robust Online Presence
You’ll need a good website that will allow people to learn who you are and also inspire them to trust you with their children. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy and intuitive applications and software that you can use to craft your online presence.
Find Staff or Assistants
Depending on the size of your preschool business, there’s a good chance that you will need to find staff or assistants to help you run things. In addition, some states require people to be a certain age or have a particular license to work in a preschool.
You should also have a handbook with details about different protocols, employee benefits, and time off rules ready for employee onboarding.
Good Luck!
Starting a preschool business doesn’t have to be daunting. With an entrepreneurial spirit and the calling to help children grow and flourish, it just might be the perfect career path for you. Following this easy checklist will put you well on the way to having your very own preschool.
