This course guides learners through the steps needed to plan, launch, and manage a successful home‑based day care business. Learners explore business startup essentials, licensing requirements, policies and procedures, daily operations, curriculum planning, and strategies for long‑term success in family child care.
Module 1: Getting Started with a Home Day Care Business
Benefits of family child care
Start‑up planning and budgeting
Licensing and registration requirements
Outfitting a home day care on a budget
Planning for profitability
Module 2: Policies, Procedures, and Daily Operations
Enrollment records and documentation
Hours of operation and service offerings
Developing and enforcing policies and procedures
Provider background, training, and qualifications
Creating an effective daily schedule
Module 3: Activities, Guidance, and Problem Solving
Curriculum planning and age‑appropriate activities
Positive discipline and guidance techniques
Supporting social skill development
Managing multi‑age groups
Resolving challenges with parents and family members
Module 4: Running and Growing Your Business
Generating enrollment and marketing services
Screening families and children
Organizing records and setting up an office
Understanding small versus large licensing options
Preparing for accreditation
After completing this course, the learner will be able to:
Evaluate readiness and requirements for starting a home day care business
Explain licensing, registration, and basic financial planning considerations
Develop effective policies, procedures, and enrollment practices
Create daily schedules and age‑appropriate activities for children
Apply guidance and discipline techniques that support positive behavior and social skills
Identify strategies for managing parent relationships and common operational challenges
Organize records, screen families, and plan for business growth and accreditation
Certificate of completion
This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.