It is possible to start a preschool if you are passionate about early childhood education.Get to know your community's needs and local laws.Take time to develop a program philosophy and business plan if you think there is a need for a new preschool.You will need to find a good space for your preschool, gather support and resources, and hire some staff.It's time to start advertising your new school once everything is in place.
Step 1: There is a need in the community.
Your preschool needs to fill a need in your area in order to be successful.You can learn a little about each of the other preschools by looking up them.Try to find out how many preschools are open in your area.Kids with disabilities or kids from low-income families are more likely to be underserved by preschools in your area.In your community's preschools, what kinds of educational approaches are represented?Based on your local school quality rating system or parent reviews, which schools are successful and which are not.In your area, the budget and tuition rates for preschools.A lot of this type of information can be obtained through your local department of commerce, child resource agencies, or the Small Business Administration.
Step 2: It is possible to start a sole proprietorship.
The best business model for a preschool depends on your resources.If you are going to run a small school on your own, a sole proprietorship may be the best option.Sole proprietorships are relatively inexpensive to start and maintain, but you will be personally liable in the event of an accident at your school.Your personal responsibility will include any debts.Personal and business taxes need to be paid for your school.If you are going to run a small preschool from your home, this may be a good option.
Step 3: You can protect your assets with a limited liability corporation.
If your school is going to be financed by a bank, or if you plan to hire employees, an limited liability company is a good option.In case of a lawsuit, your personal assets will be protected.You may have to pay higher taxes to run an limited liability company.
Step 4: If you want tax exemption, you should establish a non-profit school.
Private donors and the government support non-profit schools.If you want to start a school for underprivileged kids in your community, this may be a good option.Since donations are tax deductible, non-profit schools are more likely to get large donations.You will need to file annual reports for your school if you create a nonprofit.
Step 5: Form a parent cooperative.
Parents of students at a co-op school share in all aspects of the school's operation, from hiring staff to assisting in the classroom.If other parents in your community are interested in forming a cooperative school, you should reach out to them.Parent Cooperative Preschools International can help you get started.
Step 6: Work for a preschool franchise.
If you don't want the hassle of starting a business from scratch, there are several preschool franchises on the market.There is a recognizable brand and template in place for curriculum and business operations.You need to be prepared to invest a lot of money at the beginning of a franchise.If you want to find preschool franchise opportunities, do a general web search or visit a website like FranchiseGator.com.
Step 7: Work with a lawyer.
Contact a business lawyer in your area to discuss the pros and cons of each possible preschool business model if you are not sure how to start.They can help you with the licensing requirements for preschools.
Step 8: There are licensing requirements in your area.
Licensing requirements for preschools vary from place to place, so you need to be aware of the laws in your area.You may need to contact multiple agencies or offices in your area for more information if you use the terms "preschool licensing requirements in Chicago."You need to get a license from the Department of Human Services in Illinois.If you want to open a preschool in Chicago, you need to follow guidelines from the Department of Public Health.Licensing standards may include background and health checks for all staff, minimum space requirements per child, building safety requirements, and guidelines for appropriate educational programming.You can find licensing information for your state in the U.S. with this database.
Step 9: In your area there are preschool curriculum standards.
There are curriculum standards for early childhood education in some areas.These standards are used to guide the development of educational programming for preschool-aged children.As you develop your school, familiarity with these standards will help you prepare a stronger plan.The education agency in your state may provide training workshops and educational materials for teachers interested in learning about the guidelines.
Step 10: If applicable, comply with quality rating system requirements in your area.
The laws pertaining to preschool quality rating systems can be found in your local board of education.In some states, schools are required to meet quality standards in order to participate in QRIS.While the names and standards of these systems vary from state to state, they tend to assign points based on the quality of each school's curriculum and assessment.There is a learning environment.There are qualifications for staff.Family engagement.Administrative practices.
Step 11: A statement of philosophy can be written.
Any successful preschool should have a strong educational philosophy.The core values and approaches that you want your school to embody should be outlined in a few paragraphs in your philosophy statement.Mention in your statement if you plan to adhere to a particular set of educational standards or a specific educational philosophy.For example, you might say that your school will provide play-based curriculum, provide access to quality education and a safe environment for underserved kids, and focus on community and family engagement.There are many examples of preschool philosophy statements online.These are a good example of your statement.You can start by reading over the samples here: https://ccids.umaine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/01/Sample-Program-Philosophy-Statements.pdf.
Step 12: A business plan is needed.
Once you have established a basic philosophy for your school, you can begin the process of putting together a more detailed plan.There are many ways to build a business plan.An overview of what your research on the preschool market in your community is the most important thing to include.Basic information about the school you plan to establish, such as the name and legal structure, is important.Information about your goals for the school.There is a plan for meeting licensing requirements.There is a plan for what type of location you would like to use.Expenses include rent, school supplies, utilities, staff salaries, food, maintenance, and playground equipment.There are plans for hiring and marketing.
Step 13: Your curriculum should be developed.
You should have strong ideas about your educational programming from the start.Take a look at the different styles of preschool curriculum and see which one is best for you.Montessori, a teaching approach that focuses on the hands-on, individualized learning, is one of the most common educational approaches.It focuses on establishing clear and consistent routines.Individual interests and strengths of each child are the focus of project-based approaches.There is a play-based curriculum that focuses on hands-on learning.High/Scope focuses on building a strong foundation for academic skills such as reading and math.
Step 14: Reach out to your local early childhood worker.
You should check with your local school district to find out who the early childhood coordinator is.The person can help you find the resources you need to start your preschool.If you don't know if your state or province has an early childhood education network, you should.There are networks that connect local agencies that are involved in early learning and they may have resources for you.Try searching for terms like early childhood worker in your state.
Step 15: If your school is for-profit, contact potential investors.
It may be hard to attract traditional investors if you are starting a for-profit preschool.It is possible, however.One place to start is on websites like AngelList, where you can create a profile and advertise directly to investors who are interested in funding education startups.If you want investors to invest in your preschool, you need a strong business plan.To find out if anyone in your professional network is interested in investing, reach out to them.You can run a campaign on a website to raise money for your school.
Step 16: You can apply for government grants.
Grants from the government are a good source of funding.Depending on where you live, your school may be eligible for a small business grant or an education grant.If you live in the U.S., you should contact the lead child care agency in your state to find out what grants and funds are available for new preschools.The contact information for your state's lead agency can be found here.Call your local Child Care Resource and Referral office to find out more.Call Child Care Aware if you want to find information for your area.If you want to start a preschool in the U.S., the Small Business Administration can help you connect with financial resources.
Step 17: It's a good idea to choose an appropriate space for your school.
Unless you intend to operate the preschool out of your home, you will need to lease a space.You can lease or even rent space in a church or community center.Ensure that your space confirms to local licensing, health, and safety requirements.A space large enough to accommodate all the students and staff is what you should choose.You can find a space that is pleasant and has enough outdoor play space.If your space has a bathroom, room for storage, areas for staff to work, and areas where children can eat, check it.
Step 18: Get insurance for your school.
Regardless of what type of preschool you open, you will need business insurance.You will need general liability insurance.Professional liability insurance is one of the types of insurance you may need.The Small Business Administration has a website where you can find different types of business insurance.Depending on local preschool licensing laws, the types of insurance you need may be different.
Step 19: You need to apply for a preschool license.
You need to fill out an application packet if you want to meet the local licensing requirements.To get your facility licensed, contact your local school licensing office to discuss how to proceed and what types of documentation you need to provide.
Step 20: How many staff members are you going to need?
The ratio of teachers and other staff to children in a preschool is regulated by most places.If you want to hire teachers and other staff for your school, you need to check with your local licensing office.If your school needs administrators or maintenance staff, consider them.
Step 21: Determine your criteria for hiring.
Depending on local regulations and your personal preferences, you may be looking for a variety of characteristics in your staff.To find out if preschool teachers and staff in your area are required to have certain qualifications, check with your local licensing agencies.There are certifications related to early childhood education.Do teachers need to have spent a certain amount of time student-teaching before becoming full-time preschool teachers?Some positions may have age requirements.In Maryland, a preschool director must be at least 21 years old.
Step 22: It is possible to advertise.
General job boards like Indeed.com can be used to advertise.Provide detailed information about each position, including job title, responsibilities, required and desirable qualifications, and instructions for submitting applications.
Step 23: People in your network can give you recommendations.
You may be able to recommend good teachers or people with early childhood education experience who are looking for jobs in your area if you know other educators or school administrators.Send out some emails or make a few phone calls to let your connections know that you are hiring.Tell me what you are looking for.You could say, "I'm starting a new Montessori preschool."Do you know any good American Montessori Society certified teachers who are looking for work?
Step 24: Potential staff members should submit their background checks.
Once you have found some good candidates, they will have to be screened by your local licensing agency.To find out which checks are required and what steps you need to take, contact your licensing office.State and federal criminal history checks are usually required of all staff members.There is a child abuse registry.A check on the sex offenders registry.