It is possible to start a preschool if you are interested in 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 in your area.You will need to find a good space for your preschool, gather support and resources, and hire some staff.It is time to start advertising your new school once everything is in place.
Step 1: There is a need in your 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 types of educational approaches are represented?Based on your local school quality rating system, which schools are successful and which are not.There are budget and tuition rates for preschools in your area.A lot of this type of information can be found in your local department of commerce, child resource agencies, or the Small Business Administration.
Step 2: Start a limited liability company.
The best business model for a preschool is dependent on your resources.If you want to be the sole owner of a small school, a sole proprietorship may be your 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.You will be responsible for 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 great option.If you are sued, 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, establish a non-profit school.
Non-profit schools are funded by private donors.If you want to start a school for underprivileged kids in your community, this may be a good option.Since these gifts are tax deductible, non-profit schools are more likely to attract large contributions from donors.You will need to file annual reports for your school if you create a nonprofit.
Step 5: You should 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.
There are several preschool franchises on the market if you don't want the hassle of starting a business from scratch.There is a recognizable brand and template in place for curriculum and business operations.You have 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 with the licensing requirements for preschools.
Step 8: Do you have any 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 do a search using terms like "preschool licensing requirements in Chicago."If you want to work in Illinois, you need to get a license from the Department of Human Services.If you want to open a preschool in Chicago, you need to follow guidelines from the Department of Public Health.Licensing standards may include things like 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 in the U.S. with this database.
Step 9: There are preschool curriculum standards in your area.
There are curriculum standards for early childhood education in some areas.The standards are designed to guide the development of educational programming for preschool-aged children.As you develop your school, you shouldFamiliarize yourself with these standards.If you use the terms "state early learning standards Texas", you will find that the education agency in your state may provide training workshops and educational materials for teachers interested in learning about these guidelines.
Step 10: If applicable, comply with quality rating system requirements in your area.
Check with your local board of education to find out about the laws pertaining to preschool quality rating systems.In some states, schools are required to meet QRIS standards in order to participate in the program.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.The environment is learning.There are qualifications for staff.The family is getting engaged.Administrative practices are done.
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.Mention in your statement that 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 a lot 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.
Step 12: A business plan is needed.
You can begin the process of putting together a more detailed plan for your school once you have done some research and established a basic philosophy.There are many ways to create a business plan.An overview of what your research on the preschool market in your community is the most important thing.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.A plan for what type of location you want to use, for example, will you rent a commercial space or operate out of your home?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 beginning.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.There is a focus on establishing clear and consistent routines.The individual interests and strengths of each child are the focus of project-based approaches.There is a play-based curriculum which focuses on hands-on learning.High/Scope is an academic approach that 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 childhoodordinator is.This person can help you find the resources you need to start your preschool.You can find out if your state or province has an early childhood education network by looking at your school district.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 not impossible.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.If you want to raise money for your school, you can run a campaign on a website.
Step 16: Government grants can be applied for.
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.You can find the contact information for your state's lead agency 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.
Step 17: It's a good idea to pick an appropriate space for your school.
Unless you plan to operate the preschool out of your home, you will need to lease a space.You can lease or rent space in a church or community center.Ensure that your space complies with 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 that.
Step 18: You should get insurance for your school.
Regardless of the 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 vary.
Step 19: You have to apply for a preschool license.
You need to fill out an application packet if you want to meet the local licensing requirements.Contact your local school licensing office to discuss how to proceed and what types of documentation you need to provide in order to get your facility licensed.
Step 20: How many staff members will you need?
The ratio of teachers and other staff to children in a preschool is regulated in 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 that.
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, you should check with your local licensing agencies.There are certifications for teaching early childhood education.A certain level of direct teaching experience is needed to become a preschool teacher.Some positions may have age requirements.In Maryland, a preschool director must be at least 21 years old.
Step 22: You can advertise.
General job boards like Indeed.com can be used to advertise.Information about each position should include job title, responsibilities, required and desirable qualifications, and instructions for submitting applications.
Step 23: People in your professional 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're hiring.Tell us 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 need to submit background checks.
Once you have found some good candidates, they will have to be screened by your licensing agency.To find out which checks are required and what steps you need to take, contact your licensing office.All staff members need state and federal criminal history checks.There is a child abuse registry.There is a sex offenders registry.