How to Become a Home Daycare Provider
Today’s “I Want to Be” series features Jana Ogston. Jana is the owner of a Waldorf inspired home daycare business and is a wife and homeschooling mom to two kids. A former elementary school teacher, she finds her childcare business is the perfect solution to combine her roles of mother and teacher into one. Find out how to connect with Jana at the end of this article.
How long have you had your business?
I opened my home childcare when my daughter turned one. That was six years ago.
Some days I can’t believe I’m getting paid to bake cookies, read storybooks and play out in the sunshine. As the whole world seems to be speeding up, I like slowing it down by actually stopping and smelling the flowers with my little ones. I currently have five children in my care. A one year old, a two year old, a three year old, a four year old and a seven year old.
What led you to pursue it?
I wanted to continue teaching children without missing out on my own children’s childhood.
Are you full time or part time?
I’m open full time (45 hrs a week).
How do you market your business?
I have a website for my own home daycare and I also have a blog about how to run a home daycare (www.HowToRunAHomeDaycare.com). I advertise my business on local home daycare Facebook pages and local mom groups. I’m also part of a local daycare provider association, which helps match parents with child caregivers.
What is your favorite part of the business?
I love the way children view the world. They are experts at living joyfully, and I feel lucky to spend my days learning along side them.
What one question do you get most from people about your business?
Whenever I’m out with the children, at first, people always say, “Are they all yours?!” and then they move on to, “They’re so happy; how do you do it?”
What one myth or misconception do you want to dispel about the work you do?
I’m a home daycare provider, not a babysitter. I provide a high quality early childhood learning environment. These are the years when children are forming their view of themselves and everything else. A strong foundation will shape their future.
What advice do you have for others who want to get into a similar opportunity?
Go for it! There is a need for quality home childcare right now because, in most families, both parents work full time. My blog helps new child caregivers get their own businesses up and running and then continues to support them along the way.
What is the first step?
Gather more information about being a home daycare provider.
My blog answers questions such as:
- Is My House Big Enough for a Home Daycare?
- How Much Money Will I Make?
- What are the Home Daycare Licensing Requirements?
- Considering Opening A Home Daycare? Five Questions to Ask Yourself!
I go to Pinterest first for great craft or snack tips for my home daycare.
To learn more about Jana, stop by her website, How to Run a Home Daycare or connect with her on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.
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