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Learn more about Midwest Child Care Associations
Family Child Care Business Start-Up Plan
If you are considering establishing a new family child care business (or you have already started the process) here is a checklist of business issues you should address before caring for children:
Regulatory Issues
Contact your local Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to find out if there are any serious barriers to meeting state licensing requirements. These could include:
* Safety standards: Requirements that you make safety modifications to your home, such as installing an egress window in the basement or a fence. Your home will also have to pass inspections from the Fire Marshall.
* Space standards: Requirements that you have enough indoor and outdoor square footage available for the number of children you wish to care for. (35 sq. feet per child)
* Disqualification factors: You and your family members must be cleared through the Nebraska Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry.
Legal Issues
Check with your local appropriate agency to insure that none of the following legal barriers apply to your business:
* Zoning laws: City or county zoning ordinances may limit your ability to run a business out of your home.
* Deed restrictions: Private landowners, such as homeowners' associations, home developers, or landlords may have restrictions in their deeds that limit your ability to operate your business. Read all deeds and covenants for your property before opening your business.
* Business name: Although you are not required to adopt a separate name for your business, if you do some states require that you register your business name with your state secretary of state's office.
* Business structure: The vast majority of family child care providers operate their business as a sole proprietorship (also known as self-employed). There is no paperwork to file before you start caring for children. If you do consider operating as a partnership, corporation, or limited liability company (LLC), I strongly recommend that you consult with an attorney and tax professional for advice before you make this decision. There are many drawbacks to operating other than a sole proprietorship.
* Business location: In Nebraska, for a Family Day Care Home I, it must be within your home residence. If you are considering running your business out of a building that you do not live in, you must apply for a Family Day Care Home II license.
For more information see Tom Copeland’s “Family Child Care Business Planning Guide”.
Midwest Child Care Association .
7701 Pacific Street . Omaha, NE 68114
(402) 551-2379 . (800) 876-1892
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, nation origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.