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October 4, 2008 ( PowerHomeBiz
) - Ireland --
So, you're biting the bullet, quitting the 9 - 5 and starting your day care
however, you're only now realizing what you've let yourself in for. You sigh
as you survey the growing to do list and decisions to be made e.g. are
daycare franchises for you, should you have a Montessori day care as opposed
to other curriculums and numerous other weighty questions.
(news continued below)
Turnkey, tried and tested, lots of hand holding – all make a day care
franchise vey appealing. Customer loyalty is more easily acquired thanks to
instant brand recognition. Licensing, staff/owner training, building
selection, getting funding, the building process and actually opening your
business will be covered in the development process.
Ongoing direction and support for staff may be included in the package
along with a proprietary curriculum and building design templates. Advertising effectively and successfully will be a breeze with
the use of a recognized brand plus tried and tested operations manuals and
paperwork will mean a lot less headaches. Home office support can be part of come franchises also.
Sounds like a great, turnkey deal huh? All this convenience comes with a
high price tag (and that's before you start collecting fees!) plus you often
need to prove a substantial net worth before a franchise will touch you.
Better hope to win the lottery!Sounds like a great, turnkey deal huh?
However, franchises are extremely pricey and require an upfront financial
commitment plus proof of a healthy net worth (and that’s before you even
open your doors). Better hope to win lots of cash somewhere!
Onwards to the curriculum consideration. There are many, excellent
programs to choose from so you really need to do some thorough research to
establish which method might best suit your day care (or you could just draw
straws :-)). Ever thoughtful, I’ve compiled a list of the better known
programs with a short synopsis to help you on your way:
Play based - children learn through focused play
Montessori – teacher observes the development, supporting the child but
not getting in the way of, nor interfering in the child’s ability to
perceive the real world
Waldorf Method – based on the concept that the children must love to
learn therefore they learn through play, imitation and imagination.
Play based - children learn through focused play
Montessori – teacher observes the development, supporting the child but
not getting in the way of, nor interfering in the child’s ability to
perceive the real world
Waldorf Method – based on the concept that the children must love to
learn therefore they learn through play, imitation and imagination.
High/Scope – children learn through doing. They have responsibility for
their own work and teachers facilitate
Reggio Emilio – focuses on the natural development of the child in
relation to their environment
Piaget – children develop best through interaction with both teachers and
peers
Steiner – based on the belief that education should be designed to meet
the changing needs of children as they develop
While daycare franchises may not be the route for you they definitely
have a lot of appeal to those with a little extra cash and not much time.
Your curriculum definitely requires lots of thought and whilst I find my
Montessori day care to be a wonderful learning environment, so to are many
of the other excellent methods.
Her daycare business of 10 years qualifies
Fiona Lohrenz to write childcare articles on her website plus produce
a 'Start a Day Care Business' DVD guide: Open Daycare You can find out
more at her Day Care
focused website.
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