If childcare centre ownership is an ambition you hold dear, you need to make a decision about your method of entering the market. The alternative approaches are:

1. Buying a childcare centre that already exists or

2. Setting up a childcare business.

Each has advantages and disadvantages which you should understand to make the most from your childcare center investment.

These options are on an outline below:

Buying a childcare centre that already exists.

Whether you choose to buy a childcare centre for sale freehold or prefer a childcare centre for lease, there is a big advantage. You have instant income as there is no income “downtime”.

If buying or leasing a childcare centre is the right choice for you, you just need to find the right childcare centre for sale. In order to do this, you may wish to utilise the services of a childcare broker, familiar with the complexities of purchasing or leasing in this industry.

Your task, before and after the takeover, is to understand your role as an Approved Provider (licensed operator of the centre). You also have to take on the challenge of developing an effective childcare business plan. (The role of the Approved Provider is covered in more detail in the next article in this series). The existing centre team should have daily operational matters in hand. Still, you need to familiarise yourself with legislative expectations to ensure your new business operates to your preferred standards. Make necessary changes, and ensure that it remains compliant with regulations and other legislation.

Setting up a childcare business

If you decide to develop your own childcare centre you must complete a number of steps.

Identify a suitable site

People are available to assist you through each step of the process, starting with the Childcare Sales Australia team to advise on suitable child care sites for sale, then help navigate the steps towards establishing your new childcare business.

Plan and design your project

You may need specialists to realise your vision. A consultant will work with architects, engineers, and others to design a suitable building, car park, and play spaces to gain a childcare centre license. A consultant’s service may include overseeing the fit-out of the building detail to meet requirements and completing the associated approval processes and procedures. Support and advice at this early stage can avoid costly “retrofits” later.

Staff and resources

Staff your new business with appropriately qualified team members and establish policies, procedures, and documentation to achieve approval to operate

This involves navigating significant red tape, but these steps can occur while building continues, minimising time without income. Assistance with this ensures you do not have delays. Every week you are closed is another week without income return. The right support is vital for you to begin and continue to operate with confidence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important that when buying a childcare centre or setting up a childcare business, you realise the complexities that are involved in purchasing, designing and operating a childcare business. The assistance of a childcare industry specialist can be invaluable in ensuring the success of your enterprise, helping you to create your own vision and starting your journey into the exciting but complex early childhood world.

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