Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Lisa Newby

Our Online Child Care Course was designed to give a more personal, real life approach on how to open a child care facility. The program goes over how to open a learning facility and gives program considerations from personal experience. Our real world, one on one course was created to reach all audience and is simplified to get educators on the right track and to promote further creativity in regards to program design. Overall our course goes over the basics and help get providers on the right track.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Intro to Operating an Early Childhood Center.

Selecting Staff and Curriculum

Program Location
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers the essentials of launching an early childhood center, including staffing, curriculum selection, and classroom design, which are crucial for new businesses
Simplifies the process of opening a learning facility and promotes further creativity in program design, which is helpful for educators seeking inspiration
Includes practical considerations based on personal experience, offering a real-world perspective on the challenges and opportunities of running a center
Addresses essential operational aspects such as monthly costs, funding options, and equipment needs, which are vital for financial planning
Devotes attention to cleaning and safety protocols, as well as proper handwashing and diaper changing techniques, which are essential for maintaining a healthy environment

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Practical guide to starting a childcare center

According to learners, this course offers a practical, real-world approach to starting an early childhood center. Many appreciate the clear, step-by-step guidance on topics like licensing, staffing, and daily operations. Students found the course to be a valuable starting point, providing essential information for beginners. However, some reviewers felt certain areas, such as funding, legal aspects, and curriculum development, could benefit from more in-depth coverage. The course appears particularly suited for those new to the field looking for a solid foundation.
Shares practical tips from experience.
"I liked the real life approach shared in the course."
"The instructor's personal experience added significant value."
"It's great to get advice from someone who has actually done this."
Provides core knowledge needed for opening.
"The course covers all the essential basics you need to know before launching."
"It provided a solid overview of staffing, equipment, and daily operations."
"I feel much more prepared regarding the core requirements after taking this course."
Excellent starting point for those new to the field.
"This course is very helpful and will benefit anyone that is starting out for the first time in the childcare industry."
"As someone completely new to starting a business, this course was a fantastic introduction."
"It provided the essential foundational knowledge I needed to even consider starting a center."
Provides clear, actionable steps for starting a center.
"This course gave me a step-by-step guide on how to go about opening a center..."
"I learned all the basics I need to start my business from beginning to end."
"It breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, which is incredibly helpful."
"The course provides practical information that I can apply immediately."
Some topics need more detailed coverage.
"I wish there was more detailed information on the legal and financial aspects of opening a center."
"Funding and grants were touched on but could have used a deeper dive."
"While the basics are covered, I felt the curriculum section could be expanded."
"Could use more in-depth coverage on complex topics or optimization techniques."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How To Start A Early Childhood Center with these activities:
The Business of Child Care: Management and Financial Strategies
Gain a deeper understanding of the financial and management aspects of running a successful early childhood center.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the chapters related to financial planning and budgeting.
  • Take notes on key concepts and strategies.
  • Reflect on how these strategies can be applied to your own center.
Review Child Development Principles
Reinforce your understanding of child development principles to better inform your curriculum and classroom design decisions.
Show steps
  • Review notes from previous child development courses.
  • Read articles or watch videos on child development milestones.
  • Reflect on how these principles apply to your program design.
Develop a Sample Curriculum Plan
Apply your knowledge of curriculum development to create a detailed plan for your early childhood center.
Show steps
  • Research different curriculum models.
  • Select a curriculum model that aligns with your program's philosophy.
  • Develop lesson plans and activities for each age group.
  • Gather necessary materials and resources.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Design a Classroom Layout
Visualize and plan the physical space of your early childhood center to optimize learning and safety.
Show steps
  • Sketch a floor plan of your ideal classroom.
  • Consider different learning centers and activity areas.
  • Ensure the layout promotes safety and accessibility.
  • Incorporate elements that foster creativity and exploration.
Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves
Learn how to create an inclusive and equitable early childhood environment that celebrates diversity.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the chapters related to creating an anti-bias curriculum.
  • Reflect on how to incorporate anti-bias principles into your program.
Volunteer at a Local Child Care Center
Gain practical experience and observe best practices in a real-world early childhood setting.
Show steps
  • Contact local child care centers to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Schedule a time to volunteer and observe the daily routines.
  • Assist staff with activities and interact with children.
  • Reflect on your experience and identify areas for improvement.
Develop a Parent Handbook
Create a comprehensive guide for parents that outlines your center's policies, procedures, and philosophy.
Show steps
  • Research best practices for parent handbooks.
  • Outline the key sections of your handbook.
  • Write clear and concise descriptions of your policies.
  • Include information about your curriculum and daily routines.

Career center

Learners who complete How To Start A Early Childhood Center will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Childcare Center Director
The role of a Childcare Center Director involves overseeing all aspects of a childcare facility, from program development to staff management. This course helps to develop an understanding of the essentials to operate a center. You will be able to use the course to understand how to select staff and curriculum. You can also understand how to choose a location, plan classroom design, and create daily routines. This course also helps to promote creativity in regards to program design, which is critical for a Childcare Center Director. The simplified approach of this course will also allow anyone to get on the right track.
Early Childhood Educator
An Early Childhood Educator fosters learning and development in young children within a childcare setting. This course helps early childhood educators understand how to create a learning environment. You can also use the material on curriculum to inform your teaching. You can also use the course to understand how to create daily routines and feeding times, which is crucial to the development of children. You can also use the material on cleaning and safety to ensure a safe environment for children. This course helps promote creativity in regards to program design, which is also critical for an Early Childhood Educator.
Preschool Teacher
A Preschool Teacher guides the educational and social development of children before they enter kindergarten. This course helps preschool teachers understand how to select curriculum. You can also use the course to understand how to create daily routines and feeding times, which is crucial to the development of children. You can also use the material on cleaning and safety to ensure a safe environment for children. This course helps promote creativity in regards to program design, This is critical for a Preschool Teacher, helping them to develop lesson plans that are both engaging and effective.
Childcare Provider
A Childcare Provider cares for children in various settings, ensuring their safety and well-being while promoting their development. This course can help childcare provider to understand how to select curriculum. You can also use the course to understand how to create daily routines and feeding times, which is crucial to the development of children. You can also use the material on Cleaning and Safety to ensure a safe environment for children. This course helps promote creativity in regards to program design, which is also critical for a Childcare Provider.
Family Child Care Provider
A Family Child Care Provider offers childcare services in their own home setting. This course helps family childcare provider to understand how to create a learning environment. You can also use the course to understand how to select curriculum in a home setting. You can also use the course to understand how to create daily routines and feeding times, which is crucial to the development of children. You can also use the material on cleaning and safety to ensure a safe environment for children. This course helps promote creativity in regards to program design, which is also critical for a Family Child Care Provider.
Early Childhood Education Consultant
As an Early Childhood Education Consultant, one advises childcare centers and preschools on best practices and program improvement. This course may be useful for consultants, especially ones who are starting out. The course helps in understanding the basics to operate an early childhood center, and can act as a case study for consulting. You can also use the course to understand how to select staff and curriculum, choose a location, and plan classroom design. The simplified approach of this course will also allow anyone to get on the right track.
Education Administrator
An Education Administrator oversees the operations and management of educational institutions, including childcare centers. This course may be useful, particularly for individuals focusing on early childhood education. You will be able use the course to understand how to select staff and curriculum, analyze program location, and understand monthly costs. This course also helps to promote creativity in regards to program design, which is also critical for an Education Administrator. The simplified approach of this course will also allow anyone to get on the right track.
Curriculum Coordinator
A Curriculum Coordinator develops and implements educational programs and curricula for childcare centers. This course may be useful as it allows you to understand the essentials to operate a center. This course helps to promote creativity in regards to program design, which is also critical for a Curriculum Coordinator, as they are responsible for designing lesson plans that are both engaging and effective. You can also use the course to understand how to select a curriculum, and how to think about program expectations and additions. The simplified approach of this course will also allow anyone to get on the right track.
Social Worker
A Social Worker supports families and children, often working with early childhood education programs to ensure children's well-being. This course may be useful for social workers working at a school. By taking this course, the social worker can gain a deeper understanding of how an early childhood center is run, including program considerations. You can also use the lessons about daily routines and feeding times to understand the experiences of children in these centers. This can inform the social worker's approach to supporting families and children connected to an early childhood center.
Nonprofit Program Manager
A Nonprofit Program Manager oversees programs that support early childhood education in a nonprofit organization. The course may be helpful, as it provides insights into how these programs can operate effectively. You can apply this knowledge to manage and enhance programs that benefit childcare centers. In particular, the simplified approach of this course will allow anyone to get on the right track. This course helps to promote creativity in regards to program design, which is also critical for a Nonprofit Program Manager.
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistants support lead teachers in the classroom, helping with various tasks and activities. This course may be useful as it can help them understand the essentials to operate a center. You can also use the course to understand how to select staff and curriculum, implement classroom design, and create daily routines. The simplified approach of this course will also allow anyone to get on the right track. This course helps to promote creativity in regards to program design, which is also critical for a Teacher Assistant.
Camp Counselor
Camp Counselors supervise children in recreational environments, planning activities that promote learning and fun. The course may be useful for counselors, particularly ones who are starting out. The course helps in understanding the basics to operate an early childhood center, and can act as a case study for consulting. You can also use the course to understand how to select staff and curriculum, choose a location, and plan classroom design. The curriculum section can be used to guide activities for this camp counselor.
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer creates educational materials and curricula for various learning environments. This course may be useful, particularly for individuals focusing on early childhood education. You can use the course to understand how to select staff and curriculum, analyze program location, and understand monthly costs. This course also helps to promote creativity in regards to program design, which is also critical for an Instructional Designer. The simplified approach of this course will also allow anyone to get on the right track.
Volunteer Coordinator
A Volunteer Coordinator recruits, trains, and manages volunteers for various organizations, including those focused on early childhood education. This course may be useful, as it provides a deeper understanding of how an early childhood center is run. You can also use the lessons about daily routines and feeding times to understand the experiences of children in these centers. The course helps inform the Volunteer Coordinator's approach to recruiting and training volunteers connected to an early childhood center.
Tutor
A Tutor provides supplemental instruction to students, helping them improve their understanding of specific subjects. This course may be useful, as it provides a deeper understanding of how an early childhood center is run. You can also use the lessons about cleaning and safety to understand the environments of children in these centers. This course helps inform the Tutor's approach to supplemental instruction.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How To Start A Early Childhood Center.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the business aspects of running a child care center. It covers topics such as financial management, marketing, and human resources. It is particularly useful for understanding the financial considerations involved in operating a center, which key component of the course. This book is commonly used as a textbook in early childhood education programs.
Provides a framework for creating an inclusive and equitable early childhood environment. It addresses issues of diversity, equity, and social justice. It is particularly useful for understanding how to create a welcoming and respectful environment for all children. This book is valuable as additional reading to expand on the course's considerations for program design.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser