Day care regulations and daycare requirements are the same and yet very different. One is built upon the solid foundation of the other. Minimum standards of care are laid down and explained in the day care regulations. Relevant application in your day care is your job ensuring each regulation is tailored to meet the needs of the children you care for.

Day care regulations are a given - they are the law, they are practical, they are common sense and they ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of the children in your care. If you desire an exceptional, above average child care center to be your domain then you need build upon the legal requirements. You are required to go so much further than that which is writ!. and if you haven’t realised that yourself then you are in the wrong business.

When running a day care adding your personal touch and attention is as important as the serious, bottom line aspect of the business. While you must always keep the practical, bottom line, business aspect in mind you must also be aware of the small additions and tweaks that can make your daycare that bit better and more personable than the others.

Communication with parents is important and required but know also when to make that unexpected call of reassurance because a mom seemed upset at drop off. While you need to be professional and calm when a new child starts you should also be aware of a mother’s emotions and offer a few words of comfort.

When purchasing equipment for your day care ensure it complies with all safety regulations but also consider the children’s enjoyment and comfort. Compile a health and safety checklist that allows you to easily asses your facility, replacing and repairing regularly instead of waiting for the inspection report.

In my opinion, day care regulations are there to be exceeded in so many ways thus ensuring the ultimate in quality care for your clients. Your business is to make your business the best it can be and that is what I call - your daycare requirements.

To discover more about starting a daycare, visit Child Care Only where you will find this an much more, including information on childcare courses.

- Fiona Lohrenz