How To Start A Daycare Business In Ghana (A Comprehensive Guide)

Do you think of starting your own daycare business in Ghana? Then you should read this post. This is a comprehensive guide on how to start a daycare business in Ghana. This guide contains all the information regarding setting up a daycare centre in Ghana.

The daycare business in Ghana is becoming a top business opportunity for many people who are willing to go into it. You’ll agree with me that the number of full-time housewives in Ghana is on a rapid decline. More and more woman are joining the working class and there comes a need for people to take care of the kids.

As a result of this, there is an opportunity for convenience services like creche and daycare centre businesses. Not only do kids need someone to take proper care of them they also need to develop intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and otherwise.

The daycare service business is a venture that you can actually run from your home. It is an exciting opportunity for anyone with a passion and natural energy for children. I recommend this business for stay-at-home mom because they could also earn a living from it.

What is A Daycare Service?

Before you start a daycare business, it’s very important what it actually means.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] A daycare centre is a childcare option that allows parents to drop off their children during the day for care, supervision and learning.[/perfectpullquote]

Children between the ages of one and six are popular candidates for daycare services. The services can range from simple babysitting to a more formal structure that includes preschool education, child development, discipline and excursions.

How to Start A Daycare Service Business in Ghana

Before you start a daycare service business in Ghana, you need to get all the necessary information. Below is a practical step on how to start a daycare centre in Ghana.

1. Law Requirements

In Ghana, all daycare centres are required to register with Social Welfare and Metro, Municipal and District Assemblies before operations. This is in accordance with the Children’s Act 560.

Daycare centres that are not registered or that are employing daycare attendants that are not duly trained are subject to termination until they follow proper procedures.

While the Department of Social Welfare is responsible for registration and maintenance of standards in all crèches and day care centres for children aged 0-2, the Ghana Education Service (which has the responsibility of implementing pre-tertiary education policies formulated by the Ministry of Education) is responsible for curriculum development for children aged 3-5 years.

2. Run a Feasibility Study

Now that you know what the law says about daycare business in Ghana, then you need to conduct a feasibility study of your business. Ensure to plan properly before venturing into a daycare or crèches business. You need to find out how many working-class mothers and how many babies are around your neighbourhood. Get an estimate that’ll help you to know the size of your target market. A good feasibility study will help you to;

a) Determine your target market.
b) Know the total cost and equipment required to start the business
c) know how profitable the business is etc.

A good business plan can help you in running a successful daycare service in Ghana.

3. Get a Good Location with Childcare Safety in Mind

The success of your crèche/daycare centre can be your choice of location. The best and ideal location for a daycare centre is safe, clean, accessible and close to the homes or offices of parents who can afford your services.

It is important to choose a place that is devoid of distraction. Also, ensure that all the potential dangers that could affect your business are kept to the barest minimum.

Additionally, the building or space used for a crèche should have all the necessary facilities. A few of these include kitchen, toilets (and maybe bathrooms), beds, blankets, toys and outdoor playgrounds.

4. Employ the Right Staff for Your Daycare Centre

In addition to a great location, the kind of people who run and operate the daycare centre is key to the success of your business.

When hiring, go for staff who are empathic, sensitive, patient, and have a natural energy and love for children. In this case, I usually recommend hiring an experienced nanny or nurse because they’re the perfect candidate for this kind of job.

Above all, your staff must have the success of your business in mind at all times, which means building and maintaining a good reputation.

Your reputation is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to advertise your services and get new customers.

You also need to give your staff the basic caregiving and first aid training. Negligence and ignorance can often lead to avoidable accidents and mishaps at the centre (which you don’t want).

He or she must not have a criminal record. It is very important to be vigilant and to guard against sexual abuse and child molestation.

5. Develop and Valuable Curriculum and Routine

Parents always expect good value for the money you charge them as fees for your day care services. If parents see improvement in the mental, emotional and physical development of their children, they’ll gladly recommend your services to family and friends.

 

To help the kids develop mentally, work out a routine that encourages and engages their mind. Teaching simple rhymes, songs, numbers and alphabets helps to develop the memory of children and aids their language learning ability.

Games and puzzles should also be introduced, as they help kids learn shapes and colours. You could also use dancing to hold their attention while they learn. An interesting daycare experience allows kids to bond, make friends and look forward to coming back the next day. You’re very likely to retain the parent’s interest if their children are interested.

You should be able to give them proper attention, affection, order and discipline. These are all critical to the emotional development of children.

6. Keep Accurate and Complete Records

You should also endeavour to keep accurate and complete records of all your clients and transaction. Keep a register that keeps track of all your clients and their children.

Also, keep vital information including names, ages of children, parent’s contact details, medical history, allergies and diet preferences/restrictions. Children’s eating habits and behaviour problems should be monitored closely.

These records will help in early detection of problems and serves as evidence in case of any dispute, and help improve the quality and efficiency of your services.

7. Advertise Your Daycare Centre

After all, is said and done, people need to know that your business actually exists. You can start by telling friends about your daycare services. Who knows, they may be your first customers and also help you advertise your services to others.

You can also provide a budget for advertising. Use printed flyers, bulletin boards, posters, even digital media can go a long way if the resources are available. Also, don’t forget to give out your business card at any instance.

Conclusion

Starting a daycare service business could be a lucrative venture. However, in no case should you sacrifice the safety and development of a child for money. What really determines whether you succeed or fail in this business is how well you’re able to manage children. That being said, I believe with this guide, you should be able to start a successful crèche/daycare centre in Ghana.