QUESTION: I was reading The Sunday Gleaner and saw where you offered advice to people who want to start their own small business.

I am interested in starting my own day care. I am 21 years old and I was planning on using my home and just make space for the cribs. I would also offer other services, such as pick-up and drop-off, after-hour services, etc, but I would like some professional advice.

- Kelly-Ann Wilson, St Ann

Checks by SmallBiz: Problem Centre indicate that a small nursery may require $150,000 in start-up costs, according to operators within that market (see related story on this page).

Sue-Anne Wallace, communications officer at the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) in Kingston notes that the CHASE Fund, as well as the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, might be sources of funding and/or technical advice for the establishment of a community nursery.

"If the nursery will enhance community health and development a proposal for a nursery might be considered," she advised.

Kelly-Ann must ensure that the environs of her home and programme plan for the nursery meet the guidelines of the ECC, which will also issue her with a certificate to operate.

"Once she has established the nursery, she needs to apply for registration with us (the ECC), which will send an inspector to check if standards are adequate," said Wallace.

If Kelly-Ann meets all requirements of the Early Childhood Act, she would be issued with a certificate, which would be valid for five years.

"If she does not qualify in all areas, we will issue a permit with an amended time scale in which she is able to make the changes required," said Wallace.

"If, alternatively, we find that her institution poses a threat to health of children, the Ministry of Health will be asked to take action."

The ECC spokeswoman notes that more than 90 per cent of all local nurseries fall within the permit-to-operate category.

According to the guidelines of the commission, early childhood institutions must have comprehensive programmes designed to meet the language, physical, cognitive, creative, socio-emotional, spiritual, cultural and school readiness needs of children.

Employees must be in good mental and physical health, be honest and of sound moral character.

They must also prove that they do not have criminal records. They should not have been convicted for using or selling drugs or for any other offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act, the Offences Against the Person Act or the Child Care and Protection Act.

The operator and persons who are supervising or teaching children must be trained in early childhood development by an institution that the ECC recognises.

In addition, nurseries and early childhood institutions which cater to children over three years old must employ at least one qualified teacher.

Healthy Environment

The staff must be able to recognise the symptoms of common childhood diseases, the regulations note.

"It is important for them to be trained in paediatric first aid and the hygienic handling of accidental spills of blood and other body fluids," the law says.

"Staff must know the signs of child abuse and be aware of the incidents they must report under the Public Health and the Child Care and Protection Acts."

Staff should also be trained in the care and development of children with special needs, and in acceptable methods of disciplining young children.

There must always be adequate staff members to ensure that children are supervised and can receive the attention they need as follows:

Children under one year - one staff member to five children;

Children one to two years - one staff member to eight children;

Children three to five years - one staff member to 10 children.

The plan should also include different types of activities as follows:

Indoor and outdoor activities that will promote the proper coordination of the movement of their small and large muscles;

Activities that will encourage children to express themselves in different ways, for example, through art, drama, music and language;

Activities such as speaking, reading, storytelling and singing to help children develop their language skills;

Activities that promote the development of self-esteem and self-reliance.

These may include taking care of their personal hygiene,

For older toddlers, developmental and educational programmes which Kelly-Ann may need to develop, include tutoring children in dressing themselves and creating their own art.

To pursue a customer-needs survey and develop a marketing strategy for her nursery, Kelly-Ann is advised to visit the offices of the Jamaica Business Development Centre located nearest her.

Complete regulations for childcare services can be accessed at the www.ecc.gov.jm. Officers of the Early Childhood Commission are available by phone at 922-9295-7.

What it costs

Operators in local nurseries say that it is quite possible to get up and running with $150,000, especially where the location is in a home.

Fixtures and facilities needed for 10 children include:

Six cribs

Four mattresses

Two bathrooms - one for staff and one for the children

Fire extinguishers

A fully fitted kitchen.

For a nursery intended to facilitate six children ages six months to one year, and four ages one to three years, six cribs and four mattresses will be needed.

Metal cribs can be purchased for $6,000 each, or the wooden ones can be bought used through the newspaper classifieds.

Parents should bring their own sheets.

For 10 children, three helpers with early childhood level one or level two training will be required.

Going rates for caregivers is $5,000 weekly for a nine-hour shift.

Providing three meals, bathing, total grooming from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. can attract a charge of $3,500 weekly.

Extended hours will attract additional rates.

New nursery managers are advised to visit, inspect other nurseries and talk with their operators for guidance.

avia.ustanny@gleanerjm.com