This next step is to write a section that will be titled "Business Information". This section will have several sub-sections in it. This first sub-section is usually the hardest one to write. Each number should be at least one paragraph. You need to explain each question fully enought so that a stanger reading it can understand what you are describing.

A. Description of business – describe your business.
1) Services that will be provided.
2) Business form: sole proprietorship; partnership; or corporation.
3) Statment of your philosophy on how children learn and develop.
4) Mission statement and goals of business.
5) Why your business will be successful.
6) Days and hours of operation.
7) Anything unique about the business.

A word about Mission Statements - A Mission Statement is a brief (one to two sentence) statement on what you hope to accomplish with your business. My Mission Statement is on the home page of my website at www.achildsworldcc.com Goals are what you are going to do to accomplish your Mission.

The reason you need to know what your philosophy is because it goes with your Mission Statement (my philosophy is also on my home page). Example: If you believe that children learn through play, that should be mentioned in your Mission Statement.

As you think about these things, it would be nice if you could post them to this discussion board so we can all get examples and make suggestions.

Great info...ready for the next step! Thanks, Donna!

For those of you ready for the next part... This will complete your section of "Business Information"

B. Location of business.
1) What the physical address is.
2) Reasons for choosing the location.
3) What the neighborhood is like.
4) Advantages and disadvantages of location.

C. Target market – who will be your clients.

D. Competition and feasibility study.
1) Other child care businesses in the area.
2) How their business is doing.
3) How your business will be different from competition.

E. Demand for services.
1) Are there enough clients in the area for the business?
2) Will there be enough clients in the future?

F. Personnel
1) Qualifications of business owner(s).
2) Staffing needs.
3) Education and experience requirements.
4) Employee wages and benefits.

G. Operating procedures and policies
1) Payment policy.
2) Rates.
3) Contents of parents’ handbook regarding rules and regulations.

Donna, for G 3, operating procedures and policies, contents of handbook.....is this the actual book or just a summary?

It can be in outline form. I have mine in an outline here, but also keep an extra copy of my handbook if needed.