How to Start a Child Care Referral Agency
Starting a child care referral agency could help you earn a desirable income. While it was once tradition that the father would work and the mother would stay at home with the children, the need for child care is in demand now more than ever because both the mother and father tend to work in many modern day families.
- Create a detailed plan for your child care referral agency. Having a plan and knowing the ins and outs of running a referral agency for child care before you get started will truly benefit you.
- Visit the Small Business Association at sba.gov. You will likely need to obtain a permit or license to legally run your child care referral agency and the SBA can provide all that information to you. You will also be able to apply for business loans and grants through the SBA.
- Obtain a Tax Identification Number through the International Revenue Service. You will need a Tax ID for filing taxes. You can find out more information at irs.gov.
- Use an online search engine to find a detailed list of child care centers in and around the area. Create your own list of these child care centers based solely on the centers with experience, good reviews, and certified employees. You would not want to refer people to a child care center that is not up to the standards.
- Contact the different child care centers and explain to them that you are starting up a referral agency. You can make a deal with them to receive a certain amount of money for each family or child that you refer to their specific child care center. You can also decide to charge a small fee to those who are interested in reviewing your referrals. This is how you will make your money from the referral agency.
- Choose a name for your child care referral agency. Once you have a memorable name, you can build your website. The website is a great place for parents to find out more information about reputable child care centers in and around their area.
- Advertise for your child care referral agency. You can advertise on social networking sites, parenting forums, and pass out flyers around the neighborhood. It is important that you advertise so that your business will be a successful one.