You've always dreamed about starting your own day care business. The perfect situation which allows you to be with your kids whilst bringing in much needed money and being your own boss. But due to fear of the unknown you haven't done so. You're afraid to take that risk.

My advice to you is remove the fear. Get a taster of the childcare business first and see if it is a profession you would enjoy. Immerse yourself in this environment for research purposes. Get a job or offer your services at a day care. Try to find one that will allow you to bring your children with you or get a kindly family member to help out while you are researching. Do whatever it takes get the time off work. Remember, this is your future you are planning.

Observation and practical application is great for figuring out what works and what doesn't. Plus there is nothing like on the ground experience to figure out your suitability for a particular profession. You can learn so much from an existing daycare that could save you a lot of time and effort in the future. They've already made the mistakes so you don't have to.

Your research period should be your sponge phase. Use it to soak up every atom of information possible. Take a copy book with you and jot down notes on your breaks, while it's still fresh in your head. Do the same thing when you get home in the evening before you forget those little nuggets. Oogle all paperwork, policies and procedures every chance you get. There'll be a lot so just try to remember key points for now. You can flesh that stuff out later. Just get an overview of how it all fits together.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, especially of the owner or more senior, experienced staff. Observe how they work, how they interact with children, parents and other staff. Try to identify different roles e.g. does each room have a keyworker and assistants? How does that work and could it be more effective? You will notice weaknesses too but use those to your advantage learning what not to do. Be aware of health and safety routines and issues. Hone in on any behavioural problems and notice what is the procedure for dealing with same.

Effective systems, policies and procedures enable a business to run smoothly and give management and staff structure and direction. The same applies to day care, once you remove the fear of the unknown by immersing yourself in the daily operations of a day care all the pieces will come together in your head enabling you to get beyond the fear to a more confident and constructive place. Throwing yourself in at the deep end, observing all the nuts and bolts of a day care business will give you an invaluable insight into your own suitability for this profession.

This is an excellent way to discover if you would thrive in a child care business and it is very important to figure this out before you start. You will need to love it because, like any business, there will be tough times and your passion is what will carry you through to success. Get researching!