If childcare centre ownership is an ambition you hold dear, you need to make a decision about your method of entering the market. Know the alternative approaches and the advantages and disadvantages which you should understand here.

1. OWNING A
CHILDCARE
CENTRE

2. If childcare centre ownership is
an ambition you hold dear, you
need to make a decision about
your method of entering the
market.

3. THE ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES ARE:

4. 1.BUYING A CHILDCARE CENTRE THAT
ALREADY EXISTS OR

5. 2. SETTING UP A CHILDCARE BUSINESS.

6. Each has advantages and
disadvantages which you
should understand to make
the most from your
childcare centre investment.

7. THESE OPTIONS ARE ON AN
OUTLINE BELOW:

8. 1.BUYING A CHILDCARE CENTRE
THAT ALREADY EXISTS.
Whether you choose to buy a
childcare centre for sale freehold or prefer a
childcare centre for lease, there is a big
advantage. You have instant income as there is
no income “down time”.
If buying or leasing a childcare centre is the
right choice for you, you just need to find the
right childcare centre for sale. In order to do
this you may wish to utilise the services of a
childcare broker, familiar with the complexities
of purchasing or leasing in this industry.

9. 1.BUYING A CHILDCARE CENTRE
THAT ALREADY EXISTS.
Your task, before and after takeover, is to understand your role
as an Approved Provider (licensed operator of the centre). You
also have to take on the challenge of developing an effective
childcare business plan. (The role of the Approved Provider is
covered in more detail in the next article in this series). The
existing centre team should have daily operational matters in
hand. Still, you need to familiarise yourself with legislative
expectations to ensure your new business operates to your
preferred standards. Make necessary changes, and ensure that it
remains compliant with regulations and other legislation.

10. 2. SETTING UP A CHILDCARE
BUSINESS
If you decide to develop your own childcare centre
you must complete a number of steps:
• Identify a suitable site. People are available to
assist you through each step of the process, starting
with the Childcare Sales Australia team to advise on
suitable child care sites for sale, then help navigate
the steps towards establishing your new childcare
business.

11. • PLAN AND DESIGN YOUR PROJECT.
You may need specialists to realise your
vision. A consultant will work with
architects, engineers and others to design a
suitable building, car park and play spaces
to gain a childcare centre license. A
consultant’s service may include overseeing
the fit out of the building detail to meet
requirements and completing the associated
approval processes and procedures.
Support and advice at this early stage can
avoid costly “retro fits” later.

12. • STAFF YOUR NEW BUSINESS WITH APPROPRIATELY QUALIFIED
TEAM MEMBERS AND ESTABLISH POLICIES,
PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION TO ACHIEVE APPROVAL TO
OPERATE.
This involves navigating significant red
tape, but these steps can occur while
building continues, minimizing time without
income. Assistance with this ensures you do
not have delays. Every week you are closed
is another week without income return. The
right support is vital for you to begin and
continue to operate with confidence.

13. In conclusion, it is important that when buying
a childcare centre or setting up a childcare
business, you realise the complexities that are
involved in purchasing, designing and operating
a childcare business. The assistance of a
childcare industry specialist can be invaluable
in ensuring the success of your enterprise,
helping you to create your own vision and
starting your journey into the exciting but
complex early childhood world.

14. BY PAM MACLEAN
CHILD’S PLAY CONSULTANCY SERVICES
WWW.CHILDSPLAYCONSULTANCY.COM.AU
E: CHILDSPLAY@LIVE.COM.AU
P: 0412 525 426