As part of our Interviews with Daycare Business Owners series, we interviewed Mariann Kindle of Kindle Kids Daycare in Andover, KS.
OwnADaycare: Please describe your childcare business. When and why did you start your daycare/childcare business?
Mariann Kindle: I am a licensed home daycare and currently have eight children ages birth to six enrolled. I started my business over two years ago because my son was small and I worked outside of the home. I was not satisfied with the care he received from home daycares and centers. I also was not happy with having to pay so much for care for him and my kindergarten daughter. I knew I could provide much better care than what he had received and I could do it at a competitive price.
OwnADaycare: What is the best bit of advice that you can give a new child care business owner?
Mariann Kindle The best advice I could give would be to love the kids you care for as if they are your own. Remember that you are being entrusted with someone’s pride and joy and if you view them as a job or as dollar signs, you will not provide the best care possible which in turn will lead to frustration and impatience. Your business will be built by word of mouth and you want each parent to have positive things to say about you to whoever they talk to. You also need to look at yourself in the mirror each day and be proud of the job you have done and know you made a difference in the lives of others.
OwnADaycare: What is your typical daily schedule?
Mariann Kindle My first child arrives between 7 and 7:15 am. Most all kids are here by 8:30 at which time we have breakfast. Free play is from 9 to 11. During that time we will play games, watch educational TV, read books, etc. Diaper changes are at about 9 and babies naps are at ten; diaper changes again around eleven and lunch prep is at 11:00 and lunch is served at 11:30. From noon to one we have kindergartners getting on and off the bus while the other’s have quiet play time in preparation for nap time which is from one to three. We have diaper change at one and again at 3:30 and snack is at 4 when all the kids get home from school. From 4 to five we go outside if weather permits or color or play with play dough or do a craft. Pick up is from 5:00 to 5:30 or so.
OwnADaycare: Do you have any advice for outfitting a daycare center on a budget?
Mariann Kindle: Outfitting a daycare on a budget means looking at garage sales, thrift stores, asking friends, going to freecycle.org, etc. to find the necessary equipment. Toys are easy to come by so don’t spend much on those. My biggest ticket items are porta-cribs, which I have three at all times and store them if not in use; booster seats, of which I have five and store what doesn’t need used at the time, and two high chairs. The booster seats are a must for small kids if you want order while eating and no accidents. I also have a small infant swing, and a larger swing; a bouncy seat for infants, a Johnny-jumper, a walker and an excersaucer. I have learned not to get rid of anything just because you don’t need it this minute. This is an ever-changing business and you don’t know when you will need a piece of equipment and you will be kicking yourself if you have gotten rid of it. Receiving blankets, crib sheets, burp cloths, baby bottles, etc. are all like-wise things that you should have on hand at all times. The only things my parents provide are extra clothes, diapers, and wipes, and formula. I do the rest so I make sure I have whatever I need on hand.
OwnADaycare: What are some of your best business management tools?
Mariann Kindle: I have a CPA that does my taxes every year. He is good and knows my business and I have peace of mind knowing I am covered there. I use a spreadsheet that I have created that tracks my spending and income each month. I keep all my receipts and plug them into the spreadsheet. At tax time, I just take the spreadsheets and any necessary documents to my tax guy and he does the rest. My parents pay weekly and I give them a receipt for each payment. I have not provided parents end of year payment totals as of yet, but probably will this year. I keep files for each child with any state required documents as well as any important correspondence I have had with a parent as well as any contact information and copies of the signed contract. I do have my parents sign a contract at enrollment which outlines all of my policies, sick days, vacation time, payment information, etc.
Bio: My name is Mariann Kindle. I am a Christian and I have been a licensed daycare owner for over 2 years now. I am the mother of 4 children, 3 girls and one boy. They are 19, 17, 11, and 7. I love caring for children; I feel that it is the most rewarding job I could have. I also love being here for my kids. I feel that it is important to provide quality care at an affordable price and I strive to be the best provider you’ll ever find!!
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