To start a childcare or daycare you need a state license, a facility meeting safety standards, CPR/first aid certification, background-checked staff, and adequate staffing ratios. Most daycares open in 6–12 months with $50,000–$200,000+.
Each state has specific requirements for child care licensing, including facility standards, staff qualifications, staff-to-child ratios, and background checks.
Home-based daycares have lower startup costs and licensing requirements but lower capacity. Center-based daycares require more capital but can serve more children and generate more revenue.
For a center, lease a child-safe space with classrooms, outdoor play area, kitchen, and restrooms; meet state licensing standards for square footage, safety, and equipment.
All staff must have current CPR and pediatric first aid certification; this is a licensing requirement in all states for child care facilities.
All staff and household members (for home-based) must pass comprehensive background checks, including criminal history, child abuse registry, and fingerprinting.
Invest in age-appropriate furniture, cribs, toys, books, art supplies, kitchen equipment, safety gates, first aid kits, and outdoor play equipment.
Use daycare software (Procare, Sandbox, Famly) for attendance tracking, parent communication, billing, child development records, and staff scheduling.
Build a website with local SEO, list on Care.com and child care directories, offer tours, and leverage parent referrals; maintain a waitlist once at capacity.
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Home-based daycares cost $5,000–$30,000. Center-based daycares cost $50,000–$200,000+, covering lease, build-out, equipment, licensing, and staffing for the first few months.
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