FAQs About Starting A Daycare

What qualifications do I need to start a daycare?

Qualifications can vary depending on your state. Generally, you’ll need to complete training in areas like CPR, first aid, health and safety, and child development. Some states may also require certifications like a Child Development Associate (CDA) or other early childhood education credentials.

Do I need to be licensed?

Yes, in most states, you need to be licensed if you're caring for more than a certain number of children—often as few as two children, depending on your state’s rules. Licensing helps ensure you’re meeting health and safety standards to provide a safe environment for the kids. Be sure to check your state’s specific requirements so you know exactly when a license is required.

Where do I find my state’s licensing requirements?

You can find your state's daycare licensing requirements by visiting your state's Department of Human Services or Childcare Licensing Office website. A quick online search for “Your State + daycare licensing requirements” will lead you to the right resources. You can also check this directory to easily find your state’s requirements.

How much do you make as a childcare owner?

Your income will depend on the size of your daycare and the rates you charge. Home daycare owners typically make between $30,000 and $60,000 per year, while owners of larger childcare centers can make six figures. It all depends on your setup, location, and expenses.

How much money do you need to start a daycare?

For a home daycare, startup costs can range from $5,000 to $8,000, but it’s possible to get started with as little as $1,000 if you already have some basic supplies. Starting a larger center can cost $50,000- $100,000 or more depending on location, renovations, equipment, and licensing fees.

What do I look for when choosing a location?

When choosing a location for your daycare, here are a just few of many factors to consider:

Proximity to families: The more convenient it is for parents, the better.

Zoning regulations: Make sure your location is zoned for childcare use.

Safety: Look for a safe area with low crime rates.

Size: Ensure the space can accommodate your planned number of children.

Parking and drop-off zones: Parents need a safe, easy place to drop off and pick up their children.

Accessibility: Consider access for strollers, wheelchairs, or kids with special needs.

Outdoor space: A safe outdoor area for children to play is a big plus.

For a deep dive into choosing a location, check out my article on Choosing the Perfect Location for Your Childcare Center.

I want to start a daycare but don’t know where to begin. Can you point me in the right direction?

Absolutely! Starting a daycare can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. A great first step is to get familiar with your state's licensing requirements and decide whether you want to run a home daycare or a childcare center. From there, you’ll need to plan your budget, location, and business structure.

If you’re looking for a complete step-by-step guide, my Childcare Startup Academy walks you through the entire process, from licensing and budgeting to finding families and marketing your daycare. It’s packed with resources to help you start with confidence, even if you're new to the industry. You can learn more here!

You can also download my free Daycare Starter Guide for some extra tips and resources to help you along the way. Just remember, you’ve got this—one step at a time!

FAQs About Daycare Operations

Here are a few questions I have received from other childcare providers…

How do I enroll new families and keep my daycare full?

Staying full requires consistent effort, but it’s absolutely doable! Here are a few key strategies:

• Offer tours that wow: Make sure your daycare looks clean, safe, and inviting when potential families visit. First impressions matter!

• Keep communication open: Follow up with families who toured but haven’t enrolled yet. A simple check-in can make all the difference.

• Referral program: Encourage your current parents to spread the word by offering them a discount or incentive for referring new families.

• Online presence: Keep your website up-to-date and consider using social media or parent-focused groups to promote openings.

• Waitlist system: Don’t be afraid to start a waitlist! It builds demand and ensures that you have families ready to fill any spot that opens up.

For a deep dive into enrollment, check out my article on 10 Ways to Max Out Your Daycare Enrollment!

I have a parent who wants to do a full trial day before starting their child. Should I let her do a trial day? Should I charge for the day?

I recommend charging a drop-in fee for the trial day. At our center, it’s $50, whether the child stays for 2 hours, half a day, or a full day. If a parent wants to "hang out" with their child for a bit (like 30 minutes), I’ll sometimes allow that for free, but if they leave the child with us, the drop-in fee applies. Just be sure to consult with your state regulations, as some states have guidelines on short visits by parents.

A mom wants to drop in twice a week to breastfeed her daughter. Should I be flexible and allow it?

Yes, we allow and actually encourage moms to come in and breastfeed. We have a private area with a rocking chair just for this purpose. It helps reduce a mom’s anxiety about leaving her baby and leads to happier parents overall. Most moms stop after a few weeks because they need to get back to work, so you likely won’t have many lingering long-term.

What policies should I have in my parent handbook?

Your parent handbook is your daycare’s backbone! It’s essential to have clear policies on everything from illness to payment schedules. I’ve written an article detailing 30 Must-Have Policies for Your Childcare Business. Click here to read it.

Should I accommodate each mom’s specific schedule for their child? I worry this will cause issues with routine.

It’s best to have a set schedule in place for all children. You can tell parents that infants may not adjust to your routine right away and allow for some flexibility at first. We let parents fill out an infant feeding plan to give us an idea of their child’s schedule, but we have our own routine that we expect them to eventually follow. For toddlers and preschoolers, we stick to the center’s daily schedule from day one.

Should I charge parents tuition when their child is sick and I’m not providing care for the week?

Yes, you should charge tuition even when a child is absent. Include a policy in your parent handbook stating that tuition is due regardless of attendance. Some centers offer a vacation week or an absent rate (like 50% tuition for a full week of absence), but ultimately, you need consistent income to hold each spot. This helps ensure a steady cash flow for your daycare.

I have baby sleeping cameras installed in the nap room. Should I allow parents to access them or not?

If you already pay for a camera system, it’s reasonable to charge parents who want access. We charge a $10 monthly fee to cover the cost of our surveillance service. About 50% of our families opt in, and it helps them feel more comfortable. If you aren’t paying a monthly fee, you might consider offering access for free. Parents really appreciate being able to check in on their little ones!

I run an in-home daycare. When should I hire an assistant?

Hire help when you feel it’s needed, but make sure to stay within your state’s ratio guidelines. For example, our infant ratio is 1:6, but that’s a lot for one person! You might start with part-time help during the busiest parts of your day. There’s no right or wrong answer—just hire when you need the extra support and when it benefits the quality of care you provide.

How do I find qualified staff to hire?

Posting on platforms like Indeed.com is a good start, and it’s free! Make sure to properly screen candidates with background checks and references. Look for CPR and First Aid certification (check your state guidelines for requirements). A “working interview” can also help you see how candidates perform in the classroom before making a final decision. You can download my free interview guide here.

Should I send text messages and pictures throughout the day? Should I use an app or group texts?

Avoid group texts—they’ll wear you out quickly! Using a daycare app like Brightwheel, HiMama, or Tadpoles is a great option. These apps allow you to send updates, pictures, and even handle billing, all in one place. They also keep staff off their phones, which is important. Whether you choose to send paper logs or use an app, make sure to set boundaries so you're not overwhelmed with messages from parents all day.