Hey friend,
So, you’re thinking about starting an in-home daycare—how exciting! You’re about to step into a career that is deeply rewarding, financially stable, and life-changing.
But let’s be real—starting a daycare isn’t just about loving kids. It’s about running a real business while juggling daily routines, safety requirements, parent expectations, and the occasional meltdown (from both kids AND grown-ups!).
If you’re wondering what to expect before you begin, I’ve got you covered. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down exactly what you need to know so you can start your in-home daycare with confidence and success!
Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Understand What Running a Daycare REALLY Means
💡 Why This Matters:
Many people think running a daycare is just playing with kids all day—but it’s so much more. It’s part caregiver, part business owner, part teacher, and part problem solver.
📌 Fact: Studies show that 80% of home daycare owners feel more fulfilled in their career than they did in traditional jobs—but 50% also experience burnout because they weren’t prepared for the workload.
✅ What to Expect:
✔️ Long Hours—Most home daycares run 10-12 hours a day.
✔️ Paperwork & Policies—Contracts, licensing, and business records are a must.
✔️ Managing Parents—You’ll deal with all types of personalities and expectations.
✔️ Lots of Cleaning—Kids are messy, and daily sanitizing is essential.
✔️ Emotional Rewards—Seeing kids learn and grow is priceless!
📌 Pro Tip: Make sure you’re prepared for both the fun AND the challenges before committing!
Step 2: Research Licensing & Legal Requirements
💡 Why This Matters:
Every state has different laws about in-home daycare licensing, safety rules, and staff-to-child ratios. Operating without proper licensing can result in fines or shutdowns.
📌 Fact: Over 1,500 daycare providers lost their licenses in 2023 due to non-compliance with state regulations.
✅ What to Do Before You Open:
✔️ Check your state’s childcare licensing laws (visit your local Child Care Resource & Referral agency).
✔️ Complete required training (CPR, first aid, child development courses).
✔️ Pass background checks (some states require checks for all household members).
✔️ Get business insurance to protect yourself.
✔️ Meet health & safety regulations (fire exits, safety gates, childproofing).
📌 Pro Tip: Some states allow you to care for a small number of kids without a license—but check your local laws before making assumptions!
Step 3: Set Up Your Daycare Space for Success
💡 Why This Matters:
Your home needs to be kid-friendly, safe, and structured for a smooth daycare experience.
✅ How to Create the Perfect Setup:
✔️ Separate Play Zones—Reading area, art station, pretend play, nap space.
✔️ Safety First—Outlet covers, baby gates, locked cabinets, soft flooring.
✔️ Organized Storage—Labeled bins keep toys and supplies easy to find.
✔️ Age-Appropriate Toys & Books—Make sure you have a variety for different ages.
✔️ Easy-to-Clean Surfaces—Spills WILL happen—prepare accordingly!
📌 Pro Tip: Parents LOVE seeing a bright, cheerful, and well-organized daycare space—it helps them trust you!
Step 4: Set Your Rates & Payment Policies (And Stick to Them!)
💡 Why This Matters:
Many new daycare owners undercharge or are too flexible with payments, leading to financial struggles.
📌 Fact: The average cost of daycare in the U.S. is $10,000–$15,000 per year per child—parents expect to pay for quality care.
✅ How to Set Fair Pricing:
✔️ Research local daycare rates—Find out what others charge in your area.
✔️ Calculate your expenses per child—Include food, supplies, insurance, and your salary.
✔️ Offer full-time, part-time, and sibling rates to maximize income.
✔️ Require payments upfront—No pay, no care.
✔️ Charge late fees for late pick-ups—Your time matters!
📌 Pro Tip: Have clear payment policies in writing, and enforce them—parents will respect you more!
Step 5: Create a Daily Routine (Kids & Parents Will Love It!)
💡 Why This Matters:
Kids thrive on predictability—a structured day prevents chaos and helps them feel secure.
✅ Sample Daycare Schedule:
✅ 7:30 AM – Arival/AM Snack & Free Play
✅ 8:30 AM – Morning Circle Time (Songs, Storytime, Calendar)
✅ 9:00 AM – Learning Activity (Letters, Numbers, Colors)
✅ 10:00 AM – Outdoor Play
✅ 11:30 AM – Lunch
✅ 12:30 PM – Nap/Quiet Time
✅ 2:30 PM – Arts & Crafts or Sensory Play
✅ 3:30 PM – Afternoon Snack
✅ 4:00 PM – Free Play & Parent Pick-Up
📌 Pro Tip: Post your daily schedule where parents can see it—it builds trust and reassurance!
Step 6: Market Your Daycare & Fill Your Spots Fast
💡 Why This Matters:
A great daycare won’t succeed if no one knows about it! Start marketing before you open to avoid empty spots.
✅ Free & Low-Cost Ways to Market:
✔️ Create a Facebook page and post daily updates.
✔️ List on Google My Business, Care.com, and local mom groups.
✔️ Offer a referral bonus—parents who recommend you get a small discount.
✔️ Host an open house so parents can see your space.
✔️ Print flyers & business cards and leave them at local businesses.
📌 Pro Tip: Word-of-mouth is the BEST marketing tool—make sure parents LOVE your daycare so they tell others!
Step 7: Set Boundaries to Avoid Burnout
💡 Why This Matters:
If you don’t set boundaries, you’ll quickly feel exhausted and overwhelmed.
✅ How to Protect Your Time & Energy:
✔️ Stick to your hours—No early drop-offs or late pick-ups unless pre-arranged.
✔️ Limit parent communication after hours—Set “office hours” for messages.
✔️ Take scheduled breaks—Even a few minutes alone helps reset your energy.
✔️ Plan time off—Put vacation days in your contract so parents are prepared.
📌 Fact: 70% of daycare providers experience burnout within the first two years—setting boundaries helps prevent this!
Final Thoughts: You’re About to Do Something Incredible!
Friend, starting an in-home daycare is a BIG step, but it’s also an amazing opportunity to create a thriving business doing what you love.
Quick Recap: What to Expect Before You Begin
✔️ Understand the realities of running a daycare (it’s more than just babysitting!).
✔️ Get licensed & legal so you don’t run into issues.
✔️ Create a structured, kid-friendly space that parents will love.
✔️ Set fair pricing & payment policies to protect your income.
✔️ Develop a daily routine that keeps kids happy and engaged.
✔️ Start marketing EARLY to fill your spots fast.
✔️ Set boundaries & take care of YOU to avoid burnout.
Now go turn your dream daycare into reality—you’ve got this! 🎉
What’s Next? Let’s Get You Started!
🚀 Download My Free Daycare Business Starter Kit (Coming Soon).
🚀 Join My Facebook Group for Home Daycare Owners (Coming Soon).
Now go build that daycare—you’re going to do amazing! 😊
Let’s Chat!
What excites you most about starting your daycare? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear! 💬💛
Explore & Educate 
Leave a comment