Start a Daycare Business: A Practical Startup Guide

What to Know Before Starting a Daycare Business From Scratch

A Parent Calls at 7:15 AM—Can You Help?

The phone rings before breakfast. A parent’s sitter canceled. They need safe, reliable care now. You have the space, the heart, and the drive. The question is whether you can open a licensed program that families trust.

Starting a daycare is more than snacks and story time. It’s licensing rules, safety checks, and a room-by-room plan that earns approval. Done right, you create a place kids love and parents depend on.

This guide walks you through the startup steps only. It points you to official sources and practical help so you can launch with confidence.

Make Sure This Business Fits You

First, step back and get clear. Are you ready to trade a steady paycheck for uncertainty, work long hours, and own every result? That clarity matters before you spend a dollar. Use this overview to think it through: Points to Consider Before Starting Your Business.

Passion helps when things get hard. If you love caring for children and building structure, you’ll push through challenges. If not, you’ll look for exits. Read this before you decide: How Passion Affects Your Business.

Talk to people who already run the type of program you want. Ask what surprised them, what they would change, and what a normal day looks like. Use this approach to find the right voices: How to Get an Inside Look from the Right People.

Choose Your Model and Scope

Your model drives every other step. Rules, space needs, equipment, staff, and cost depend on the model you choose. Decide now so you can plan with precision.

Pick one and stick with it while you set up. You can expand later once you’re licensed and stable. If you’re unsure, speak with your state licensing office to compare categories.

List your decisions in writing. It will feed your floor plan, staffing, budget, and timeline.

• License type: family child care home or group home in a residence, or a center in a commercial site.
• Ages served: infant, toddler, preschool, pre-K, or school-age (before/after school).
• Capacity goal: the maximum number of children you plan to serve under your license.
• Hours and calendar: full-day, part-day, extended hours, or school-year only.
• Meals and snacks: whether you will prepare/serve food on site and whether you’ll join a meal program.
• Transportation: whether you will transport children to and from school or activities.
• Subsidy participation: whether you will enroll as a provider that accepts state child care assistance.

Research Demand, Fit, and Location

Next, confirm demand and where you can legally operate. You need families who want your exact service and a site that allows it. If you will work from home, check zoning and home-occupation rules first.

Use public data, school calendars, and competitor scans to gauge the need by age and schedule. Then estimate startup costs by listing every item you must buy or build.

These resources help you structure the work: Supply and Demand, Estimating Startup Costs, and Choosing a Business Location.

• Confirm local allowance for child care at your address and capacity limits tied to the site.
• For a commercial site, plan for a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) after build-out and inspections.
• For a residence, learn what modifications and separate space are required for family child care.
• Identify peak demand by age (infant seats fill first in many markets) and by commuter patterns.
• Document nearby programs, pricing ranges, hours, waitlists, and any gaps you can fill.

Skills You Need (Learn, Hire, or Outsource)

You do not need to be great at everything on day one. Learn the parts you enjoy and hire or outsource the rest. What matters is that each role is covered and compliant.

Build a small team of advisors before you open. A licensing specialist, CPA, insurance broker, and an attorney can save you months. See: Building a Team of Professional Advisors and How and When to Hire.

Match skills to your model and age groups served. Keep proof of training where your inspector can see it.

• Understanding of state licensing rules, staff-to-child ratios, and group sizes.
• Pediatric CPR and First Aid; health and safety practices; safe sleep for infants.
• Program planning: age-appropriate activities, supervision, and transitions.
• Recordkeeping: enrollment, health, immunizations, incidents, drills, and staff files.
• Family communication, disability access under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and reasonable modifications when needed.
• Transportation safety and child restraints if you will transport children.

Daycare Services and Typical Customers

Define what you will offer and to whom. Be specific. The more focused you are, the easier it is to plan your space, staffing, and equipment.

Families look for safety, reliability, and predictable routines. Many also need extended hours, transportation, or summer coverage. Decide which of those you will provide.

List your core program on one page for licensing use and parent clarity.

• Full-day or part-day care by age group (infant, toddler, preschool, pre-K).
• Before/after-school care for school-age children; summer or day camps if allowed by your license.
• Meals and snacks that meet required nutrition standards if you join a meal program.
• Transportation to and from school if permitted by your state and license type.
• Drop-in or occasional care only if your state license allows it.
• Typical customers: families and legal guardians of children from birth through school age, including households eligible for state child care assistance if you enroll as an approved provider.

Pros and Cons to Weigh Early

Every startup has trade-offs. Call them out now so you plan with clear eyes. This helps you avoid surprises during licensing and inspections.

Write your own list based on your location and model. Add solutions next to each risk.

Keep it factual so you can decide with confidence.

• Pros: Clearly published licensing standards provide a defined path to open; eligibility to accept state child care assistance when approved; option to receive meal reimbursements if you join the federal meal program.
• Cons: Extensive licensing, background checks, and inspections; facility adaptations for fire/life safety and accessibility; staffing plan must align with ratios and group sizes.

Build Your Startup Budget and Business Plan

Now turn your model into numbers. List every startup item you need and get pricing. Your capacity, age mix, and space drive most costs. Keep receipts and vendor quotes for your records.

Write a simple plan so you know what to do next. You do not need a complex document. You do need a clear roadmap you can follow and adjust.

Use these guides: How to Write a Business Plan, Estimating Startup Costs, and Pricing Your Products and Services.

• Program model, ages served, capacity, calendar, and hours.
• Licensing milestones, pre-service training, and inspection schedule.
• Floor plan draft, room functions, and outdoor play area concept.
• Staffing plan aligned to ratios; job roles and training needs.
• Startup equipment list, vendor quotes, delivery/lead times.
• Initial pricing, discounts, deposits, and payment policy.
• Funding plan and cash buffer for unexpected build-out items.

Legal and Compliance: Steps and Where to Verify

Handle registration in a clean sequence. For universal items, follow the steps below. For location-specific rules, use the “verify locally” notes. If you prefer help, a CPA or attorney can do these tasks for you.

Many small businesses start as sole proprietorships by default. As you grow, you may form a limited liability company. Use this overview when you’re ready: How to Register a Business.

Keep copies of all approvals in one binder or secure digital folder. Your inspector may ask to see them.

• Federal
  • EIN: Needed for most entities and any employer. When: before payroll and banking. How to verify: IRS → search “Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN).”
  • Employment tax setup: Withholding, Social Security, Medicare, and federal unemployment guidance. When: hiring staff. How to verify: IRS → search “Employment Taxes for Small Businesses.”
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Public accommodations duties, accessibility, and reasonable modifications. When: serving the public. How to verify: DOJ/ADA → search “Child Care and the ADA.”
• State
  • Entity formation and name registration: Organize your company and check name availability. When: before opening accounts and contracts. How to verify: State Secretary of State → search “Business filing” and “Name availability.”
  • State tax accounts: Employer withholding and unemployment insurance registration; sales/use tax permit only if you will sell taxable goods. When: before payroll and any retail sales. How to verify: State Department of Revenue → search “Withholding account” and “Sales and use tax permit.”
  • Child care license: Required for center-based or family child care home. Covers background checks, ratios, space, health/safety, and inspections. When: before enrollment or operation. How to verify: ChildCare.gov → “See Your State’s Resources,” or your state licensing portal → search “Child care licensing.”
  • Background checks for covered staff: Comprehensive state process and eligibility determination. When: before unsupervised access to children and at required intervals. How to verify: State licensing portal → search “Child care background checks.”
  • Child immunization documentation: State-specific requirements at enrollment. When: before attendance and as updated. How to verify: State health department → search “Child care immunization requirements.”
  • Workers’ compensation (legally required when you have employees): When: upon hiring. How to verify: State workers’ compensation agency → search “Employer coverage requirements.”
  • Child care assistance (optional): To accept state subsidies. When: before enrolling subsidized families. How to verify: State child care assistance portal → search “Become a provider.”
• City/County (Varies by jurisdiction)
  • Local business license or tax registration. When: before opening. How to verify: City or county business licensing site → search “Business license.”
  • Zoning or home-occupation approval; Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for commercial sites; fire/life-safety approvals. When: before build-out and occupancy. How to verify: City planning/building and fire marshal sites → search “Child care zoning,” “Home occupation,” and “Certificate of Occupancy.”
  • Health/food permits if preparing or serving food on site. When: before service. How to verify: Local health department → search “Child care food service permit.”
  • Sign permit if installing exterior signage. When: before installation. How to verify: City planning → search “Sign permit.”

Insurance and Risk

Get insured before children are on site. A broker who understands child care can align coverage with your license and space. Confirm requirements with your state and city.

Common coverages to discuss include general liability, professional liability, property/equipment, abuse and molestation coverage, commercial auto if you transport, and umbrella. Workers’ compensation may be required when you have employees; verify your state’s rules (some states allow employers to opt out).

Use this overview to prepare questions: Business Insurance.

Equipment and Supplies Checklist

Buy only what you need to pass inspection and serve your first enrollment. Size quantities by license capacity and ages served. Keep manuals and safety instructions for anything installed or assembled.

Stage items before your pre-licensing visit. Label storage and set up handwashing and sanitation stations where required. Keep receipts and serial numbers on file.

Use the categories below to build your detailed purchasing list.

• Sleep and Rest
  • Full-size and non-full-size cribs that meet current federal standards (infant rooms).
  • Firm crib mattresses with fitted sheets; extra linens stored separately.
  • Cots or nap mats for toddlers and older children; cot sheets or blankets.
  • Storage for bedding and personal items.
• Classroom Furniture and Fixtures
  • Child-sized tables and chairs by age group.
  • Highchairs or feeding chairs for infants and young toddlers.
  • Cubbies or lockers for personal belongings and daily sheets.
  • Book and display shelving secured to walls where needed.
  • Activity rugs, floor cushions, and soft seating.
  • Safety gates, outlet covers, and cabinet latches where required.
• Health and Safety
  • First-aid kits stocked per state guidance.
  • Non-mercury thermometers and disposable covers.
  • Lockable medication cabinet and labeled dosing tools.
  • Handwashing sinks with soap and paper towels in required locations.
  • Covered, hands-free trash receptacles.
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms where required; fire extinguishers rated and tagged as required by code.
  • Baby monitors if permitted by your licensing rules.
• Sanitation and Cleaning
  • EPA-registered disinfectants and sanitizers with labeled spray bottles.
  • Gloves, paper towels, and cleaning cloths stored away from children.
  • Diapering stations with impermeable surfaces and covered trash cans.
  • Laundry baskets or bags for soiled linens; mop and bucket or floor care system.
  • Body fluid spill kit and clear cleanup procedures.
• Kitchen and Food Service (if serving food)
  • Refrigerator with appliance thermometer and temperature log.
  • Food preparation tables and a dedicated handwashing sink.
  • Dishwashing setup that meets local code; drying racks.
  • Child-sized cups, plates, bowls, and utensils.
  • Food storage containers with labels and date markers.
  • Meal pattern posters or reference materials if you join a meal program.
• Learning and Play (Indoors)
  • Age-appropriate toys, manipulatives, blocks, puzzles, and books.
  • Art supplies with non-toxic labels; drying space for projects.
  • Music items and simple movement materials.
  • Labeled bins and shelving for safe storage and rotation.
• Outdoor Play
  • Perimeter fencing and child-safe gates.
  • Age-appropriate climbers, slides, and ride-ons.
  • Impact-attenuating surfacing under equipment where required.
  • Shade (structures or natural) and outdoor storage for toys.
• Administration and Security
  • Locking file storage for child and staff records.
  • Computer, printer, and secure internet access.
  • Visitor sign-in system and visible emergency contacts.
  • Facility signage and posting areas required by licensing.
• Transportation (if offered)
  • Vehicles with appropriate child restraint systems by age and size.
  • First-aid kit, emergency supplies, and route procedures.
  • Maintenance logs and documentation.

Recommended Software to Consider

Software reduces errors, saves time, and creates clean records for inspections. Choose tools you can learn quickly. Start simple and expand as you grow.

Use free trials to test workflows before you commit. Document how each tool supports a licensing requirement or a parent need.

Keep access secure and backed up.

• Child care management: enrollment, attendance, ratios, messaging, e-sign forms.
• Billing and payments: invoicing, automated payments, subsidy tracking.
• Accounting: bookkeeping, payroll, and basic financial reports.
• Staff scheduling and timekeeping: coverage by room and ratio.
• Document storage: policies, training records, inspections, and emergency plans.
• Website and forms: online inquiries, waitlist, and policy acknowledgments.

Physical Setup and Pre-Inspections

Translate your model into a floor plan. Assign each room a clear purpose—infant care, toddler care, preschool activities, isolation area, kitchen, staff, storage. Plan egress routes and posting locations.

Set up handwashing, diapering, and sanitation areas exactly where your rules require them. Stage your outdoor area with safe surfacing and secure fencing if equipment is present.

For commercial sites, plan for a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Coordinate with the fire marshal and building officials while you set the space.

• Draft a simple layout showing room use, exits, and fixtures.
• Place equipment and furniture to maintain supervision and safe movement.
• Install required alarms, extinguishers, and signage as directed by local code.
• Prepare for pre-licensing and fire inspections with checklists from your state.

Hiring and Clearances (If You Will Employ Staff)

Staffing starts with ratios and group sizes. Work backwards from your capacity and ages served to define roles and shifts. Add coverage for breaks and training time.

Complete background checks and required training before staff have unsupervised access to children. Store results securely and track renewals.

Post job roles early so you can hire in time for your inspection window. If you will open solo in a family child care home, confirm any substitute rules in your state.

• Write job descriptions tied to age groups and room assignments.
• Schedule pediatric CPR and First Aid training for yourself and staff.
• Start background checks early; processing can take time.
• Create staff files: application, references, background results, training certificates, and policy acknowledgments.

Funding and Financial Accounts

Set your funding and accounts before you sign leases or place large orders. You will need cash for application fees, inspections, deposits, and equipment deliveries.

If you need outside funding, prepare documents lenders expect. Keep your plan, equipment quotes, and timeline in one place. Use this guide to prepare: How to Get a Business Loan.

Open a dedicated business bank account. Keep business and personal finances separate from the first transaction.

• Finalize your startup budget and a three-month cash buffer for delays.
• Set up business banking, payments, and a bookkeeping system.
• Line up vendor accounts for supplies and equipment.

Branding, Name, and Online Presence

Choose a name that fits your audience and passes state checks. Secure the domain and social handles. Make it easy for families to find, contact, and tour you.

Build a simple website with your ages served, hours, tuition, and waitlist or tour request. Keep it accurate and current. Add photos only after you have the right permissions.

Create a clean identity set so your brand looks consistent from day one. Use these resources: Corporate Identity Package, How to Build a Website, Business Cards, and Business Sign.

• Check state name availability and any assumed name rules.
• Register the domain and set up a professional email.
• Prepare a small photo policy and media release form for families.

Pricing, Enrollment, and Policies

Price for sustainability. Your tuition must cover staffing aligned to ratios, space, insurance, food, and supplies. Discounts and credits reduce revenue—use them carefully.

Create short, clear policies that match licensing. Keep them easy to understand and easy to update. Use plain language and consistent terms.

When you are ready, post enrollment steps and timelines on your website. See this guide for structure: Pricing Your Products and Services.

• Tuition and fees by age and schedule; deposits and due dates.
• Attendance, illness exclusion, medication, and emergency procedures.
• Family communication, grievances, and pick-up authorizations.
• Transportation policy if you will transport children.
• Photo/media and field trip permissions if applicable.

What Day-to-Day Looks Like (Pre-Launch View)

Know your daily rhythm before your inspection. A smooth routine helps staff meet ratios and keeps children safe. It also shows inspectors that your program is ready.

Write a simple schedule by room with supervision points and handwashing moments. Post it where staff can see it. Practice the flow during your soft open.

Document everything you must track from the first minute you open.

• Check-in and check-out; head counts by room and age at all times.
• Supervision during learning, play, meals, and rest; safe sleep for infants.
• Diapering, toileting, and handwashing routines; cleaning and disinfection.
• Meals and snacks service with temperature checks if required.
• Health checks, incident and illness reports; isolation area readiness.
• Emergency drills: fire, evacuation, and lockdown as required by your state.
• Transportation routines and child passenger safety if offered.

Marketing Plan and Community Outreach

Parents choose programs they trust. Start with accurate information and honest tours. Keep messaging simple and focused on safety, structure, and care.

List how families will discover you and how you will respond. Build a short plan you can follow every week. Use this structure: Create a Marketing Plan.

When you’re ready, plan a small event to open your doors. See: How to Get Customers Through the Door and Grand Opening.

• Website updates and local listings with clear ages, hours, and contact info.
• Relationships with nearby schools, employers, and community centers.
• Transparent waitlist process and quick response to inquiries.
• Clean brochures or one-sheet handouts for tours and events.

Pre-Launch Readiness

Do a mock inspection before you schedule the real one. Walk room by room with the checklist from your state licensing portal. Fix anything that is not in place.

Set up your documents and forms in labeled folders. Keep sample child files and staff files ready for review. Confirm that safety equipment is installed and tagged where required.

Prepare for the first day by rehearsing your opening routine and your emergency drill sequence.

• Licensing application submitted; background checks in progress or cleared.
• Zoning/home-occupation approval or Certificate of Occupancy (CO) received as applicable.
• Fire and health approvals scheduled or completed; corrections documented.
• Equipment installed, labeled, and staged; sanitation stations stocked.
• Policies finalized and aligned to licensing; parent handbook ready.
• Enrollment forms, health and immunization records, and medication forms prepared.
• Insurance in force; certificates on file; workers’ compensation in place if you have employees.
• Billing and payment system tested; invoices and receipts ready.

Go-Live Checklist

Open only when every required approval is in hand. Post your license and emergency contacts where required. Keep a copy of all permits in your binder.

Start small if you can. A soft open with a few families lets you test routines and adjust fast. Document any corrections right away.

Use this list to confirm you are ready for day one.

• License or authorization posted; all inspections passed.
• Staff files complete; training and background checks documented.
• Child files complete; immunizations and permissions on file.
• Ratios covered for the entire schedule; backup coverage identified.
• Emergency equipment and postings visible; drills scheduled.
• Website, phone, and messaging ready; tour script prepared.
• Supplies stocked; sanitation and cleaning schedules posted.
• Marketing kickoff live; community partners informed; grand opening set.

Where to Get Help When You Need It

If any step feels heavy, bring in help. You can hire a CPA to set up accounting, an attorney to review documents, a designer to lay out your space, or a consultant to prepare for inspection. The key is getting the setup right the first time.

Use official portals for rules and approvals.

For business structure, registration, and local licensing, start with your Secretary of State, Department of Revenue, and city or county licensing pages.

For child care licensing, use your state’s page found through national directories.

Keep your questions short and specific. Take notes and ask for links or checklists you can print.

101 Tips for Running Your Daycare Business

Parents remember the morning you solved a crisis. That trust is built by strong systems, clear policies, and everyday discipline.

Use these tips to set up a safe, compliant, and reliable program that earns confidence. Keep it simple, write it down, and follow it every day.

These tips focus on practical moves you can act on now. Regulations vary by state and city, so confirm local rules before you launch or change your program.

When unsure, ask your licensing office, health department, or a qualified professional for guidance.

What to Do Before Starting

1. Decide your model first: family child care in a residence or a center in a commercial space; this choice drives licensing, ratios, space, and equipment.
2. Define ages served and capacity targets; plan rooms by age group to align staffing and equipment from day one.
3. Check zoning for your address and whether child care is allowed; for commercial sites, plan for a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) after inspections.
4. Schedule your state licensing orientation or review; list every pre-service training and background check requirement you must complete before opening.
5. Draft a floor plan that shows room usage, exits, handwashing sinks, diapering areas, isolation space, and outdoor play.
6. Create a startup budget from a line-by-line equipment and fixture list; add delivery times to avoid delays near inspection.
7. Choose your business structure and register the name; open a business bank account and keep finances separate from day one.
8. Identify an insurance broker who understands child care; get quotes for general liability, professional liability, property, and workers’ compensation if you will hire.
9. Decide if you will prepare food on site; if yes, contact the local health department about permits and kitchen requirements.
10. Plan transportation only if your license and state rules allow it; list vehicles, child restraints, driver qualifications, and written procedures.

What Successful Daycare Business Owners Do

11. Keep a compliance binder with license, inspection reports, staff files, training certificates, and drill logs ready for review.
12. Walk the site daily before opening to check egress paths, playground conditions, and safety equipment status.
13. Post ratios and maximum group sizes in each room and verify counts at set times every day.
14. Record maintenance tasks on a calendar—fire extinguishers, alarm tests, crib checks, and playground inspections.
15. Train to the written procedure, not from memory; evaluate staff on following the steps as written.
16. Run short safety drills monthly and document the time, participants, and corrective actions.
17. Audit child and staff files quarterly for missing signatures, expirations, and updates.
18. Keep a simple dashboard for enrollment, open leads, staffing coverage, and compliance tasks due.
19. Review incident and illness data monthly to spot patterns and fix root causes.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

20. Write an opening checklist that includes room setup, sanitation tasks, head count baseline, and equipment tests.
21. Write a closing checklist for cleaning, laundry, toy rotation, trash removal, and next-day prep.
22. Create a supervision plan for each room that shows sightlines, staff positions, and transition steps.
23. Use safe sleep procedures for infants: firm surface, fitted sheet, no soft items, and regular visual checks documented.
24. Standardize diapering and toileting with posted steps, handwashing moments, and supply par levels.
25. Use EPA-registered disinfectants and post a cleaning and disinfection schedule for high-touch surfaces and toys.
26. Adopt a medication policy with written permissions, labeled containers, dosing tools, and a double-check step.
27. Use an illness exclusion policy aligned with public health guidance; train staff on symptom recognition and documentation.
28. Keep an isolation area ready with dedicated supplies and a procedure for contacting guardians.
29. Create a field trip checklist that covers permissions, head counts, emergency contacts, and transportation safety.
30. Write a food safety plan: temperature logs, handwashing, allergy list management, and storage rules.
31. Post emergency procedures for fire, evacuation, severe weather, and lockdown; keep copies in go-bags.
32. Schedule staff to cover ratios with buffer time for breaks, training, and unexpected absences.
33. Keep a substitute plan with pre-cleared subs and a call tree for sudden coverage needs.
34. Use a visitor sign-in process with identification checks and escorted access rules.
35. Protect records with locked storage and controlled digital access; back up files regularly.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

36. Licensing defines ratios, space, and training; build your program around those requirements to avoid rework.
37. Background checks for covered staff are mandatory before unsupervised access; start early to meet processing times.
38. Children’s immunization documentation is state-specific; keep forms current and ready for review.
39. Fire and life safety inspections often drive timelines; coordinate with local officials during build-out.
40. Product recalls affect cribs, strollers, and toys; check recall lists before purchasing and during monthly inspections.
41. Demand can shift seasonally—expect waitlists for infant spots and school-age swings around summer and holidays.
42. Meal program participation requires menu planning and documentation; review requirements before committing.
43. Playground surfacing and equipment must meet safety guidance; budget for maintenance and replacement.
44. Natural events and public health alerts can trigger closures; build contingency plans and communication templates.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

45. Write a clear positioning statement: ages served, schedule, program focus, and what makes your site reliable.
46. Build a simple website with tuition ranges, hours, enrollment steps, and a tour request form.
47. Claim and standardize your business listings with consistent name, address, phone, and hours.
48. Create a short tour script that highlights safety, supervision, curriculum, and daily routines.
49. Use professional, permission-based photos; maintain signed media releases for every child shown.
50. Offer scheduled open houses; limit group size so families can ask questions and see classrooms in action.
51. Partner with nearby employers and community centers to share enrollment information and calendars.
52. Develop a referral thank-you program within your state’s rules; document how you track and deliver it.
53. Ask for reviews after successful onboarding; provide simple instructions and a reminder email.
54. Use print pieces—one sheet with ages, hours, contact, and enrollment steps—for schools and events.
55. Track every inquiry from first contact to enrollment; fix steps where families drop off.
56. Monitor competitors quarterly for tuition, hours, and unique offerings; adjust your message, not your mission.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

57. Hold a pre-enrollment meeting to walk through policies, schedule, and expectations; confirm fit before accepting a deposit.
58. Provide a parent handbook that matches your license; keep language plain and specific.
59. Do a first-week check-in to confirm the drop-off routine, communication preferences, and any adjustments needed.
60. Offer periodic conferences with written notes on progress and goals; keep copies in the child’s file.
61. Share the daily rhythm so families understand naps, meals, learning, and outdoor time.
62. Explain your illness, medication, and emergency procedures when families join; reduce confusion before it happens.
63. Respect privacy; limit access to records and photos to authorized guardians only.
64. Prepare a transition plan when children age up to a new room; introduce staff and routines ahead of time.
65. Keep an honest waitlist; communicate timeframes and updates without overpromising.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

66. Publish tuition due dates, late payment rules, and grace periods; apply them consistently.
67. Use a written service recovery plan for missed meals, schedule errors, or miscommunication; state what you do to make it right.
68. Give families a single point of contact for questions and concerns; respond within a set time window.
69. Collect structured feedback twice a year and share what you will change as a result.
70. Document serious complaints with dates, actions taken, and outcomes; review for patterns.
71. Explain weather and emergency closure decisions and how you will notify families.
72. Provide clear instructions for drop-off and pick-up; design the flow to minimize congestion.
73. Offer transparent withdrawal terms and timelines; list any refundable or nonrefundable fees.
74. Make translated materials available when needed to ensure understanding.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

75. Choose durable, easily cleanable furniture to reduce replacement cycles and waste.
76. Use cleaner choices that meet recognized safety standards and follow label directions to protect children and staff.
77. Set par levels for consumables to avoid overstock and expired supplies.
78. Buy playground equipment designed for your climate; maintain surfacing to extend life and safety.
79. Use reusable meal service items where allowed; track loss and breakage.
80. Install energy-efficient lighting and schedule regular filter changes for air quality.
81. Donate outgrown items only if they meet current safety standards and are not subject to recall.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

82. Subscribe to your state licensing newsletter for rule changes, forms, and deadlines.
83. Follow public health updates for child care to align illness exclusion and prevention steps.
84. Check product recall lists monthly and remove affected items immediately.
85. Monitor meal pattern updates if you participate in a meal program; adjust menus and documentation.
86. Complete required training hours on a set schedule; track expirations 60 days in advance.
87. Join a local provider network to share practical solutions and staffing ideas.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

88. Build a closure plan for severe weather and public health events with clear communication steps.
89. Cross-train staff so coverage remains stable during vacations and sickness.
90. Adjust staffing and programming for summer and school breaks; plan camps if your license allows it.
91. Offer virtual tours when in-person visits are limited; keep them short and policy-focused.
92. Adopt secure digital check-in and attendance tools to improve accuracy and time-stamps.
93. Accept electronic payments to reduce errors and speed up reconciliation.
94. Review competitor changes twice a year and note shifts in hours, pricing, and services.
95. Update your website within 24 hours of any policy or schedule change to avoid confusion.

What Not to Do

96. Do not exceed ratios or group sizes; if coverage is short, reduce capacity instead of risking safety.
97. Do not allow soft bedding, loose blankets, or toys in infant sleep spaces.
98. Do not use unlabeled cleaning products or mix chemicals; keep them locked and away from children.
99. Do not enroll staff without completed background checks or required training for their roles.
100. Do not transport children without proper restraints, permissions, and driver qualifications.
101. Do not ignore product recalls or damaged equipment; remove and document fixes immediately.

 

Sources: Administration for Children & Families, ChildCare.gov, CDC, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, NHTSA, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, OSHA, ADA.gov, U.S. Small Business Administration, Internal Revenue Service, USA.gov, EPA