How to Open a Preschool: Licensing, Curriculum, Staffing, Costs and Enrolment
How to open a preschool or early learning centre
In this article
To open a preschool: understand how a preschool differs from a daycare (education-focused programmes for roughly ages 3–5, often with shorter school-day schedules), research local demand and licensing rules, write a business plan, choose a curriculum approach, prepare a safe, licensed facility, hire qualified early childhood teachers to meet ratios, set tuition and schedules, and market to families with tours and an easy online enrolment process.
Preschool vs daycare
| Preschool | Daycare | |
|---|---|---|
| Ages | Often 3–5 | Infants to school age |
| Focus | Early education, school readiness | Care with learning activities |
| Schedule | Half-day or school-day programmes | Full day, year-round |
| Staff | Early childhood education qualifications common | Varies by licence |
(Daycare guide: How to start a daycare.)
Steps
- Research: waitlists, competitors, family needs, local regulations
- Business plan: costs, tuition, enrolment targets, staffing
- Licensing: childcare/early education licence, background checks, inspections (see How to get a daycare license)
- Curriculum: play-based, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, academic readiness, or a blend
- Facility: classrooms, child-sized furniture, learning centres, outdoor play, safety features
- Teachers: early childhood qualifications, ratios, training
- Policies: parent handbook, health, drop-off/pickup, behaviour guidance
- Tuition: half-day/full-day options, registration fees, sibling discounts
- Systems: enrolment, billing and parent communication software (see How to manage daycare communication)
- Marketing: website with programme details and tour booking, Google Business Profile, open days, parent referrals
Costs
Similar drivers to daycare centres: facility, renovations, materials, staffing and licensing (see How much does it cost to open a daycare?).
Frequently asked questions
How do I open a preschool?
Research demand and rules, write a business plan, get licensed, choose a curriculum, prepare a safe facility, hire qualified teachers, set tuition and market with tours and online enrolment.
What is the difference between a preschool and a daycare?
Preschools focus on early education for older toddlers and preschoolers; daycares provide broader care, often from infancy and for longer hours.
Do preschool teachers need qualifications?
Requirements vary, but early childhood education credentials are common and often required.
How much does it cost to open a preschool?
Costs depend on facility, renovations, staffing and location, similar to daycare centres.
Which preschool curriculum is best?
Play-based, Montessori and Reggio Emilia are popular; choose one aligned with your philosophy and community.
How do preschools attract families?
Open days, tours, a clear website, reviews, referrals and community involvement.
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Start a conversationWritten by Sachin Rawat
AI & automation engineer · websites, apps and motion design
I build AI agents, automations, websites, apps and motion design for businesses. These guides answer the questions people actually search, written from hands-on experience building them.
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