How to Start a Home Daycare (Open Your Own Daycare at Home): Licensing, Setup and Getting Families

To start a home daycare: check your area's family childcare licensing rules (child limits, training, inspections), childproof and set up your home for care, complete CPR, first aid and background checks for everyone in the household, write policies and parent contracts, set tuition and hours, plan routines, meals and activities, get home daycare insurance, use simple software for records and parent updates, and market through local parent networks and Google.

Steps

1. Licensing rules: how many children you can care for, ages, and whether a licence is required (see How to get a daycare license)
2. Home setup: dedicated play area, safe sleep space, childproofing, fire safety, outdoor area
3. Training and checks: CPR, first aid, safe sleep, background checks for adults in the home
4. Policies: hours, fees, sick policy, holidays, pickup, discipline, emergencies
5. Tuition: daily/weekly rates, deposits, late fees, sibling discounts
6. Daily routine: play, learning activities, meals/snacks, naps, outdoor time
7. Insurance: home daycare liability coverage (homeowners policies often exclude business use)
8. Records: enrolment forms, immunisations, attendance, incidents
9. Parent communication: app or daily sheets (see How to manage daycare communication)
10. Marketing: local parent groups, Google Business Profile, a simple website with photos and tour booking, referrals

Pros and cons

(Costs: How much does it cost to open a daycare?; larger centres: How to start a daycare.)

Frequently asked questions

How do I open my own daycare at home?

Check local licensing rules, childproof your home, complete training and background checks, write policies, set tuition, get insurance and market to local families.

How many children can I watch at home without a licence?

It depends on your state or country; limits are often very small, so check local regulations.

Do I need insurance for a home daycare?

Yes; homeowners insurance typically doesn't cover business use, so get home daycare liability coverage.

How much can you make running a home daycare?

It depends on local rates, number of children and hours; full enrolment and sound policies improve income.

What supplies do I need for a home daycare?

Age-appropriate toys, cots or cribs, high chairs, safety equipment, first aid kits, art supplies and outdoor play items.

How do I find families for my home daycare?

Local parent groups, referrals, Google Business Profile, community boards and a simple website with tour booking.