Steps to Open a Daycare in the U.S.: A Professional Guide for New Providers!

Starting a daycare in the U.S. is a meaningful venture that combines your passion for early childhood development with the structure of a regulated business. Whether you're opening a home-based daycare or a childcare center, following the correct steps ensures your program is safe, legal, and ready to support young learners from day one.

Step 1: Define Your Daycare Model

Before anything else, choose the type of daycare that best fits your goals and resources:

• Child Care Center: A larger facility, often commercial, with multiple staff members and separate classrooms by age.

• Family Child Care Home: A smaller daycare operated from your home, often with mixed-age groups and more flexible arrangements.

Each model has different licensing standards, group sizes, and staffing requirements.

Step 2: Research and Meet Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements vary by state, but most will include:

• Background checks for all adults involved

• Health and fire safety inspections

• CPR/First Aid certification

• Minimum training hours in early childhood education

• Clearly documented policies and procedures

You can find your specific state’s licensing process through childcare.gov, a reliable national resource.

Step 3: Create a Business Plan

Treat your daycare like a business from day one. Your plan should include:

• Budget for startup and ongoing costs

• Tuition pricing

• Staffing needs

• Curriculum approach

• Marketing strategy

• Enrollment projections

Having a solid business plan helps with financial planning and gaining support if you're applying for funding or grants.

Step 4: Choose and Prepare Your Location

Your daycare space must meet state health and safety regulations. Depending on your model, this could be your home or a commercial location. Key things to consider:

• Clean and safe indoor and outdoor areas

• Age-appropriate furniture and equipment

• Childproofing measures

• Dedicated nap, play, and learning zones

Step 5: Follow Recommended Staff-to-Child Ratios

Maintaining proper ratios is essential for safety and quality care. Below are the nationally recommended ratios:

Child Care Centers

Age Group	Ratio	Max Group Size
Infants (<12 months)	1:3	6
Toddlers (13–35 months)	1:4	8
Preschoolers (3 years)	1:7	14
Preschoolers (4–5 years)	1:8	16
School-age (6–8 years)	1:10	20
School-age (9–12 years)	1:12	25

Large Family Child Care Homes

Age Group	Ratio	Max Group Size
Infants (<12 months)	1:2	6
Toddlers (13–23 months)	1:2	8
Toddlers (24–35 months)	1:3	12
Preschoolers (3–5 years)	1:7-8	12
School-age (6–12 years)	1:10–12	12

 

Note: Providers in family child care homes must also include their own children under age 6 in the ratio.

Resource: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, & National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education (2019). Caring for Our Children, 4th Edition
Full PDF Guide

Step 6: Develop a Curriculum and Daily Schedule

Create a structured yet flexible program that supports all areas of child development. Include time for:

• Free play

• Learning activities

• Outdoor play

• Naps and meals

• Creative expression

Even simple routines can help children build independence, social skills, and emotional regulation.

Step 7: Hire Qualified and Passionate Staff

Great educators are the heart of every daycare. All staff should pass background checks and have early childhood training. Investing in ongoing professional development builds a stronger, more confident team.

Step 8: Use Technology to Simplify Daily Operations

Running a daycare involves many daily tasks—attendance tracking, meal planning, sharing updates with parents, and keeping records. A childcare management app like kidsday can help streamline these responsibilities and improve communication with families.

Visit kidsday.com to learn more.

Step 9: Build Relationships with Families

Strong parent partnerships are key to a successful program. Keep communication open from the start:

• Provide regular updates about children’s activities and routines

• Invite feedback

• Share important documents and calendars digitally

Apps like Kidsday make this process seamless and secure.

Step 10: Launch with Confidence

Before opening your doors:

• Complete all inspections

• Finalize staff schedules

• Prepare enrollment paperwork

• Set up your classroom and materials

• Schedule an open house or welcome event

Make sure everything is in place to welcome children and families with warmth and professionalism.

Opening a daycare in the U.S. takes effort, planning, and a deep commitment to quality care. But with the right preparation, you’ll be building a space where children feel safe, valued, and ready to learn. By following these steps—and using tools and resources to support your journey—you’re laying the foundation for a successful and impactful childcare business.