Home Daycare or Preschool

Home daycares provide childcare in your residence for small groups of children (typically 4-12 depending on state regulations and ages).

You care for children while parents work, providing educational activities, meals, and safe environment.

Success requires genuine love for children, patience, licensing compliance, and creating nurturing environment.

Pricing ranges from $150-400 weekly per child depending on age, location, and services.

Caring for 6-8 full-time children at $800-1,600 monthly each generates $4,800-12,800 revenue.

Startup costs include licensing ($500-2,000), safety equipment (gates, outlet covers), age-appropriate toys and materials, furniture, outdoor play equipment totaling $5,000-15,000.

Most states require specific ratios (caregivers to children), safety requirements, inspections, and CPR/first aid certification.

Revenue is steady with full-time enrollments though holidays and sick days create gaps.

Additional income comes from registration fees, activity fees, and potentially extended hours.

Operating costs include food, supplies, insurance, licensing renewals, and toys/materials.

Marketing works through word-of-mouth, local parent groups, childcare referral agencies, and online directories.

Challenges include demanding hours (often 6am-6pm), liability concerns, regulatory compliance, difficult parents, and limited vacation flexibility.

Success requires creating loving environment, clear policies, excellent communication with parents, and maintaining licensing standards.