Childcare Startup Checklist

6-12 months before opening

• 1.Decide on program type: center-based, home-based, or faith-based
• 2.Research your state's licensing requirements (requirements vary significantly by state)
• 3.Attend a pre-licensing orientation or info session (offered free by most state licensing agencies)
• 4.Choose a business structure: sole proprietorship, LLC, S-corp, or nonprofit
• 5.Write a business plan covering: mission, target market, services, pricing, financial projections, marketing
• 6.Identify your target age groups and capacity (infants, toddlers, preschool, school-age)
• 7.Research local market: competitor rates, demand, demographics, underserved age groups
• 8.Calculate startup costs: typically $10,000-50,000 for home-based, $50,000-500,000+ for center-based
• 9.Explore funding sources: personal savings, SBA loans (7(a) or microloan), USDA rural development, state small business grants, Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) startup grants
• 10.Determine if zoning permits childcare use at your intended location

4-6 months before opening

• 11.Register business name with your state's Secretary of State
• 12.Obtain EIN (Employer Identification Number) from IRS (free, online at irs.gov)
• 13.Open a business bank account (separate from personal)
• 14.Secure insurance: general liability ($1M-$2M coverage typical), property insurance, workers' compensation (required once you have employees), professional liability/abuse & molestation coverage, vehicle insurance (if transporting children)
• 15.Consult with an accountant about tax obligations (quarterly estimated taxes, payroll taxes)
• 16.Consult with an attorney about business structure and liability protection
• 17.Submit childcare licensing application to your state licensing agency
• 18.Complete required background checks for all owners/operators (state criminal, FBI fingerprint, sex offender registry, child abuse registry)
• 19.Complete required pre-service training hours (varies by state: typically 20-40 hours covering child development, health & safety, nutrition, mandated reporting)
• 20.Obtain any required local business permits or licenses

2-4 months before opening

• 21.Secure a location (if center-based): verify zoning, adequate square footage (most states require 35 sq ft indoor per child), outdoor play space requirements
• 22.Renovate/prepare space to meet licensing requirements
• 23.Install required safety equipment: smoke detectors in every room, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, outlet covers, cabinet locks, stair gates
• 24.Pass fire inspection (schedule through local fire marshal)
• 25.Pass health/sanitation inspection (schedule through local health department)
• 26.Set up classrooms by age group with age-appropriate furniture, materials, and equipment
• 27.Ensure bathroom facilities meet code (child-sized fixtures or step stools, ratio of toilets to children)
• 28.Set up food preparation area meeting health code requirements
• 29.Install or verify fencing for outdoor play area (minimum 4 feet in most states, with self-latching gate)
• 30.Install age-appropriate outdoor play equipment on proper safety surfacing (CPSC compliant)
• 31.Post required signage: evacuation routes, emergency numbers, handwashing procedures, license (once received)
• 32.Set up a secure entry system

1-2 months before opening

• 33.Create Family Handbook — Family Handbook Template →
• 34.Create Staff Handbook — Staff Handbook Template →
• 35.Set tuition rates based on market research and budget projections — Budget Template →
• 36.Create enrollment forms and packet — Enrollment Packet Template →
• 37.Write emergency preparedness plan — Emergency Plan Template →
• 38.Choose and set up childcare management software (attendance, billing, parent communication)
• 39.Set up billing and payment processing system
• 40.Apply for CACFP participation through your state agency — CACFP Menu Planner Template →
• 41.Create daily schedules and curriculum plans by age group
• 42.Establish meal/snack menus meeting nutritional guidelines
• 43.Set up record-keeping systems (child files, staff files, attendance, incident reports, medication logs)
• 44.Establish cleaning and sanitization schedules and procedures

1-2 months before opening

• 45.Determine staffing needs based on planned enrollment and required ratios — Ratio Calculator →
• 46.Write job descriptions for each role (director, lead teacher, assistant teacher, cook, etc.)
• 47.Post job listings on childcare-specific job boards, local colleges with ECE programs, and general sites
• 48.Interview and hire staff — Interview Questions Template →
• 49.Complete background checks for all staff before they begin working with children
• 50.Verify staff credentials and certifications (CPR, First Aid, education requirements)
• 51.Conduct staff orientation covering: policies, emergency procedures, daily routines, mandated reporting
• 52.Create a website and Google Business Profile listing
• 53.Create social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram)
• 54.Design and distribute marketing materials (flyers, business cards)
• 55.List on childcare referral agencies (Child Care Aware, state CCR&R)
• 56.Hold an open house or community event before opening
• 57.Begin accepting enrollment (aim for 50-75% capacity before opening)

After opening

• 58.Conduct a "soft opening" with staggered enrollment (add a few children at a time over 1-2 weeks)
• 59.Run all required drills in first week: fire, severe weather, lockdown
• 60.Establish daily opening and closing routines
• 61.Schedule initial parent-teacher conferences within first month
• 62.Prepare for first licensing inspection (typically within 30-90 days of opening)
• 63.Review and adjust staff schedules based on actual enrollment patterns
• 64.Begin tracking financial performance against your budget
• 65.Collect parent feedback and address concerns promptly
• 66.Apply for NAEYC accreditation if desired (can begin the self-study process once operational)
• 67.Review and update emergency plan based on actual drill results
• 68.Begin building relationships with local pediatricians, schools, and community organizations for referrals