Starting a childcare business wasn’t even my idea. Nope. It came from a friend who casually mentioned how well her family member was doing with her own daycare business. That one conversation got my wheels turning. Could I do this too? Was this the path I was meant to take?
I started looking into it, reading everything I could find, and talking to anyone who had experience in the field. I thought I was making an informed decision, but the truth is—I didn’t know what I didn’t know. And let me tell you, there was a lot I didn’t know! So if you’re thinking about jumping into the childcare game, here are some things you absolutely need to consider before you take the plunge.
What Does a Childcare Business Owner Actually Do?
It’s easy to romanticize running a home daycare. Picture it: you’re at home, playing with adorable little kids all day, making a decent income, and still having time for your own family. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, reality check—there’s a whole lot more to it than that.
Here’s what you’ll actually be doing:
- Following regulations and paperwork – State licensing, insurance, tax forms, contracts, meal plans, lesson plans… you’ll be knee-deep in paperwork more often than you think.
- Wearing a dozen hats – You’re not just a caregiver. You’re a chef, janitor, accountant, teacher, conflict mediator, marketing specialist, and customer service rep—all rolled into one.
- Managing a full house – You’ll have little humans running around all day, each with their own personalities, needs, and temperaments. Some days will be wonderful. Others? Let’s just say you’ll need a strong cup of coffee.
- Keeping parents happy – Your real clients aren’t the kids—it’s their parents. That means keeping them updated, addressing concerns, and ensuring they feel confident in the care you provide.
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What Should You Know Before Starting a Home Daycare?
Now, let’s talk about the things I wish someone had told me before I opened my doors.
1. It’s Not Just About Loving Kids
Loving kids is great, but it’s not enough. This is a business. That means:
- You have to be okay with the not-so-glamorous parts—diaper duty, runny noses, and the occasional temper tantrum (and I’m not just talking about the kids).
- You’ll have to deal with late payments, difficult parents, and unexpected closures.
- You’ll need to market yourself to fill spots and keep enrollment steady.
2. Your Home Will No Longer Feel Like Just Yours
Think about this—your house will become your workplace. Toys will be everywhere. Your furniture? It will take a beating. And don’t forget about licensing inspections, which means your home has to be up to code all the time.
Related Reading:
- How to Create a Money Safety-Net for Late Daycare Tuition
- The Best Ways To Market With A Daycare Website
3. Your Schedule Won’t Be as Flexible as You Think
A lot of people start home daycares thinking they’ll have more time for themselves. But here’s the kicker—when you’re watching other people’s kids all day, your free time is pretty limited. Nap time might be your only break, and even then, you’ll probably be catching up on dishes, lesson planning, or paperwork.
4. Boundaries with Parents Are Crucial
Parents will test your limits. They’ll ask if they can drop off early, pick up late, or “forget” payment due dates. If you don’t establish clear rules and stick to them, you’ll quickly find yourself overworked and underpaid.
Let’s make your childcare program even more amazing together! CLICK HERE to see how Adrienne can help you tackle the toughest challenges in your childcare business, boost your growth, and set you on the path to success.
What I Wish I Knew Before I Started My Own Business
Hindsight is 20/20, and looking back, there are a few things I really wish I had known from the start.
1. You Can’t Do It All Alone
At some point, you’re going to need help—whether that’s hiring an assistant, leaning on a mentor, or just having a support system to vent to. Trying to be a one-person show forever will only lead to burnout.
Related Reading:
- Hiring and Retaining Staff at Your Daycare
- Unlock Your Childcare Success: 5 Ways to Thrive in a Supportive Membership Community
[FREE DOWNLOAD] Here Are The 10 Must-Have Daycare Templates
2. Pricing Yourself Too Low is a Big Mistake
When I first started, I set my rates low because I thought it would attract more families. Bad idea. Low rates don’t just hurt your income; they make parents undervalue your service. Charge what you’re worth from day one.
3. Not Every Family is the Right Fit
Trust me on this—some parents and kids just won’t work well in your daycare. And that’s okay! It’s better to set clear policies and interview families thoroughly than to deal with constant headaches later on.
Related Reading:
- How to Raise Childcare Rates
- Do you know your ideal childcare client?
- How to Find Your Dream Clients for Childcare Owners
It’s Okay If You Don’t Want to Run Your Business Forever
Let’s be real—not everyone wants to run a daycare for decades. Some people start one to supplement income for a few years, while others turn it into a lifelong career. Either way, it’s okay.
If you reach a point where you want to move on, that’s completely fine. You can sell your business, transition into consulting, or even shift to a different childcare-related field. The important thing is knowing when it’s time to pivot.
So, Is Starting a Home Daycare Business Right for You?
The truth is, running a home daycare is incredibly rewarding—but it’s also a big commitment. If you’re passionate about working with kids, can handle the business side, and are prepared for the challenges, this could be an amazing opportunity for you. But if any of the points above made you second-guess yourself, it’s okay to explore other options.
The most successful childcare providers are the ones who truly know what they’re signing up for. So take the time to think it through, do your research, and make a choice that sets you up for success. If you decide to go for it, go all in—and make it your version of amazing!
