Are you passionate about working with children but feel stuck because you don’t have a big budget or formal experience? Are rising childcare costs in your area making you wonder if you could turn your own home into a trusted daycare space? Do you dream of starting a daycare at home but don’t know where to begin? You’re not alone—and the good news is, it’s possible.
Yes, you can start a daycare with no money or experience—if you follow the right steps. The demand for affordable, community-based childcare has never been higher, and in-home daycare is a flexible, low-cost way to enter this growing industry. By leveraging your existing space, using free or low-cost resources, and staying informed about licensing and safety, you can build a profitable, meaningful business from the comfort of your home.
Many successful daycare owners began right where you are: with limited funds, little to no experience, and a strong desire to create a nurturing environment for children. This guide will walk you through everything—from legal requirements and startup costs to space setup and marketing tips—so you can start confidently and sustainably.
Why Starting a Daycare Is a Smart Business Choice in 2025
Childcare is not just a social need—it’s a booming industry. In 2025, the demand for reliable, accessible, and affordable daycare services continues to grow worldwide, particularly in North America, Europe, and Australia. With more dual-income households and rising childcare costs, parents are actively looking for flexible and community-based daycare solutions. That’s where in-home daycares shine.
Running a daycare from home allows you to enter the childcare sector with significantly lower startup costs compared to opening a full-scale daycare center. You don’t need to rent or buy commercial space, and you can use your existing home environment as a foundation. It’s an ideal model for those who want to blend work and family life, especially if you’re already a stay-at-home parent or caregiver.
According to Child Care Aware® of America, the average cost of center-based daycare in the U.S. has climbed to over $10,000 per year per child. This makes in-home alternatives not only more affordable for families, but also more attractive. By offering smaller group sizes and a familiar home setting, you’re creating an environment many parents actually prefer.
Additionally, the early childhood education field is one of the most resilient and meaningful industries to work in. You’re not just running a business—you’re shaping young minds, supporting working families, and contributing directly to your community’s future. Starting a daycare in 2025 means joining a high-demand sector that values both compassion and professionalism.
Another factor is the scalability. Starting small from home doesn’t mean you have to stay small. Many providers who begin with just a handful of children eventually grow into full-fledged daycare centers. The foundation you build now can scale up later when you’re ready.
So whether you’re looking for a stable income source, a fulfilling career path, or a business you can grow on your own terms—starting a daycare at home in 2025 is one of the smartest moves you can make.
How to Start a Daycare Business from Home: Step-by-Step Guide
Starting a daycare business from home in 2025 might seem daunting, but when broken down into manageable steps, it becomes achievable—even if you have no money or experience. Below is a practical, step-by-step approach to help you transition from idea to implementation:
Step 1: Research Local Regulations
Each country—and often each state or province—has specific licensing rules for in-home daycare. Look up your local child care agency or regulatory body and understand:
- Licensing requirements
- Maximum number of children allowed
- Space and safety standards
- Background checks and certifications (e.g., CPR/First Aid)
👉 Find your local licensing requirements
Step 2: Define Your Daycare Model
Decide what kind of daycare service you want to run:
- Full-time or part-time?
- Age groups (infants, toddlers, preschoolers)?
- Hours of operation?
- Will you include educational components or just care services?
Clearly defining this will help you build trust with parents and keep your operations organized.
Step 3: Draft a Simple Business Plan
Even if you’re starting small, a business plan gives you structure. Include:
- Mission & vision
- Daily schedule sample
- Financial forecast
- Cost-saving strategies (using existing furniture, DIY learning tools)
- Long-term goals (scaling up, hiring help later)
Step 4: Prepare Your Home Space
Assess and rearrange parts of your home for daycare use:
- Child-safe play area
- Nap/sleep space
- Feeding area (with high chairs or toddler tables)
- Parent sign-in/sign-out station
Ensure your home is clean, childproofed, and welcoming. This will help during inspections and reassure parents.
Step 5: Apply for Licenses & Background Checks
Submit all required forms for:
- Childcare provider license
- Criminal background checks (for all adults in the home)
- Health inspections
- Business registration (if applicable)
This may take a few weeks—use this time to complete safety upgrades and gather materials.
Step 6: Promote Your Daycare Locally
Start getting the word out:
- Tell friends, neighbors, parenting groups
- List on local Facebook groups and care directories
- Offer discounts for the first few families
- Schedule trial days for families to visit
Parents value connection and transparency, especially for in-home settings.
By following this structure, you can build a trustworthy, low-cost daycare business that grows over time. And most importantly, you’re offering real value to your community—while creating income from home.
Legal Requirements: How to Get Licensed for an In-Home Daycare
Getting licensed is a critical step in starting a legal and trustworthy daycare business. Whether you’re in the U.S., Canada, or other parts of the world, in-home daycare providers must meet local government standards to operate legally and safely. Licensing ensures you’re complying with safety, health, and child development regulations—and it helps parents trust your service.
Understand Local Licensing Rules
Start by visiting your state, province, or municipal child care authority. In the U.S., each state has a designated office for child care licensing. In Canada, regulations vary by province.
Here are the most common documents and conditions you’ll need:
- Completed application forms
- Criminal background checks (for you and any adults living in your home)
- First Aid and CPR certification
- Immunization records
- Health and fire safety inspections
- Floor plans showing space dedicated to daycare
- Emergency plan and child supervision policy
You can begin your search here: National Database of Child Care Licensing Regulations
Small Group Exceptions
Many areas allow a “license-exempt” model for extremely small group sizes (usually 1–2 children outside your family). However, operating without a license limits your ability to grow, market, or get insured. Licensing also allows access to government subsidy programs.
Inspection Preparation
Before you’re licensed, your home will be inspected by local authorities. Here’s what they typically look for:
- Cleanliness and hygiene of all play and eating areas
- Secured hazardous materials (e.g., cleaning products, medicine)
- Childproof outlets, gates, and window locks
- Accessible emergency exits
- Working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
Pro tip: Walk through your home with a checklist beforehand. You can download a sample licensing checklist here.
Timeframe and Cost
Depending on where you live, the process could take 30–90 days and cost anywhere from $50 to $500 for applications, background checks, and CPR classes. Some areas even offer reimbursement grants.
Don’t Skip This Step
While it might feel tempting to “start first and license later,” operating without a license puts your reputation and legal standing at risk. Parents are increasingly aware of licensing laws—and many won’t consider providers without them.
In short: Licensing protects you, the children, and your long-term business. Get it done early, and you’ll thank yourself later.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Daycare Center or In-Home Daycare?
The cost to start a daycare varies dramatically depending on the type (home-based vs. center), location, and scope of services. But for entrepreneurs aiming to launch an in-home daycare with minimal upfront capital, understanding key cost categories can help with planning and cost control.
Basic Startup Cost Categories
Here’s a breakdown of the major expenses you should expect:
- Licensing and Legal Fees: $50–$500 depending on your state or province
- Insurance (Liability + Property): $200–$1,000 annually
- CPR and First Aid Certification: $50–$150 per person
- Toys, Books, and Learning Materials: $300–$1,000 (can start small and scale)
- Childproofing Equipment: $200–$600 (gates, locks, mats, safety covers)
- Furniture: $300–$1,500 (cribs, toddler tables, nap mats)
- Marketing Materials: $50–$300 (flyers, banners, basic website)
- Cleaning Supplies and Hygiene Products: $50–$200
Total estimated startup: $1,000–$4,000 for an in-home setup, compared to $20,000–$100,000+ for a licensed daycare center.
How to Save Money
If your goal is to start a daycare with no money, here are some strategies:
- Ask parents to provide essentials (like nap blankets, bottles, diapers)
- Source gently used furniture and toys from marketplaces like Facebook or Craigslist
- Apply for local grants or child care startup assistance (check programs here)
- Partner with local nonprofits for donated materials
Cost Recovery Timeline
Most home daycares recover startup costs within the first 3–6 months of operation if they maintain 3–6 enrolled children. Charging $30–$60/day per child could generate $1,800–$7,200/month, depending on your pricing and capacity.
In short, launching a home daycare is one of the most affordable paths to small business ownership. With a clear plan, modest investment, and focus on value, you can start strong without breaking the bank.
How to Start a Daycare with No Money
Starting a daycare with no money may sound impossible—but with a creative, resourceful mindset, it can absolutely be done. Many daycare founders began with next to nothing and succeeded by focusing on what they do have: space at home, time, a love for children, and a strong commitment to getting started.
Use What You Already Have
Start by repurposing parts of your home. A child-safe living room, an extra bedroom, or even a finished basement can become daycare zones. Use existing furniture like shelves, tables, or floor mats. You don’t need to buy everything at once—begin with the essentials and expand gradually.
Borrow, Trade, or Reuse Supplies
Reach out to local friends, family, and community groups. Many parents have unused toys, books, or baby gates they’re happy to give away. Post requests in local Facebook buy-nothing groups or parenting forums. You can also check out community centers or libraries for toy or book lending programs.
Offer Pre-Enrollment Discounts
Before you even open, advertise your daycare and offer a discount or incentive to families who enroll early or refer others. Their upfront payment can help cover your initial materials or licensing costs.
Apply for Small Business Grants and Subsidies
Search for daycare-specific grants at the federal, state/provincial, or municipal level. Many cities have funds to help small child care providers get started, especially those in underserved communities.
Use Free Training Resources
You’ll likely need CPR, first aid, and basic child development training. Look for free community programs, especially those hosted by local nonprofits, libraries, or hospitals. YouTube and online platforms also provide helpful beginner tutorials.
Partner with Local Organizations
Churches, community centers, and women’s entrepreneur networks often run support programs for at-home businesses. Partnering with them can give you credibility and access to supplies, facilities, or volunteers.
Think Lean, Start Small
The key is to start. Limit the number of children you accept in the beginning so you can operate license-exempt or under minimal requirements. This allows you to launch with little cost and grow only as demand increases.
In the world of home daycare, your trustworthiness, care quality, and personal connection with families are more valuable than shiny toys or fancy logos. Focus on building a reputation—and the rest will follow.
Setting Up Your Daycare Space at Home
Creating a safe, functional, and nurturing environment is essential for running a successful in-home daycare. Whether you have a compact apartment or a spacious house, smart space planning will help you meet licensing requirements, keep children engaged, and reassure parents.
Define Activity Zones
Your daycare space should be clearly organized into different zones:
- Play Area: Soft flooring, open space, and shelves for age-appropriate toys.
- Learning Area: A small table with chairs for crafts, puzzles, and early education activities.
- Nap Zone: Quiet corner with cribs, nap mats, or cots.
- Eating Area: Easily cleaned surface with child-sized seating.
- Parent Pick-Up Zone: Entry area with a sign-in/out log and cubbies for belongings.
Having a structured environment helps manage behavior and supports daily routines.
Childproofing and Safety First
Safety is non-negotiable. Before opening your doors, perform a detailed childproofing sweep:
- Install outlet covers, corner guards, and baby gates
- Lock away cleaning products and sharp objects
- Secure furniture to walls
- Ensure smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are operational
- Create an emergency exit plan and post it visibly
Licensing inspections will evaluate these factors carefully. You can find a free safety checklist from XIHA Furniture.
Furniture and Equipment Essentials
You don’t need to go overboard, but a few key items make your space professional and functional:
- Stackable toddler chairs and adjustable tables
- Storage bins for toys and art supplies
- Floor cushions or rugs for reading time
- Cribs or cots that meet safety standards
- Hygiene items: soap, wipes, tissues, gloves
Consider durable, multipurpose furniture to maximize limited space. Modular furniture is especially useful for small homes.
Cleanliness and Maintenance
Parents expect a clean, tidy space—and licensing inspectors do too. Create daily cleaning routines:
- Disinfect toys and surfaces
- Wash bedding weekly
- Sanitize bathroom and eating areas
- Keep a checklist for daily, weekly, and monthly tasks
Encourage handwashing, label supplies, and set clear rules about cleanliness with both children and their families.
Hiring, Staffing & Training
While many in-home daycare providers start out solo, eventually you may need help to manage more children or expand your services. Hiring the right people is essential—not just for compliance, but also for creating a safe, enriching environment for the children in your care.
Do You Need to Hire Help?
In most regions, in-home daycare providers can care for a limited number of children before hiring assistants becomes mandatory. For example, many U.S. states allow one provider to care for up to six children, including their own, without needing additional staff.
However, as your enrollment grows or you serve infants (who require more hands-on care), an assistant can improve quality, safety, and your own work-life balance.
What to Look for in an Assistant
When hiring, prioritize:
- Experience in childcare or early education
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Clean background check
- Patience, communication skills, and a nurturing personality
Even if you’re hiring a friend or neighbor, formalize the process. Create a basic contract outlining expectations, hours, responsibilities, and pay.
Training Your Team
You don’t need a corporate training manual, but every assistant should be oriented on:
- Daily routines and discipline policies
- Emergency procedures
- Hygiene and cleaning standards
- Communication protocols with parents
Consider hosting a mock day or trial week so they can observe and adapt before jumping in full-time.
Staff-to-Child Ratios
Check your local regulations for required ratios. For instance:
- 1 adult per 4 infants (0–12 months)
- 1 adult per 6 toddlers (1–2 years)
- 1 adult per 8 preschoolers (3–5 years)
Proper ratios ensure safety, reduce liability, and are often a condition of your license.
Payroll and Tax Considerations
If you’re hiring staff, you’re also becoming an employer. That means:
- Registering for an employer identification number (EIN)
- Withholding taxes and Social Security (U.S.)
- Paying into workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance
- Issuing pay stubs and annual tax forms (like W-2 or T4 in Canada)
Use a simple payroll service or consult a local accountant to stay compliant.
Starting small? Consider part-time help during busy hours or hiring a substitute to fill in when you’re sick or on vacation.
Marketing Your Daycare Business
You’ve set up your space, planned your schedule, and maybe even gotten your license—now it’s time to get clients. Marketing your daycare is essential, especially when you’re just starting out. Fortunately, promoting an in-home daycare can be affordable, effective, and based heavily on word-of-mouth.
Build a Strong Local Presence
Start in your neighborhood. Word-of-mouth referrals from parents are still the most trusted form of marketing. Ways to spread the word include:
- Posting flyers at libraries, grocery stores, and pediatrician offices
- Talking to parents at parks or community events
- Networking with local schools, churches, and parenting groups
Don’t underestimate the power of community trust. If one parent loves your service, they’ll likely tell others.
Leverage Online Tools
More and more parents search for daycare options online. Here’s how to be found:
- Google Business Profile: Set up a free listing so your daycare appears in local search results.
- Care Directories: Register on websites like Care.com, Winnie, or Sittercity
- Social Media: Create a Facebook Page and post updates, photos (with parental permission), and announcements.
- Parent Forums & Facebook Groups: Engage in local parenting groups and respond to inquiries.
A simple website using tools like Wix or WordPress can help establish credibility. It should include your program details, hours, rates, testimonials, and contact info.
Offer Promotions and Referrals
To fill your first few spots, consider offering:
- A discounted first month
- Free registration
- Sibling discounts
- Referral bonuses for current families
These incentives help build momentum and attract families quickly.
Create Trust with Parents
Parents want to know their children are safe, happy, and learning. Here’s how to build confidence:
- Offer tours of your daycare space
- Share a sample daily schedule
- Provide references from past or current families
- Communicate clearly and consistently
If possible, showcase real-time updates using apps like Brightwheel or Procare, which let parents receive messages and photos throughout the day.
Track and Adjust
Keep notes on which marketing channels bring the most inquiries. Over time, focus your efforts where you see results. Whether it’s Facebook, referrals, or search engines, a consistent message and high-quality care will win families over.
Marketing isn’t just about flashy ads—it’s about relationships, reputation, and results.
Daycare Safety, Curriculum & Equipment
Safety, education, and environment—these three pillars determine the success and credibility of your daycare. Parents won’t just look at price or location; they’re trusting you with the safety and development of their children. Let’s look at how you can deliver on all three.
Daycare Safety: Building a Secure Environment
Creating a safe space is not a one-time setup—it’s a daily commitment. To establish and maintain safety standards:
- Conduct daily safety checks (check for loose items, blocked exits, and spills)
- Post emergency contacts and procedures near the entrance
- Maintain up-to-date CPR and First Aid certification
- Store medications and hazardous materials in locked cabinets
- Install security cameras (where legally permitted) or visual door monitoring
You can find national safety recommendations at Safe Kids Worldwide.
Curriculum Planning: Learning Through Play
Children in your daycare should be learning while they play. A well-designed curriculum enhances early childhood development and makes your daycare stand out. Include:
- Circle Time: songs, calendar, and storytelling
- Arts & Crafts: painting, coloring, clay modeling
- Gross Motor Play: dancing, obstacle courses, outdoor games
- Fine Motor Skills: puzzles, lacing, bead activities
- Early Literacy: reading books aloud, letter recognition
Use age-appropriate resources. For toddlers, focus on sensory play; for preschoolers, integrate basic math, language, and problem-solving.
Many providers use online curriculum platforms or free resources like Scholastic Early Learning.
Equipment and Furniture: Invest in Quality
Whether you’re furnishing on a tight budget or have capital to invest, quality and durability matter. Essentials include:
- Child-sized tables and chairs
- Soft rugs and cushions for reading areas
- Open shelves for easy access to materials
- Highchairs, booster seats, and bibs for feeding
- Nap cots, cribs, or mats with washable covers
When possible, choose furniture that is certified safe for children and easy to sanitize.
For affordable, safe, and durable daycare furniture, we at XIHA Furniture offer a full range of options designed specifically for preschools and in-home daycare providers. Our catalog includes modular pieces perfect for limited spaces, and we ship globally for wholesale buyers.
Keep it Organized
Clutter leads to chaos. Label bins, rotate toys weekly to avoid overstimulation, and create a tidy environment children can navigate easily. Clean, organized spaces promote better behavior and smoother routines.
Real Cost Breakdown: How Much to Start a Daycare?
Understanding the actual costs of starting a daycare helps you plan realistically and avoid surprises. Whether you’re opening a modest in-home daycare or laying the foundation for a future center, a clear breakdown of expenses is essential.
Fixed vs. Variable Costs
Costs generally fall into two categories:
- Fixed Costs: one-time startup expenses like licensing fees, initial equipment, and setup costs
- Variable Costs: ongoing monthly expenses such as food, utilities, cleaning supplies, and staff wages
Creating a spreadsheet or simple budget using tools like Google Sheets or Wave Accounting helps track both types and set pricing accordingly.
Example Startup Cost Breakdown (In-Home Daycare)
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Licensing & Background Checks | $100–$500 |
| CPR & First Aid Certification | $50–$150 |
| Insurance | $200–$1,000/year |
| Furniture & Setup | $500–$1,500 |
| Toys & Learning Materials | $300–$800 |
| Safety Equipment | $150–$400 |
| Cleaning Supplies | $50–$200 |
| Marketing & Website | $50–$300 |
| Total Estimated Startup | $1,400–$4,800 |
These numbers can vary widely based on your location, licensing needs, and whether you buy new or used materials.
Monthly Operating Costs
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Food & Snacks | $150–$300 |
| Utilities (share) | $50–$100 |
| Supplies (wipes, paper) | $50–$100 |
| Part-time Assistant Pay | $600–$1,200 (if needed) |
| Insurance (monthly avg) | $20–$80 |
A home daycare caring for 4–6 children could reasonably maintain monthly costs under $1,500, especially if you operate solo at first.
Profitability Forecast
Let’s assume:
- You charge $50/day per child
- You care for 5 children, 5 days/week
- Monthly income: $5,000
- Monthly expenses: $1,200
- Estimated net profit: $3,800/month
This shows that even with minimal investment, a well-run daycare can become profitable quickly. The key is to keep your costs low while offering reliable, high-quality care.
Use this breakdown as a customizable template. Adjust for your region, business size, and licensing scope. Many new providers start by managing only 2–3 children and scale gradually.
Common Challenges & Mistakes to Avoid
Starting a daycare can be rewarding, but it’s not without hurdles. Many new providers—especially those with no previous business experience—face preventable pitfalls. Being aware of these challenges early on will help you avoid costly missteps.
1. Skipping Licensing or Delaying Legal Compliance
Operating without proper licensing is a fast track to fines, shutdowns, or liability lawsuits. Even if your area allows a small number of children without a license, applying for one builds trust with parents and provides access to financial aid programs. Don’t wait until you’re “big enough”—start on the right legal footing.
2. Underestimating Startup or Operating Costs
It’s easy to overlook hidden expenses like insurance, utility spikes, or unexpected equipment needs. Always build a financial buffer and plan for at least 3 months of expenses. If possible, consult a local accountant or small business center for help with cash flow forecasting.
3. Lack of Clear Policies and Procedures
Without written rules for enrollment, sick days, discipline, and communication, misunderstandings are bound to arise. Draft a simple handbook for parents and staff that includes:
- Hours of operation
- Payment terms
- Sick child policies
- Emergency procedures
Clear expectations reduce conflicts and make your daycare feel professional.
4. Inconsistent Communication with Parents
Parents want regular updates, not just drop-off and pick-up chats. Use weekly emails, daily report sheets, or apps like Brightwheel to share updates, photos, and reminders. Prompt communication boosts satisfaction and retention.
5. Neglecting Self-Care
Running a daycare is physically and emotionally demanding. Without boundaries, burnout is inevitable. Schedule breaks, limit work hours, and set boundaries around parent communication (e.g., no texting after 7pm). Remember: a healthy provider offers better care.
6. Growing Too Fast, Too Soon
Taking on too many children or expanding services before you’re ready can compromise quality and lead to burnout. Start small, master your systems, and scale gradually. Quality care builds a solid foundation for sustainable growth.
7. Forgetting to Market Continuously
Once you’re full, it’s tempting to stop marketing—but you’ll always need a waitlist. Keep networking, asking for referrals, and updating your online presence. A healthy pipeline prevents dips in enrollment.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help you build a reputable, profitable daycare business that families trust and recommend.
Case Study: A Successful In-Home Daycare
To bring all this advice to life, let’s look at a real-world example of how someone just like you successfully launched a home daycare business from scratch—with no previous experience and almost no capital.
Meet Sarah: A Stay-at-Home Mom Turned Entrepreneur
Sarah was a 35-year-old stay-at-home mom living in Ontario, Canada. With two young kids of her own and a strong desire to contribute financially to her household, she began researching how to start a daycare from home. At the time, she had no formal childcare training, no website, and less than $1,000 to invest.
Step 1: Starting with What She Had
Sarah transformed her basement playroom into a multi-purpose childcare space. She repurposed her kids’ existing toys, books, mats, and art supplies. Her dining area became a craft station. She didn’t buy anything new—just cleaned, organized, and rearranged.
Step 2: Getting Licensed and Certified
She visited her local ministry website and learned how to become licensed. She completed her CPR course at a community center for $70 and scheduled an inspection for fire and safety compliance. Within two months, she had approval to care for up to 5 children.
Step 3: Finding Her First Clients
Sarah spread the word via local Facebook groups, printed flyers at the library, and offered a 10% discount for families who registered early. Within three weeks, she had three full-time enrollments—enough to cover her monthly household expenses.
Step 4: Growing Slowly and Responsibly
By month four, Sarah’s schedule was full. She hired a part-time neighbor to assist during busy hours and joined a local child care provider network for continued learning. She raised her rates moderately after her first year and had a waitlist of families.
Monthly Financial Snapshot
- Monthly Revenue (5 kids @ $45/day): $4,500
- Expenses: $1,100 (food, supplies, part-time assistant)
- Net Profit: $3,400/month
Sarah reinvested a portion of her profits each month into new toys, outdoor play equipment, and a custom website. Within 18 months, she became known as one of the most trusted in-home daycare providers in her town.
Lessons Learned
- Start with what you have; don’t wait for perfection.
- Relationships and referrals matter more than expensive ads.
- Organization and communication are key to maintaining trust.
- Investing in yourself (training, tools) pays off.
This case study proves that with determination, planning, and creativity, it’s absolutely possible to start a thriving daycare—even if you’re starting with zero dollars and zero experience.
Tools, Resources & Certification Links
To support your daycare startup journey, here’s a curated list of free and paid tools, resources, and certification programs that can help you save time, stay organized, and meet regulatory requirements.
Business Planning & Budget Tools
- SCORE Startup Business Plan Template: A great tool for outlining your daycare’s mission, services, and budget.
- Wave Accounting: Free software for managing income, expenses, and invoices.
- Google Sheets Budget Template: Customizable templates for startup planning.
Licensing & Safety Resources
- ChildCare.gov: U.S. federal portal for licensing and regulation by state.
- National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care: Provides safety standards and state health requirements.
- Child Care Aware Safety Checklist: Inspection and setup guide for home daycare providers.
Curriculum & Activity Ideas
- Scholastic Early Learning: Free activity plans and learning resources.
- PBS LearningMedia: Interactive educational videos and games by age group.
- NAEYC: Articles and ideas from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Parent Communication Tools
- Brightwheel: Popular daycare management and parent communication app.
- Procare: Full-featured software for attendance, billing, and updates.
Grants & Financial Assistance
- Grants.gov: Federal database for small business and childcare startup grants.
- Canada Early Learning and Child Care Funding: Resources for Canadian daycare providers.
Sourcing Furniture & Equipment
- Alibaba – Preschool Furniture: Wholesale vendors (compare and request certifications).
- XIHA Furniture: As a direct factory, we supply safe, affordable, and customizable preschool furniture for in-home daycares and institutions worldwide.
These resources will help you confidently launch and grow your daycare with the right tools, professional support, and efficient setup. Save this list for future reference as your business grows!
Conclusion
Starting a daycare with no money or experience is not only possible—it’s increasingly common and highly achievable in today’s economic climate. With rising childcare demand, flexible licensing options, and countless free resources available, you have everything you need to build a successful and impactful in-home daycare business.
From setting up your space and securing licenses to building trust with families and managing costs wisely, each step you take lays the foundation for long-term success. Whether you begin with just one child or aim to grow into a larger center, your journey starts with one decision: to begin.
At XIHA Furniture, we proudly support childcare entrepreneurs across North America, Europe, and Australia by providing safe, affordable, and beautifully designed furniture tailored to daycare needs. As a trusted one-stop kindergarten furniture supplier, our goal is to help you launch with confidence and scale sustainably.
Your vision, paired with the right tools and commitment, can become a thriving daycare that makes a real difference in your community. Don’t wait for the perfect time—start now, start smart, and grow from there.
