CubbyTrack Daycare Startup Guide

Thinking About Starting a Daycare?

Start with a clearer plan. Explore licensing, business setup, staffing, safety, funding, enrollment, and childcare resources for your state.

Your startup roadmap

From idea to opening day.

Opening a childcare program involves much more than finding a building and enrolling families. Use these steps to organize the process.

Choose your childcare program

Decide whether you plan to operate a childcare center, family childcare home, preschool, school-age program, or another type of care.

Understand state licensing

Determine which license, registration, or exemption rules apply to your program before signing a lease, renovating a building, or enrolling children.

Build your business plan

Estimate startup costs, tuition, enrollment capacity, payroll, insurance, supplies, food, rent, software, and your break-even point.

Choose a compliant location

Confirm zoning, occupancy, fire, health, playground, square-footage, parking, and childcare licensing requirements before committing to a property.

Prepare for licensing

Complete applications, inspections, background checks, training, emergency plans, policies, and other documentation required by your state.

Hire and train your team

Recruit qualified staff and prepare for background checks, orientation, CPR and First Aid, required training, and classroom ratio requirements.

Create your center policies

Prepare enrollment, tuition, illness, medication, discipline, emergency, pickup, attendance, communication, and staff policies.

Enroll families and open

Set up enrollment, billing, records, classroom rosters, family communication, and daily operating systems before your first day.

State-by-state guides

How to start a daycare in your state.

Childcare licensing, staffing, training, and operating requirements vary by state. Choose your state to get started.

Free Forms

Start building your paperwork.

Browse free childcare forms for enrollment, emergency contacts, medication, staff records, safety, attendance, and more.

Browse Free Forms

State Resources

Find licensing and funding resources.

Explore CubbyTrack's state directory for licensing, financial assistance, quality programs, early learning, and family resources.

View State Resources

Important

Verify requirements before making business decisions.

Childcare licensing rules, zoning requirements, staff qualifications, background checks, ratios, fees, and application procedures vary by jurisdiction and can change. CubbyTrack provides this guide for general educational purposes. Always confirm current requirements directly with your licensing agency and applicable local authorities.