Day Care Center

Startup Costs: $10,000 - $50,000
Home Based: Can be operated from home.
Part Time: Can be operated part-time.
Franchises Available? No
Online Operation? No

The escalating cost of living has made child day care a booming industry simply because many families require two full-time incomes to make ends meet. Day-care facilities can be homebased, operated from a storefront or office location, or in conjunction with an established business or office complex. Investment budget, business objectives and demand will likely dictate what is the best operating location for you. In the United States and Canada, day-care facilities as well as child-care staff must obtain proper licensing and certification to meet minimum operating requirements. Because every state and province has its own individual licensing requirements, you will need to contact your regional municipal offices to make inquires, or contact the associations listed on the next page to inquire about certification and licensing requirements in your area. Once your center is open, you will find that the problem is not finding kids to fill your facility, but having to turn down parents daily because you are at your limit. Word-of-mouth advertising is generally all that is required for marketing in this industry.

Day Care Center Ideas

Kite Building and Sales

Build and sell beautiful hand-crafted kites for others to enjoy.

Cardboard Playhouses

Create an engaging setup for make-believe with cardboard playhouses.

Children's Designer Clothing

Got an eye for design? Find your niche in creating standout clothes for babies and kids.

More from Business Ideas

Side Hustle

More Than 75% of Americans Have Side Hustles During the Holidays — Here Are the Most Popular Gigs This Season

Many people expect retail prices to climb, and they're getting creative to save their wallets.

Side Hustle

She Started a Side Hustle That Earned More Than $1 Million in Year 1: 'Manifest Your Best Life'

Nadia Liu Spellman, founder and CEO of Dumpling Daughter, wanted to honor her parents' success.

Business Culture

Love Doesn't Have to be Tough — 3 Things to Do to Keep Harmony in Your Family-Owned Business

Family matters. So does being intentional in the workplace.