Make sure that your child care program meets all legal requirements. Check the local licensing regulation to get the information you need to formally start your child care business. This may include information of the type of equipment you need, to the number of staff you need to satisfy staff ratio guidelines. Make sure your business complies with local development codes and ordinances such as an occupancy permit, fire healthy and safety inspections. Business insurance is also an important element of your new business so make sure you have appropriate coverage.

Formalize a budget on the actual cost of starting a childcare business. A well thought out, thorough and complete set of projected expenses is an invaluable tool, so make sure you prepare one. Things that you need to ensure are on that list include indoor and outdoor play equipment, toys, books and educational material, furniture soft furnishings, art and educational supplies, license and permit costs, health and workers compensation insurances, employee absences, federal and other taxes, accountant and legal fees, advertising, rent or mortgage repayments, garbage removal, utility bills, maintenance and repairs, insurance, food and nappies, phone and fire alarm system.

Doing market research and competition analysis' are essential steps for a new business. Find out what type of child care service or programs are in demand in your community, and what is currently on offer. Choose your location carefully, considering neighbouring businesses, parking, local schools etc. In order to market your business, have various promotional ideas to attract your potential consumers.

Daily fees are one thing that should be determined carefully, and should be based on your competition analysis. It will depend on several other factors also, such as the type of your program you offer and the costs involved ie. Montessori programs, the age ranges you intend to care for or are licenced for, and other services provided such as food and nappy provisions. Given staff ratios are higher, infant care is always more expensive. Remember, in determining your rates, compare the rates from similar programs of child care centers in your area.

Establishing policies and procedures is not only very important, but an important part of a childcare centres licencing process. A basic contract between you as the provider and parents as the clients is also an important element. As the foundation of your business, it is necessary that you also establish a philosophy which will function as the future guide when implementing curriculum, hiring staff and reviewing new procedures.