Starting a preschool at home requires obtaining the necessary state licenses, creating a solid business plan, preparing a safe learning environment, and developing an age-appropriate curriculum. While requirements vary by state, operating a home-based program offers a low-overhead way to provide essential early education services to your community.
From licensing requirements and preparing supplies to hiring staff and planning your curriculum, this guide covers the basic steps on how to start a preschool at home.
13 tips on how to start a preschool at home
Before opening a preschool at home, ensure your business setup complies with local regulations and that you possess the necessary resources to create a high-quality learning environment. Below are practical steps to help you get started.
1. Learn about preschool licensing requirements
State governments enforce specific rules and regulations that you must follow as a childcare provider. Start by researching your state's licensing guidelines and the process to become a licensed provider. For example, the California Department of Social Services offers a specific guide on becoming a licensed preschool. Most states provide similar resources to guide you through safety inspections, zoning laws, and capacity limits.
Childcare Licensing and Compliance Checklist
Download this free checklist to simplify the childcare licensing process.
2. Write a preschool business plan
Writing a preschool business plan establishes the foundation of your new business. In this document, you will define your preschool's name, mission statement, marketing strategy, organizational structure, staffing needs, operations, and budget.
You must also determine how you will fund your business. Will you use personal savings, or do you need a small business loan? Researching daycare grants can also provide financial support. The U.S. Small Business Association offers detailed instructions on writing a comprehensive business plan to guide your financial decisions.
3. Find a location for your preschool
Determine if your current home can accommodate a small group of children or if you need to move to a larger residence. State and city regulations often dictate specific square footage requirements per child.
If you are part of a homeowner association (HOA), check their bylaws regarding home businesses. If you rent, you typically need written approval from your landlord. Verify your city’s zoning laws and preschool licensing guidelines to ensure your location remains compliant.
4. Get insurance for your preschool
Obtaining the proper insurance policies protects your business from financial risks. While insurance cannot prevent accidents, it protects you from potential lawsuits. Common policies for in-home preschools include homeowners, general liability, and errors and omissions insurance. Research what your state requires to ensure full protection.
5. Prepare your supplies
Create a list of all the furniture and supplies you need before opening. Beyond learning materials and classroom furniture, you must purchase cleaning supplies and safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
Consider your home's layout and adjust the floor plan to fit the needs of your preschoolers. Essential areas to include are:
- Library or literacy area: A quiet space for children to read and practice writing.
- Manipulative center: An area with puzzles, blocks, and building sets to develop fine motor skills.
- Outdoor space: A secure area for physical development and outdoor activities.
6. Develop policies and procedures
Using your business plan as a guide, write clear policies and procedures for your program. Communicate these to families via a family handbook. You must also develop a comprehensive emergency plan along with health, safety, privacy, and nutrition protocols that align with your local licensing requirements.
7. Hire staff to help you run your preschool
The quality of your teachers directly influences the success of your program. Verify your local licensing requirements regarding staff-to-child ratios and educational background requirements. Rigorously check references and education levels during the hiring process.
Once hired, support your team's professional development through regular training and education opportunities to keep them engaged and growing in their careers.
8. Run a background check on staff members
Federal law requires states to conduct background checks on all employees working at a licensed, license-exempt, regulated, or registered childcare provider. Since employees have unsupervised access to children, these checks are critical for safety. You must conduct these checks upon hiring and repeat them at least once every five years.
9. Prepare your preschool curriculum
Your mission statement should guide your curriculum choices, whether you design your own or purchase an existing program. A carefully chosen curriculum ensures your program delivers high-quality education.
Brightwheel's Experience Curriculum helps you save time and enhance quality with an all-in-one education platform. It offers digital lessons within brightwheel and mails hands-on learning materials directly to your door. This developmentally appropriate curriculum aligns with early learning standards in all 50 states.
10. Seek accreditation
While optional, seeking accreditation from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) signals high quality to prospective families. Only a small percentage of preschools in the U.S. achieve this, making it a powerful tool for recruitment and building trust within your community.
11. Invest in preschool software
Using preschool technology streamlines administrative tasks, giving you more time to focus on education. Brightwheel's childcare management software simplifies operations and keeps you connected with families.
Designed for preschool programs, brightwheel includes features that monitor daily activities and send real-time updates to families' mobile devices. The app also provides secure digital check-in/check-out and an automated paperless billing system. You can set up your operations on brightwheel even before you officially open your doors.
I would say that if you are a new program that you should definitely jump on brightwheel and just experience it. It’s tools that help make your life easier as the owner and director. There’s no reason not to, with the cost and the effectiveness, it’s 100% a yes for me.” Crystal D., Owner & Director at Lil’ Ranch Hands Family Childcare Home in Minco, OK
As I build my new program, the billing features are a game changer. I can easily invoice parents, and everything is automatically tracked—especially helpful come tax season.” Emily K., Owner of Emily Finzen Childcare in Lake Benton, MN
Experience Curriculum allows you to lean into creativity while following the curriculum. It’s all right there, it’s all prepared for you, and then you can lean into it.” Leinani G., Owner of Creative Minds Learning Academy in Bothell, WA
Brightwheel helps us in every way possible. From their onboarding and support team to the features that keep us organized, on track with planning, and communicating smoothly as a team to parents and each other. I couldn't imagine a better management system for our program." Harida H., Administrator at Play Pals Daycare in Maumee, OH
12. Market your preschool and seek applicants
You need a marketing strategy to build your enrollment. List your preschool in local directories, participate in community enrollment fairs, and advertise through local businesses and parent groups.
Launch a social media campaign targeting local families or host an open house event to showcase your environment. Continue these marketing efforts even after filling your roster to maintain a waitlist and ensure long-term stability.
13. Stay updated on new preschool trends
Integrating current trends helps your business stay relevant. Three key trends in 2026 include:
- Technology integration: Educators use technology to enhance learning experiences through interactive apps and tools that cater to diverse learning styles.
- Health and safety focus: Families prioritize rigorous health and safety protocols. Staying updated on guidance and communicating clearly builds trust.
- Flexibility: Offering flexible schedules or policies helps families navigate busy lives and sets your program apart from competitors.
The benefits of opening a preschool
Operating a childcare program offers significant personal and professional rewards. As an educator, you play a vital role in shaping the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional growth of young children.
Running a home-based business also provides distinct advantages:
- Consistent demand: Working families constantly need reliable care, ensuring a steady customer base.
- Financial freedom: Operating out of your home reduces overhead costs significantly.
- Tax benefits: You can often write off a portion of housing expenses, utilities, and supplies related to your business usage.
How much does it cost to start a preschool?
Starting a preschool at home is a cost-effective alternative to opening a commercial childcare facility. While the average startup cost for a daycare center can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more, home-based preschools typically require a much smaller investment.
Key expenses include educational supplies, furniture, safety equipment, and licensing fees. For example, setting up a home preschool for 4-6 children might cost between $2,500 and $3,600 for furnishings and equipment, with additional costs for consumables like art supplies and snacks. Licensing and insurance fees can add another $1,200 to $2,000, depending on your location.
Overall, the total startup cost for a home preschool can range from $10,000 to $15,000, making it an accessible option for aspiring educators with a passion for early childhood development.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a license to operate a preschool?
Most states require a license if you care for more than a few unrelated children. The process typically involves submitting an application, paying fees, passing background checks, attending training, and passing a home inspection. Check your state's childcare licensing department for specific requirements.
How much can I charge families?
Set tuition rates by calculating your operating expenses (supplies, food, insurance, salaries) to ensuring profitability. Research local competitors to see what families in your area currently pay. If your rates are higher, clearly communicate the unique value and high-quality programming you provide.
How do I communicate with families?
Frequent communication builds trust. Use daily reports to share progress and milestones. Tools like brightwheel’s communication feature allow you to send real-time messages and photos, while newsletters keep families informed about upcoming events and policy updates.
What qualifications do I need to start a preschool at home?
Qualifications vary by state but often include a high school diploma or GED, CPR/First Aid certification, and specific training in early childhood development. Some states may require a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or college credits for the director or lead teacher.
Learn more about childcare licensing regulations in your state
Childcare licensing requirements vary by state. Consult with your state's childcare licensing department or check out our guides below for more information:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Start your preschool
Starting a preschool can be a challenging, but ultimately rewarding experience. With careful planning, a great team, and organized operations, your preschool will be a success from day one.
