How to Start a Home Child Care Program: A Step-by-Step Guide - post

What Is a Home Child Care Program?

A home child care program is a child care business run from your own home. You care for children in a warm, family-like setting while following state rules for safety and #learning.

Many providers choose home child care because it offers:

• Flexible hours
• Smaller group sizes
• The chance to work independently

This step-by-step guide explains how to start a home child care program the right way. It uses clear, simple language to support both new and experienced providers.
#homechildcare #earlylearning #childcarebusiness

Why Start a Home Child Care Program?

Many people choose home child care for personal and professional reasons. 

Some common benefits include:

• Working from home
• Creating your own schedule
• Building close relationships with families
• Supporting children in a home-like space

If you enjoy caring for children and want to be your own boss, this may be a great fit for you.

What Are the First Steps to Get Started?

Starting a home child care program takes planning. The first step is understanding your local rules.

Check Your State Rules

Each state has its own licensing rules for home child care. These rules may include:

• The number of children allowed
• Health and safety standards
• Training requirements
• Background checks

Visit your state’s child care licensing website to learn what is required where you live.

What Training Do You Need?

Training helps you care for children #safely and professionally. Many states require training before you open your program.

ChildCareEd offers online training courses that are flexible and easy to follow, including:

• CDA Family Child Care Credential with Portfolio Review

• 24 Hour Family Child Care Pre-Service Training (Online)

• Pediatric Blended First Aid & CPR/AED (Adult, Child, Infant)
  
  

These courses help you meet licensing rules, prepare for inspections, and build confidence as a home child care provider.

How Do You Prepare Your Home for Child Care?

Your home must be safe, clean, and welcoming for children. Take time to prepare your space before opening.

Important steps include:

• Childproofing doors, stairs, and outlets
• Storing cleaning supplies and medicine safely
• Setting up areas for play, meals, and rest
• Making sure toys are clean and age-appropriate

Your licensing agency may inspect your home before you can open.

What Supplies Will You Need?

You do not need everything at once, but some basic supplies are important.

Common items include:

• Age-appropriate toys and books
• Cribs or mats for #naps
• Art supplies
• A first aid kit
• Cleaning supplies

Choose items that are safe, strong, and easy to clean.

How Do You Create Policies and Paperwork?

Clear policies help families understand how your program works. Written rules also protect you as a business owner.

Your parent handbook may include:

• Hours of operation
• Fees and payment rules
• Sick child policies
• Drop-off and pick-up rules
• Emergency plans

ChildCareEd offers helpful tools to guide you. One free resource is the Family Child Care Forms and Checklists, which help you stay organized and professional.

How Do You Set Your Rates and Budget?

Before opening, plan your finances carefully.

Think about:

• Monthly expenses, such as food and supplies
• Local child care rates
• How many children you can enroll

Setting fair rates helps your business grow and stay strong.

How Do You Enroll Families?

Once you are licensed and ready, it is time to find families.

You can:

• Share flyers in your community
• Ask friends and neighbors for referrals
• Join local child care networks
• Create a simple social media page

Clear communication helps families trust you from the start.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

Children do best with routines. A simple daily schedule may include:

• Free play
• Meals and snacks
• Outdoor time
• Learning activities
• Rest or nap time

A steady routine helps children feel safe and happy.

How Can You Continue Learning and Growing?

Running a home child care program means learning all the time. Ongoing training helps you stay confident and up to date. #childcaretraining

How Can Social Media Help Your Program?

Social media is a great way to learn and connect with other providers.

👉 Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram for tips, training updates, and encouragement:

Join a supportive community of early #educators and stay inspired!