Have you ever thought about running your own daycare, creating a warm and safe space where kids can learn, grow, and just be kids? It’s a big dream, but it’s absolutely within reach if you take the right steps. There are rules and regulations to follow, but the rewards—both personal and professional—are worth it. Here’s how you can turn your passion for childcare into a thriving business.
Step 1: Get the Right Training
Loving children is at the heart of it, but running a daycare takes more than just passion. You’ll need a thorough understanding of childhood development, child safety practices, and how to create fun, educational activities through effective teaching methodologies.
This is where OIHI’s Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) program can help. It is designed to give you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you’ll need to work with children. This program covers everything from child development to creating safe and engaging learning environments—key areas of expertise that you’ll need to successfully open and run your own daycare.
Step 2: Research Demand for Daycare Services
The demand for childcare services in Ontario is on the rise. As more parents return to the workforce, the need for quality daycare centres that provide children with safe, supportive, and educational environments has never been greater. With the Government of Canada aiming to lower daycare fees to an average of $10 a day by 2026 through subsidies and funding, families are seeking accessible, high-quality care like never before. However, opening a daycare requires you to be entrepreneurial and business-minded, with careful planning and market insight. You need to know your target audience, what types of services they need, and how you can stand out in a competitive market.
Step 3: Investigate Which Regulations Will Apply to You
To operate a daycare in Ontario, you’ll need to meet strict regulations set by the Ministry of Education. These cover everything from licensing requirements and health and safety standards to staff-to-child ratios and more. Beyond daycare-specific regulations, your business may also require additional licenses or permits from the federal and municipal levels of government. The key is to do your due diligence early, ensuring your daycare meets all legal requirements so you don’t encounter surprises later.
Understanding how to start a business in Canada is an important early step on your journey to opening your own daycare and finding out what permits and licenses you’ll need before you invest a lot of time or money can help you better prepare for the process ahead. By researching and understanding these requirements early, you’ll save yourself potential setbacks and ensure your daycare operates smoothly and legally from day one.
Step 4: Hire a Great Team
Once you’re licensed, it’s time to hire staff. Look for people who are not just qualified but also genuinely love working with kids. Ideal candidates are those who are passionate about child development, have experience in the field, and most importantly, share your vision for providing a high-quality care environment. Your team will shape the experience for the families who trust you with their children—so choose carefully. One of the benefits of pursuing training through programs like OIHI’s Early Childhood Assistant program is the opportunity to network with peers and professionals in the field, making it easier to connect with like-minded individuals who may become part of your team.
Step 5: Build Your Reputation
Now that you’re set to open your doors to the public, it’s time to begin promoting your business. Use social media and local advertising to share photos of your space and highlight what sets your daycare apart. Spread the news by word of mouth—the goal is to connect with families in a way that feels genuine and inviting. Building strong relationships with parents and the local community will help you grow your daycare and build trust with families.
Offering exceptional customer service and engaging activities for children will keep parents coming back and referring your services to others. With top-quality training, you’ll be ready to implement the best possible practices to ensure that both the children and their parents feel secure, comfortable, and supported.
Ready to Get Started?
Starting your own daycare in Ontario can be a life-changing venture. It’s a way to make a real difference in your community. By following these steps, gaining in-depth training, and seeking expert guidance from OIHI’s experienced faculty and staff, you can develop the skills and confidence to provide a much-needed service in the community while building a fulfilling career.
If you’re passionate about childcare and want to learn more about how to successfully start and run your own daycare, OIHI’s Early Childhood Assistant program can give you the foundation you need. Gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the childcare industry and become a leader in early childhood education.
To learn more about OIHI’s Early Childhood Assistant program, connect with our team through the form below.