Small child care centre

Local working families, with fees typically reduced by the Child Care Subsidy.

Daily fees per child. Income depends on how many places you are approved for and how full they are, against the cost of wages, rent and food.

• Managing a team and rosters
• Knowledge of early childhood education and care
• Budgeting and compliance paperwork

• Provider and service approval, plus a qualified nominated supervisor and an educational leader, so check what you or your staff must hold
• Staff ratios and qualification rules, which vary by state and territory and are a major wage cost
• Council planning permits, building and fire safety fit-out for the premises
• Public liability and other insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Regular assessment and rating against the national quality standard
• Large upfront cost and a slow build-up of enrolments, so plan for a long runway

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $300,000 to $1,500,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and size. It is a large upfront cost with a slow build-up of enrolments, so plan for a long runway.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on your size, enrolments and location. Staff ratios and qualification rules are a major wage cost, so check how they affect your budget.

Check provider and service approval, plus the qualified nominated supervisor and educational leader requirements. Staff ratio and qualification rules vary by state and territory. Also check council planning permits, building and fire safety fit-out, insurance, and workers compensation once you hire.