Small child care centre

Working parents, plus provincial or federal funding programs or subsidies where your centre qualifies.

Monthly or daily fees per child, and in some provinces funding paid to licensed operators. Profit depends on filled spaces, staffing costs and rent.

• Early childhood education knowledge or a qualified director on the team
• Managing staff, budgets and schedules
• Building trust with parents and the community

• Provincial licensing, inspections, staff qualifications (such as ECE credentials) and staff-to-child ratios
• Zoning, building, fire and health inspections for the premises
• Commercial general liability insurance, plus WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Licensing can take many months, so budget for rent and fit-out costs before you earn anything
• Funding programs may limit or set your fees, so check the terms before planning your numbers
• Staff shortages and turnover, which can limit how many spaces you can fill

Estimates typically put startup costs at around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on premises, fit-out and staffing. Licensing can take many months, so budget for rent and fit-out costs before you earn anything.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on licensed spaces and fees. Funding programs may limit or set your fees, and staff shortages can limit how many spaces you fill, so check the terms first.

Check provincial licensing, inspections, staff qualifications such as ECE credentials, and staff-to-child ratios. Also check zoning, building, fire and health inspections for the premises, plus commercial general liability insurance and WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire.