After-School care program

Working parents paying weekly or monthly fees, and in some areas families using state child care subsidies if your program qualifies.

Monthly or weekly fee per child, often with extra for school holidays, early-release days and summer camp. Income depends on how many children you can legally and comfortably supervise.

• Patience and good judgment with children
• First aid and child safety awareness
• Organizing staff, schedules and pickups
• Communicating clearly with parents

• State child care licensing rules, which vary widely and may set staff ratios, space, training and inspections
• Background checks for you and any staff, plus first aid and CPR training
• General liability insurance, often with abuse and molestation coverage, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Zoning, fire safety and health department requirements for the space
• Transport from schools carries extra insurance and licensing issues, check before offering it
• Fees may not cover costs until enrollment is steady

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the space you rent, the activities and supplies you provide, and how many staff you need. Treat this as an estimate and price your own plan before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on enrollment, the fees you charge and the size of your space. Fees may not cover costs until enrollment is steady, so plan for a slower start.

Check your state's child care licensing rules, which vary widely and may set staff ratios, space, training and inspections. Also check background checks, first aid and CPR training, insurance, and zoning, fire safety and health requirements for your space.