Licensed drop-off playgroup for young children

Parents who want a few mornings a week of supervised play and early learning, without full-time daycare.

Monthly tuition per child based on days per week, plus a registration fee. Income grows with the number of licensed spots you can fill.

• Experience caring for or teaching young children
• Patience, reliability and clear communication with parents
• Organizing routines, records and safety checks

• State child care licensing is often required for drop-off care, and requirements vary widely by state, so check with your licensing agency before taking any children
• Zoning, home occupation permits and HOA or lease rules if running from home
• General liability insurance suited to child care, and workers' compensation once you hire
• Strict adult-to-child ratios, background checks and safety inspections, plus a health department check if you serve snacks
• Licensing and setup can take months before you can enroll families

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your space, equipment, licensing and insurance. Treat this as an estimate and price your own setup before you enroll families.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on group size, fees and how many mornings you run. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week.

State child care licensing is often required for drop-off care and varies widely, so check with your licensing agency before taking any children. Also check zoning, home occupation, HOA or lease rules, ratios, background checks and insurance.