How long does it take to open a preschool?

Most founders take six to twelve months from the first planning session to opening day. Licensing inspections, lease build-out, and hiring are typically the longest stages.

Do I need a teaching qualification to open a preschool?

You generally do not need to be a qualified teacher yourself to be the owner, but lead teachers and directors usually do. Specific requirements vary by country and state, so check the qualification rules for your region.

What is the difference between a preschool, a daycare, and a kindergarten?

Definitions vary by country, but in most regions daycare focuses on full-day care for children from infancy to school age, preschool focuses on intentional learning for ages three to five, and kindergarten is the first formal year of school. Many programs combine elements of all three.

Can I run a preschool from my own home?

Yes, in most regions a home-based family childcare license allows you to care for a small group of children in your own home once you meet zoning, safety, and ratio rules. Capacity caps usually range from six to twelve children.

How do I price tuition?

Calculate your monthly operating costs, divide by your target enrollment, and add a margin for surplus and reinvestment. Then sanity-check against the rates families pay at three to five nearby programs. Communicate your value (ratios, curriculum, qualifications) clearly so families understand why your pricing is set where it is.

Where do I find region-specific licensing information?

Browse the country, state, and province pages below for licensing requirements, ratios, costs, and grants tailored to your location.

Start a preschool, anywhere in the world.

Free, detailed guides covering licensing, ratios, startup costs, regulations, and grants for opening a preschool or daycare in every country and major region.

How to start a preschool: 13 steps

1. Research your local licensing requirements

2. Decide on your model and write a business plan

3. Choose the right location

4. Set up your business entity, insurance, and finances

5. Prepare your classrooms and supplies

6. Write your policies, procedures, and family handbook

7. Hire qualified teachers and assistants

8. Run background checks on every adult on site

9. Choose or design your preschool curriculum

10. Consider accreditation

11. Choose software to run the school

12. Build your enrollment marketing engine

13. Stay current with early-years trends and regulation

For step 9, compare models in our preschool curriculum guide or explore the IPC curriculum. For step 12, see preschool enrollment.

Guides by location

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to open a preschool?: Most founders take six to twelve months from the first planning session to opening day. Licensing inspections, lease build-out, and hiring are typically the longest stages.
Do I need a teaching qualification to open a preschool?: You generally do not need to be a qualified teacher yourself to be the owner, but lead teachers and directors usually do. Specific requirements vary by country and state, so check the qualification rules for your region.
What is the difference between a preschool, a daycare, and a kindergarten?: Definitions vary by country, but in most regions daycare focuses on full-day care for children from infancy to school age, preschool focuses on intentional learning for ages three to five, and kindergarten is the first formal year of school. Many programs combine elements of all three.
Can I run a preschool from my own home?: Yes, in most regions a home-based family childcare license allows you to care for a small group of children in your own home once you meet zoning, safety, and ratio rules. Capacity caps usually range from six to twelve children.
How do I price tuition?: Calculate your monthly operating costs, divide by your target enrollment, and add a margin for surplus and reinvestment. Then sanity-check against the rates families pay at three to five nearby programs. Communicate your value (ratios, curriculum, qualifications) clearly so families understand why your pricing is set where it is.
Where do I find region-specific licensing information?: Browse the country, state, and province pages below for licensing requirements, ratios, costs, and grants tailored to your location.