How to Open a Family Daycare

This three-part workshop helps people in Massachusetts turn caring for children into a real home business. Led by an experienced childcare operator, the series breaks down how to start a licensed family childcare program from scratch. The first class covers state rules, daily routines, and who is eligible to apply. Participants get to design their ideal workday—from operating hours to group size—helping them see if working from home is the right fit for their lifestyle.

The second class focuses on money and business planning. Attendees learn how to set tuition rates, track everyday costs like supplies and insurance, and sign up for food reimbursement programs or state vouchers. Through a fun group exercise, participants try out different business setups to see how changing their rates or student count impacts their monthly income, helping them build a realistic financial picture.

The final session guides participants step-by-step through the process of actually opening their doors. It covers state application forms, background checks, health policies, parent handbooks, and simple ways to advertise locally. A guest speaker explains the background check process, and participants wrap up by picking a name for their future business. By the end of the series, participants walk away with a clear plan, a solid grasp of costs, and the confidence to get started.

If cost is a barrier to participation, email raperj@gcc.mass.edu.