Your preschool, your way
Thinking about opening a small, in-home preschool or preschool-prep program? Here's the path I followed, broken into friendly steps.
Starting from scratch
Is this right for you?
Picture a normal week: the hours, the prep, the cleanup, the parent messages. Talk with your family about using your home, and decide whether you want part-time income or a full program.
Licensing and local rules
Rules depend on your state, how many children you care for, how long they stay and whether you charge. Contact your state's child care licensing office and your city or HOA before you open. Requirements change, so get answers in writing.
Registration and insurance
Many owners register a business name and get a separate bank account. Ask an insurance agent about liability coverage for a home-based program, and check whether your homeowner's policy needs an add-on.
Startup costs
List furniture, supplies, curriculum, safety items and any fees. Start small and add as you grow. Most of my favorite materials came from thrift stores and teacher friends.
Ages, capacity and schedule
Pick an age range you love teaching and a group size you can handle well. At The Tot Spot I teach ages 2.5–4 in small groups of six, mornings only.
Everything here is general education, not legal, tax or licensing advice. Always check the rules where you live.
Building the program
Curriculum
Plan monthly themes, then fill each week with circle time, a story, centers, fine-motor work and a project.
Curriculum in the shopDaily schedule
A predictable rhythm helps little ones feel secure. Alternate active and calm blocks, and keep transitions short.
See my daily scheduleClassroom setup
Create zones for circle, tables, reading and play. Low shelves, labeled bins and a cozy corner go a long way.
Enrollment and waitlist
Decide your enrollment order, write it down and share it. Then make signing up quick and friendly.
How I built my waitlistFamily communication + policies
A clear parent handbook prevents most problems before they start: hours, illness, pickup, tuition and photos.
Parent handbook templateRunning and growing
Setting tuition
Add up your monthly costs, decide what you need to earn, and divide by your enrolled spots. Then compare with local programs.
Tuition calculatorMarketing and social media
Parents find small programs through friends, local Facebook groups and Instagram. Share your daily magic, not just your openings.
Handbooks and forms
Registration forms, emergency contacts, photo permissions and allergy plans. Keep them organized from day one.
Forms in the shopEnrollment and payments
Pick one or two simple ways to pay, set due dates and send friendly reminders.
More income streams
Summer camps, parent workshops and selling your own resources can all grow from the program you already run.
The In-Home Preschool Starter Bundle
My startup handbook, parent handbook template, enrollment forms, sample schedule, tuition calculator, marketing checklist and first-month curriculum, all in one download.