How to open a preschool or playschool

Step by step

• Train first: an ECCE Diploma, PG Diploma or Integrated Master Level.
• Research demand: families with young children nearby, competitors and their fees.
• Check the rules: business registration, local permissions, building and fire safety; some states and countries license preschools.
• Choose the space: ground floor, ventilation, toilets for children, outdoor play area, child-safe fittings.
• Plan the curriculum: play-based, aligned with national frameworks such as India's NCF for the Foundational Stage or England's EYFS.
• Hire and train staff: trained teachers and helpers, background checks, sensible ratios.
• Set policies: admissions, fees, health and hygiene, safeguarding, pick-up, emergencies.
• Market locally: open days, a simple website, Google Business Profile, parent reviews.

Safety and safeguarding

Parents choose a preschool they trust. Child-safe furniture, first aid, clean toilets, CCTV where appropriate, verified staff and clear pick-up rules matter more than décor.

Franchise or independent?

A franchise gives a brand and curriculum for a fee; an independent preschool gives freedom and more margin but needs more planning. Either way, trained owners and teachers make the difference.

A sample daily schedule

• 9:00 Welcome and free play
• 9:30 Circle time: songs, calendar, story
• 10:00 Activity corners
• 10:45 Snack and handwashing
• 11:00 Outdoor play
• 11:45 Language or number game
• 12:15 Story and goodbye

Costs to plan for

• Rent and deposit
• Child-safe furniture, toys and learning materials
• Safety equipment and first aid
• Staff salaries and training
• Registration and permissions
• Marketing and open days

Building parent trust

• Show your qualifications and your staff's training
• Hold open days and let parents see the space
• Share a clear daily routine and curriculum
• Communicate daily with parents
• Collect and share genuine reviews

Choosing your model

• Home daycare: small group, low start-up cost, flexible hours; check local rules on numbers and space.
• Playschool (half day): ages 2 to 5, structured morning programme, most common model.
• Full-day preschool and daycare: serves working parents; needs meals, rest areas and more staff.
• Montessori house: uses Montessori materials and trained teachers.
• Franchise: brand, curriculum and training for a fee and royalty.

Staffing and ratios

Plan enough adults for safety and real attention. Many regulated systems set ratios that become tighter for younger children, for example one adult for a few babies but more children per adult for 4- and 5-year-olds. Even where no ratio is set, keep groups small, have a trained teacher with each group and a helper for toileting and meals.

Your first-year checklist

• Write admission, fee, attendance, illness, pick-up and emergency policies
• Prepare a simple term plan aligned with a recognised framework
• Set up learning corners: reading, blocks, pretend play, art, sand and water
• Train staff in hygiene, first aid and safeguarding
• Plan monthly parent communication and termly parent meetings
• Track enquiries, conversions and reasons parents choose you

Using your ECCE training as an owner

Owners with ECCE training plan better programmes, hire and coach staff with confidence, and explain their approach clearly to parents. The Integrated Master Level adds classroom management, child psychology and learning disability, which are exactly the areas owners are asked about most.