Can You Run Your Own Childcare Center with an ECE Degree?
Posted On October 2,2025
There are many things you can do with an early childhood education degree. You can work in a preschool, a childcare center, as a nanny, or expand beyond traditional school or care environments. Some ECE graduates want to focus on teaching. Others are intrigued by the idea of owning and operating their own childcare centers. Is it possible to open and run your own center with a degree in early childhood education?
What Does a Degree in Early Childhood Education Include?
Your early childhood education degree will cover a comprehensive range of topics essential for understanding and nurturing the development of young children, focusing on their academic, social, and emotional growth. An early childhood education degree includes classes in child development and child psychology. Other courses include curriculum design, where students learn how to create engaging educational activities tailored to different age groups of young children. Additionally, the degree program will cover the importance of family and community engagement, strategies for effective classroom management, and relevant educational policies. Practical experience through internships or student teaching is a key component of any early childhood education program, providing hands-on experience in real-world settings. This comprehensive approach guarantees graduates are well-prepared to support and educate young children effectively. After finishing your degree, you will be able to step confidently into a classroom of preschoolers or toddlers and be a strong teacher, but your early childhood goals don’t need to stop with teaching. The foundation you get from your early childhood education degree can be a perfect jumping-off point to owning your own childcare center.
Why Run Your Own Childcare Center?
You are aware of the benefits of working in early childhood education. You’ll make a positive difference in the lives of young children and can help support families. Many preschools and childcare centers are seeking qualified teachers, and with a degree in early childhood education, you will have a wide range of fulfilling job opportunities. However, there are also many benefits to going out on your own. Instead of relying on someone else for a paycheck, you’ll have control over your financial and working life. If you have your own children, you can incorporate them into your day, which can result in significant savings. Most importantly, however, you will have the freedom to design and create your personal vision for an ideal childcare environment.
What Goes into Running Your Own Childcare Center?
Parents want a strong childcare center where they can trust that their children are not only safe during the day but also have an enriching experience, socialize with their peers, and are well cared for. Once you have experience working in a childcare center and have your early childhood education degree, you may think that it won’t be that difficult to start your own childcare center. However, there is a lot that goes into running your own childcare center beyond the basics. You need a business plan. As the owner, you will need to:
- Find and manage a team of qualified early childhood educators.
- Market your business to local parents.
- Go through the licensing process and develop practices to ensure adherence to all relevant health and safety regulations.
- Plan a complete curriculum with age and developmentally appropriate activities.
- Communicate regularly with parents and caregivers.
- Manage enrollment and draft contracts that outline your services, charges, hours, and other policies.
- Manage budget and finances.
- Maintain records.
When you think of running your own childcare center as more of a business owner than an educator, it becomes very clear that while you may have a good foundation in early childhood, you need to be prepared with a business mindset as well. There are also some upfront costs, which, although manageable, you will need to budget for.
Planning Your Business the Right Way
An early childhood education degree gives you the best possible foundation when it comes to childcare. You’ll understand child development, classroom management, curriculum planning, best educational practices, and everything that the public sees when they look at your program. However, you will also need a strong understanding of good business practices. While you don’t have to go back for another degree in business, it is a good idea to pick up some classes in bookkeeping, marketing, and business management. It’s also essential to thoroughly research the licensing requirements before you start your business.
Having a Degree Gives You Credibility and Gives Parents Peace of Mind
Many childcare providers come up with a cute name, advertise in local groups, and start their business without proper preparation or an educational foundation. While some parents simply want a budget-friendly or convenient option, many others want to know that their child is safe at a center where the owner has educational credibility. With your degree in early childhood, parents will know that you understand child development, child psychology, the best way to set up your program, and the best way to encourage children to grow and thrive. If you are highly qualified, parents will be ready to trust you.
Owning your own childcare center is a great use of your early childhood education degree. You’ll have the benefits of running your own business alongside the benefits of teaching and nurturing young children, watching them grow and thrive under your leadership. If you are wondering what to do with your ECE degree, consider taking the leap to open your own center and truly take your future into your own hands.
Athena Career Academy can help you get there with a flexible, career-focused ECE program. Contact us today to learn more!