How to Start a Childcare Business
Before you start
Learn about the different license and training requirements to be a childcare provider in Oregon. Contact the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care by email at ccld.customerservice@delc.oregon.gov or by phone at 800-556-6616 to learn more.
Get Assistance
Child Care Resource & Referral of Multnomah County offers low-cost and no-cost training, free consulting services, professional training for childcare providers. Call 503-491-6205 to learn more.
Neighborhood House offers business coaching for Oregon childcare educators.
Explore our funding page to learn about what funding options are available.
Trainings & licenses
Learn more about how to become a childcare provider by visiting the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care website.
Before applying for a license, complete the training as required by the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care. The trainings can be registered through the Child Care Resource of Referral & Multnomah County.
Enroll in the Central Background Registry.
Find a location
Verify if the property meets the zoning requirement through Portland Permitting & Development.
If you are operating in a residential building, follow the steps here to research the property information.
If you are operating a childcare center in a commercial building, follow the steps here to research the property information. Before signing a lease, work with a tenant representation broker and an attorney. Be sure to build in a square footage buffer to accommodate non-classroom space, such as storage, staff areas, and bathrooms for both children and adults. Consider consulting with an architect to plan the space layout and ensure it meets licensing and functional needs.
Set up your business
Register your business with the City of Portland. You may also be required to register with the State of Oregon and federally. Before registering, choose a legal structure and a name that fits your business. Learn more here.
Obtain insurance: It’s a generally good practice to purchase business insurance to help protect your business. Check out the Oregon Small Employer Guide to Insurance and Worksite Safety for more information.
Digital presence: Set up digital presence for your business helps generate buzz and sets the digital marketing foundation. Learn more about the basics here.
If you are going to hire employees, follow the steps outlined in the Oregon Employer’s Guide.
Prepare your space
Request a free kit from City of Portland to test water for lead as required by the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care. Learn more about the lead testing requirements here.
Building permits: review our permitting page to learn about may be required, the cost, and the process.
For Registered Family Child Care Home, use the sample health & safety review checklist as a reference to prepare your home.
For Certified Family Child Care Home, use the sample health & safety review checklist as a reference to prepare the facility. Multnomah county health department conducts the inspection for certified family home and the child care food program. Learn more here.
For Certified Child Care Center, use the sample health & safety review checklist as a reference to prepare the facility. Multnomah county health department conducts the inspection for certified family home and the child care food program. Learn more here.
Garbage, recycling, and compost requirement: Learn more here about garbage, recycling, and compost requirements for businesses operating in a commercial space. Note that there are additional composting requirements depending on how much food waste you produce. Work with your landlord/property manager to set up these services. If you are setting up a new service, you can negotiate service level, frequency and cost. Rates are not set by the City of Portland.
Sign and awning permit: learn more about when a sign permit is needed and how to apply here. Additionally, learn about the sign registration for portable signs and temporary signs.
Tree permit: check with City of Portland Urban Forestry to determine if your construction may require a tree permit and how to apply.
Get Assistance:
Schedule a free 15-minute appointment with Portland Permitting & Development for permit, code, and zoning questions
Explore our funding page to learn about what funding options are available.
Businesses that make structural adaptations or other accommodations for employees or customers with disabilities may be eligible for tax credits and deductions. Learn more at the IRS webpage here.
Open your business
Mark your calendar for future inspections to stay compliant with requirements.
Check the Manage Your Business page to learn about the license renewal and tax filing requirements.
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