Introduction:
Turning Passion into Purpose. If you love working with children and dream of running your own business, starting a child care business in Australia can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make.
Many aspiring educators worry that starting a business requires a big investment — but that’s not always true.
With the right planning, you can launch your own child care or family day care service with minimum cost while still meeting all legal and quality standards.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to start a child care business in Australia with minimum investment, step by step.
Why Choose a Family Day Care?
If your goal is to start small and grow gradually, Family Day Care (FDC) is the best option.
Here’s why:
✅ You can run it from your own home — no need to rent a centre
✅ You can start with limited equipment
✅ You care for a small number of children (usually up to 7)
✅ You have flexible hours and full control of your schedule
✅ You receive support and training from an approved provider service
This makes Family Day Care the most affordable and beginner-friendly path for educators who want to start a child care business in Australia.
Step 1: Understand Licensing and Requirements
Before you start, it’s important to know the legal requirements.
In Australia, all child care providers must comply with the National Quality Framework (NQF) and Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
You’ll need:
- Certificate III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- First Aid & CPR Certification
- A safe home environment (meets health and safety standards)
- Registration with a Family Day Care Service Provider
The good news?
You don’t have to handle everything alone — your FDC provider will guide you through registration, training, and compliance.
Step 2: Use Your Own Home to Save Costs
The biggest advantage of a home-based child care business is that you don’t need to pay rent or build a facility.
You can transform your living space into a safe and engaging learning environment.
Tips to set up affordably:
- Use existing furniture (soft mats, shelves, tables)
- Buy second-hand toys and books from Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree
- Use natural outdoor spaces like your backyard for playtime
- DIY your decorations — posters, charts, and alphabet walls
This way, you can start your business with less than AUD 3,000–5,000.
Step 3: Register with a Family Day Care Scheme
You can’t legally run a family day care without joining an approved Family Day Care Scheme.
These organisations help educators meet legal, safety, and educational standards.
They provide:
- Licensing and background checks
- Ongoing training and mentorship
- Guidance on safety audits and curriculum
- Administrative support (parent fees, government rebates)
Your provider service also connects you with parents looking for educators — meaning you don’t need to spend much on marketing in the beginning.
Step 4: Plan Your Program and Daily Routine
Even with a small setup, your child care program should include educational and fun activities that support children’s growth.
Low-cost activity ideas:
- Storytime and picture books
- Music and movement using free YouTube songs
- Nature play and gardening
- Simple art with paper, crayons, or recycled materials
- Building blocks or imaginative play
Following the EYLF principles — Belonging, Being, and Becoming — will help you maintain quality learning standards.
Step 5: Keep Costs Low and Manage Smartly
When starting with minimum investment, smart budgeting is essential.
Here’s how to reduce unnecessary expenses:
✅ Save on Setup:
- Reuse what you already have (tables, chairs, storage bins)
- Shop second-hand or borrow toys from friends/family
- Start small with 2–3 children and expand later
✅ Save on Operations:
- Use free digital tools like Google Sheets (for attendance and planning)
- Promote your service on Facebook groups instead of paid ads
- Partner with local parents — word of mouth is powerful
✅ Government Support:
Australia offers Child Care Subsidies (CCS) and educator support programs that can make your business more profitable from day one.
Step 6: Promote Your Business for Free
You don’t need a big marketing budget.
Start with free and effective promotion methods:
- Create a simple Facebook Page with your business name and photos
- Join local parenting groups and share your service info
- Ask happy parents for referrals and testimonials
- Create a free Google Business Profile for visibility
- Add your listing to child care directories in Australia
Once you earn some income, you can invest in a basic website (like through Success Sphere Enterprise) to look more professional.
Step 7: Build Trust with Families
Parents want safety, reliability, and care.
Building trust is your strongest marketing tool.
Focus on:
- Clear communication
- A warm, nurturing attitude
- Clean and safe surroundings
- Consistent daily routines
- Sharing progress updates about each child
Remember, parents are more likely to recommend you when they feel confident about your service.
Step 8: Keep Learning and Growing
Even after you start, continuous learning helps your business thrive.
Join workshops and training programs (many are free or low-cost).
Learn about:
- Child psychology
- Behaviour management
- Nutrition and safety
- New educational tools
Platforms like Success Sphere Enterprise offer onboarding programs and professional development resources to help new educators grow confidently.
Real-Life Example
Let’s take Emma from Melbourne as an example.
She started her family day care business from home with just AUD 4,000.
Her main expenses were safety setup, toys, and certification.
Within three months, she had five children enrolled and started earning over AUD 1,500 per week — while working flexible hours and caring for her own child at the same time.
Her success shows that you don’t need a big budget to make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Starting a child care business in Australia with minimum investment is absolutely possible — all you need is passion, preparation, and the right support.
By using your own home, joining a Family Day Care Scheme, and managing costs smartly, you can build a sustainable, fulfilling business that changes lives — including your own.
At Success Sphere Enterprise, we’re here to guide you through every step — from onboarding and training to growth and community support.
Empowering Educators. Nurturing Futures.
Ready to begin your journey?
Book Your Free Consultation today and take your first confident step toward starting your child care business in Australia.
