Books and Resources to Start Strong
Starting an after school care business requires understanding child development, operations management, and the regulatory landscape. These books provide practical frameworks for building a program that’s both profitable and genuinely beneficial for the children in your care.
The Business of Child Care by Margaret O’Brien Hosts
This book walks you through licensing requirements, staffing strategies, and financial planning specific to child care operations. If you’re uncertain about regulatory compliance or how to structure your pricing, this resource cuts through the confusion with state-by-state guidance and real profit-and-loss examples.
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Child Development: A Practical Introduction by Laura E. Berk
Understanding how children learn and grow at different ages directly affects your program design, staff training, and daily activities. This book helps you create age-appropriate activities and recognize developmental milestones, which improves both parent satisfaction and your credibility as an operator.
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The Nonprofit Guide to Operating an After-School Program by Afterschool Alliance
Even if you’re for-profit, this resource covers program structure, staff roles, activity planning, and parent communication. The frameworks work whether you’re in a nonprofit or commercial setting and give you a checklist approach to launching operations.
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Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
As your business grows from 20 kids to 60, you need systems for scheduling, staff management, and parent communication. This book teaches the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), which many small service businesses use to stay organized and prevent burnout.
Equipment You Need
Your startup costs for after school care are lower than full-day preschool because you’re typically using existing school facilities or renting shared space. Most of your budget goes to furniture, activity supplies, and administrative tools rather than heavy renovation or specialized equipment.
Furniture and Seating
- Child-size tables and chairs: Adjustable or stackable sets for homework, snacks, and activities. You’ll need roughly one seat per 6-8 enrolled children.
- Storage shelving: Low, accessible units so children can grab activity materials independently. Metal or plastic shelving withstands heavy use.
- Cubbies or lockers: Personal storage for each child’s backpack and belongings—critical for organization and reducing lost items.
- Soft seating: Bean bags, cushions, or a small couch for reading and quiet time.
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Activity and Learning Supplies
- Art supplies: Markers, colored pencils, construction paper, scissors, glue, paint. Budget $200-300 to start; you’ll restock quarterly.
- STEM materials: Building blocks, LEGO sets, engineering kits, coding robots. These age-appropriate tools teach problem-solving and keep older kids engaged.
- Sports and outdoor equipment: Jump ropes, balls, badminton rackets, sidewalk chalk. Even if you use school facilities, having backup supplies prevents downtime.
- Board games and puzzles: Age-appropriate games that build strategy, social skills, and group bonding.
- Books and reading materials: Diverse titles spanning grades K-5, including graphic novels and series that keep kids returning.
- Music and movement supplies: Bluetooth speaker, simple instruments, yoga mats for mindfulness activities.
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Snack and Kitchen Equipment
- Refrigerator and freezer: If your facility doesn’t provide one, a commercial mini-fridge keeps snacks and lunch items safe.
- Microwave and toaster oven: For reheating snacks or simple meal prep.
- Serving utensils and plates: Durable, dishwasher-safe dishes that hold up to daily use.
- Beverage dispensers: Large containers for water to encourage hydration and reduce plastic cup waste.
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Administrative and Safety Equipment
- Attendance and check-in system: Tablet-based app or simple sign-in sheet with parent signature required for pickup.
- First aid and safety kit: Stocked first aid box, accident report forms, emergency contact lists for every child.
- Cleaning and sanitizing supplies: EPA-approved disinfectants for high-touch surfaces. Post-pandemic, parents expect visible hygiene practices.
- Camera for documentation: Basic camera or smartphone to capture program moments for parent updates and marketing.
- Walkie-talkies or mobile devices: For staff communication across multiple rooms or outdoor areas.
- Clock and timer: Visual timers help children transition between activities; wall clocks keep the schedule visible.
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What to Buy First vs Later
Prioritize purchases that directly impact daily operations and child safety. Secondary items can be added as revenue stabilizes and you understand your program’s specific needs.
- First (essential): Tables and chairs, storage shelving, cubbies, basic art and activity supplies, first aid kit, sanitizing supplies, check-in system, snack supplies.
- Second (within 3 months): STEM kits, board games and books, sports equipment, Bluetooth speaker for music and activities.
- Third (6+ months, as budget allows): Specialized equipment like a coding robot, high-end building sets, outdoor shade structure, additional furniture for expansion.
New vs Used Equipment
Buy new when it comes to safety and hygiene items—first aid kits, sanitizing supplies, and items that contact children’s faces or food. These should meet current safety standards and you’ll want the warranty. Used equipment in these categories creates liability and credibility issues with parents.
Buy used for furniture, storage, and activity supplies. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local school surplus sales often have sturdy tables and shelving at 30-50% of retail price. Inspect for safety (no sharp edges, loose bolts, or stains you can’t clean) and avoid fabric items unless you can thoroughly clean or replace them. Many businesses and schools discard perfectly functional materials during budget cycles or renovations. Activity supplies—books, puzzles, building blocks—are also safe bets used. Test games and puzzles to ensure pieces are complete before purchasing.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Consistent pricing, quick delivery, and easy returns for items you need to verify quality in person.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Furniture and bulk supplies at steep discounts. Schedule time to inspect before committing.
- School surplus sales: Districts regularly liquidate furniture and equipment. Check your local school district’s website or contact the purchasing department.
- Restaurant supply stores: Commercial-grade dishes, serving utensils, and food storage containers built to last.
- Office supply retailers: Shelving, storage units, filing systems, and check-in supplies.
- Local toy and educational suppliers: Supporting local businesses builds community relationships and often provides better advice on age-appropriate materials than big-box retailers.
- Bulk retailers like Costco or Sam’s Club: Art supplies, snacks, and sanitizing products in quantity save money over time.
- ThredUP and Poshmark: Books and children’s items at secondhand prices.