To start a daycare in Sharjah, prepare a business plan, conduct market research, and register with the Sharjah Department of Social Services, which provides the necessary Sharia permits. You must also secure a location, gain approvals from the Sharjah Municipality and Civil Defense, acquire an educational license from the Ministry of Education, and meet the stringent health, safety, and educational standards set by the authorities.
1. Initial Planning & Research
Business Plan:
Develop a detailed business plan outlining your services, market research, financial estimates, and unique offerings.
Market Research:
Analyze the local demand for daycares, identify suitable locations in residential areas, and study the competition to understand pricing and identify unique selling points.
2. Approvals & Licensing
DED Registration:
Register your business with the Department of Economic Development to obtain a business license.
Ministry of Education (MOE) License:
Apply for the educational license by submitting an academic plan and floor plan.
Sharjah Social Services Department:
Obtain the necessary permits and approvals from this department.
Municipality & Civil Defense:
Secure approvals from both the Sharjah Municipality for public health standards and the Civil Defense for safety regulations.
Educational Certificate:
You will need an attested educational profile and degrees to meet the requirements for the owner.
3. Location & Facility
Find a Suitable Location:
Choose a location that is safe, accessible, and situated in a major residential area for easy access by parents.
Develop Infrastructure:
Ensure the facility meets all required space, equipment, and safety standards, including playground areas and age-appropriate facilities.
4. Staffing & Operations
Hire Qualified Staff:
Recruit experienced and qualified educators who hold relevant degrees and certifications.
Develop Policies:
Establish clear policies covering child safety, health standards, and day-to-day operations.
5. Compliance & Quality
Adhere to Standards:
Ensure compliance with all local and international educational, health, and safety standards to ensure quality care for children.
Cultural Sensitivity:
Consider the multicultural environment of the UAE by offering flexible services and accommodating diverse needs.
Why More Families in Sharjah Are Turning to Daycare
In today’s fast-paced world, especially in cities like Sharjah and Dubai, it’s common for both parents to work full-time jobs. With office hours typically running from 9 AM to 6 PM, many families find it challenging to care for their young children during the day.
If they have the budget, some parents hire full-time nannies or childminders. But for many others, the practical and affordable solution is to enroll their kids in a daycare center.
Why Start a Daycare in Sharjah?
Sharjah, like the rest of the UAE, is experiencing a rising demand for professional childcare services. As the government continues to encourage higher female workforce participation, more families need reliable childcare during working hours.
This growing demand, paired with recent government support for family-friendly businesses, has made it easier than ever to open a licensed daycare in Sharjah. If you’re an entrepreneur with a passion for early childhood care, this is the perfect opportunity.
Things to Consider Before Starting a Daycare in Sharjah
Starting a daycare is more than just opening a space for children. It’s about creating a safe, nurturing, and educational environment where parents feel confident leaving their little ones. If you’re wondering how to start a daycare in Sharjah, you need to understand that running such a facility comes with great responsibility. You will be entrusted with a child’s safety, health, meals, learning, and overall well-being.
With the right planning and strict compliance with local regulations, this can become a highly profitable venture and Quickplus Business Consultants will expertly guide you through every step of the process.
Below are some of the most important things to consider before you begin.
1. Choose the Type of Daycare Setup
- Home-based daycare: Ideal for small groups and a homely atmosphere.
- Dedicated commercial daycare center: Requires a separate location, more space, and a larger team.
2. Define the Age Groups You Will Serve
- Infants (0–2 years)
- Preschoolers (3–5 years)
- Mixed-age groups
3. Ensure Safety and Security Standards
- Child-proof the entire space, including furniture and electrical outlets.
- Use safety gates, secure doors, and non-slip flooring.
- Install CCTV (if allowed by regulations) for security monitoring.
- Create an emergency response plan for staff.
4. Hire Qualified and Trained Staff
- Background in early childhood education.
- CPR and first aid certification.
- Experience in managing children of your chosen age group.
5. Equip the Facility with the Right Resources
- Age-appropriate toys, books, and art supplies.
- Comfortable sleeping areas for naps.
- Indoor play zones and safe outdoor spaces.
- Kitchen facilities for healthy meal preparation.
6. Understand and Comply with Licensing Requirements
- Applying for the correct daycare license.
- Meeting building safety and health standards.
- Following child-to-staff ratio regulations.
Documents Required to Start a Daycare in Sharjah
If you have decided to move forward with your plan and are learning how to start a daycare in Sharjah, the next step is to complete the licensing process. This process ensures your daycare complies with Sharjah’s childcare regulations and meets all safety, education, and facility standards.
Below is a list of the key documents you will typically need to prepare.
1. Personal and Qualification Details
Authorities will require your personal information along with proof of your qualifications. This may include:
- A valid ID and contact details.
- An attested academic degree certificate relevant to childcare or business management.
2. Passport Copies
Provide clear copies of:
- Your own passport (entrepreneur/owner).
- The passport of your UAE national partner (if applicable).
3. Police Clearance Certificateh3
Because operating a daycare involves working closely with children, safety is the top priority. You must submit:
- A police clearance report for yourself.
- A police clearance report for your business partner(s).
4. Daycare Location and Design Layout
You will need to share details of your chosen location along with a floor plan or layout that shows:
- Classroom arrangement.
- Play areas.
- Safety features such as gates, secure doors, and emergency exits.
5. Municipality and Civil Defense Approvals
Before opening, you must obtain official confirmation that your daycare meets all building and safety requirements:
- Municipality approval for the premises.
- Civil Defense approval verifying fire safety and emergency readiness
Cost of Starting a Daycare in Sharjah
If you are exploring how to start a daycare in Sharjah, one of the first questions you might have is about the cost. The total investment can vary depending on several factors, such as your chosen location, licensing requirements, staffing needs, and additional services you plan to offer.
Key Cost Factors to Consider
When budgeting for your daycare setup in Sharjah, you should account for:
- Licensing and Registration Fees: These cover your official daycare business license and necessary government approvals.
- Visa Costs: If you plan to hire staff from outside the UAE, you’ll need to factor in work visa fees.
- Staff Salaries: Hiring qualified caregivers and administrative staff is one of the largest ongoing expenses.
- Insurance: Public liability and business insurance are essential for protecting your daycare and complying with regulations.
- Premises Costs: Rental or purchase of your daycare location will significantly impact your budget, along with any fit-out or furnishing expenses.
Average Licensing Cost in Sharjah
While exact fees vary based on the scope of your operations, the average cost for obtaining a daycare license in Sharjah typically ranges between AED 12,000 and AED 20,000. This range does not include additional setup expenses such as furniture, learning materials, and safety equipment. Do contact Quickplus for a more personalized cost.
Getting an Accurate Cost Estimate
Because every daycare business is unique, your costs will depend on factors like the size of your facility, the number of children you plan to accommodate, and the range of services you offer.
Start Your Daycare in Sharjah with Quickplus
For a personalized cost breakdown, Quickplus Business Consultants can provide you with an up-to-date estimate based on your specific requirements. This ensures you get a budget that aligns with your goals and the activities you plan to carry out.
