With more families in Bahrain juggling work and parenting, quality childcare services are in high demand. Starting a daycare business in Bahrain is not only a profitable venture—it’s also a meaningful one. You get the chance to support working parents while building a trusted community brand.

Whether you’re a teacher, entrepreneur, or simply someone passionate about child development, this guide walks you through every step of starting a daycare—from licenses and location to staffing, marketing, and compliance.

Let’s dive into how to make your daycare dream a business reality in Bahrain.

Why Start a Daycare Business in Bahrain?

Before you get into logistics, it’s important to understand why the childcare market in Bahrain is a smart move.

Rising Demand Among Working Parents

As more parents work full-time, safe and reliable daycare in Bahrain is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Most families seek structured environments where their children can learn, play, and socialize during the day.

Government Support for Education

Bahrain’s Vision 2030 places a strong focus on education, including early childhood development. The government encourages private sector involvement in education-related services.

Low Competition in Certain Areas

While urban zones like Manama have several nurseries, suburban and residential communities are still underserved. Starting in a neighborhood with fewer competitors can give you a first-mover advantage.

Rewarding Business Model

Daycare centers generate consistent income through enrollment fees, monthly tuition, and add-on services like meal plans or enrichment activities. It’s a stable business once established.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Daycare Business in Bahrain

Let’s break this down into actionable steps so you can get started the right way.

Step 1 – Understand the Legal Requirements

First things first: You’ll need to obtain a daycare license in Bahrain from the Ministry of Labour and Social Development. Without this, operating a daycare is illegal.

You’ll need to meet these conditions:

• Be at least 21 years old
  
• Hold a good conduct certificate (no criminal record)
  
• Have a minimum of a high school diploma (preferably higher education in childcare, psychology, or education)
  
• Provide a safe and approved facility with required standards
  
• Submit a full business plan including curriculum, safety measures, staffing plans, and budgets

Step 2 – Choose the Right Business Model

Your model will shape your space, staff, and pricing. Options include:

• Home-based daycare (small, cozy, fewer children)
  
• Center-based daycare (larger, structured, can serve infants to preschoolers)
  
• Preschool with daycare services (focuses more on educational elements)
  
• Franchise model (partner with an existing daycare brand)
  

Each model comes with different licensing and safety regulations, so choose what suits your budget, space, and experience.

Step 3 – Find a Suitable Location

A good daycare needs to be easily accessible and in a safe, family-friendly area. Consider places close to:

• Residential communities
  
• Schools
  
• Business hubs
  

Make sure the building meets space and safety standards like:

• Enough space per child
  
• Natural lighting and ventilation
  
• Childproofing (no sharp corners, gated stairs, covered sockets)
  
• Indoor and outdoor play areas
  

Submit your facility layout for government inspection during the licensing phase.

Step 4 – Design the Curriculum and Daily Schedule

Parents want more than just babysitting—they want child development. Your curriculum should include:

• Motor skills development
  
• Storytelling and language building
  
• Basic numeracy and logic games
  
• Music and movement
  
• Free play and nap time
  

Keep the schedule flexible but structured. Make learning fun and age-appropriate for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Step 5 – Register Your Business

Once you finalize your location and plan, register your business officially. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Trade license through the Ministry of Industry and Commerce
  
• Municipality approval for your physical site
  
• Zakat & Tax registration if applicable
  
• Chamber of Commerce registration
  

Registering your daycare business in Bahrain ensures full legal protection and allows you to hire staff, open bank accounts, and start marketing.

Step 6 – Hire Qualified and Caring Staff

Your team will make or break your daycare. Roles you’ll need:

• Center director/manager – oversees operations
  
• Caregivers – one for every 4–6 children (depending on age group)
  
• Early education teachers – for preschool curriculum
  
• Nurse or first-aid certified staff – mandatory in some settings
  
• Cleaning and maintenance staff
  

All employees must be screened, trained, and hold a basic childcare or early education certificate. Conduct background checks to ensure a safe environment.

Step 7 – Invest in Equipment and Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need to set up your space:

• Age-appropriate toys and books
  
• Soft flooring or mats
  
• Child-sized furniture (tables, chairs, sleeping cots)
  
• Whiteboards and learning tools
  
• Storage for children’s belongings
  
• First-aid kits and sanitation stations
  
• CCTV for safety monitoring
  

Keep your space colorful, clean, and welcoming. Safety always comes first.

Step 8 – Set Your Pricing and Policies

Decide how you’ll charge:

• Monthly or weekly tuition?
  
• Full-day or half-day care?
  
• Discounts for siblings?
  
• Extra for meals or activities?
  

Also, draft your policy handbook covering:

• Opening/closing times
  
• Late pickup fees
  
• Sick child policy
  
• Emergency response procedures
  
• Parent communication (e.g. progress reports or daily summaries)
  

Transparency builds trust and reduces disputes.

Step 9 – Market Your Daycare

Use a mix of offline and digital tools:

• Launch a child-friendly website with photos, schedule, and pricing
  
• Run social media campaigns on Instagram and Facebook targeting local parents
  
• List your center on Bahrain business directories
  
• Offer open-house tours and trial days
  
• Encourage word-of-mouth referrals and testimonials
  

Highlight your staff qualifications, safety, and fun learning environment. That’s what parents care about most.

Estimated Cost to Start a Daycare in Bahrain

Startup costs depend on size, location, and setup. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Expense	Estimated Cost (BHD)
Licensing & Registration	800 – 1,500
Renovation & Fit-out	5,000 – 12,000
Furniture & Toys	2,000 – 6,000
Salaries (first 3 months)	5,000 – 10,000
Marketing & Branding	1,000 – 2,500
Insurance & Safety Compliance	500 – 1,000

Expect to spend BHD 15,000 to 30,000 depending on your scale. Profitability usually starts within the first 6–12 months if managed well.

Long-Term Tips for Growing Your Daycare

Once your daycare is up and running, here’s how to scale and succeed:

Build Parent Trust

Daily updates, newsletters, and open communication create long-term loyalty.

Train Staff Regularly

Hold workshops on new child development techniques, safety, and emotional intelligence.

Host Events

Holiday shows, parent-child days, and themed learning weeks keep the center exciting.

Expand Gradually

You can grow by opening another branch or offering new services like after-school care or weekend playgroups.

Conclusion

Opening a daycare business in Bahrain is a great way to serve the community while building a financially stable business. With strong demand, supportive regulations, and a growing population of working families, the opportunity is real.

Start with a solid plan, secure the right daycare license in Bahrain, and focus on quality care and communication. If done right, your center can quickly become the go-to name for childcare in your area.

Let your passion for children shine, and your daycare will grow from a business into a trusted brand.