10 Creative Ways to Earn Extra Income for your Childcare Business

Boost Your Childcare Center’s Revenue: 10 Smart Ways to Earn Extra Income

Running a childcare center is a labor of love, but let’s be real—it’s also a business. And businesses need cash flow. The good news? There are plenty of ways to boost your revenue without adding more stress to your plate. Some ideas take a little effort, while others are set-it-and-forget-it passive income streams. Here are 10 creative ways to earn extra income for your childcare business, inspired by real success stories and proven strategies.

1. Partner with Mabel’s Labels (Passive Income)

I’ll never forget the childcare owner who told me, “Mabel’s Labels saved my sanity—and my budget.” Here’s how it works: Partner with Mabel’s Labels through their School Fundraising Program, and earn a commission for every purchase made through your unique link. Share the program in your welcome emails or packets, and let families know that their purchases will help fund new playground equipment or other improvements. It’s a win-win: parents get high-quality labels, your center earns extra cash, and your lost and found has less misplaced items in it! Plus, it’s completely hands-off once you set it up.

Mabel Labels showcased on child's belongings

2. Offer Friday Family Dinner-to-Go (Active Income)

Busy parents are always looking for ways to simplify their lives. One childcare center I know partnered with their chef to offer Friday Family Dinner-to-Go. Parents could pre-order meals through the center, and the center earned a percentage of the sales. It was a hit! Families loved the convenience, and the center earned extra revenue with minimal effort. Pro tip: You could also utilize local restaurants and rotate restaurants to keep things fresh and exciting.

3. Host Parent Night Out Events (Active Income)

Let’s face it—parents need a break. Lots of owners I have hosted Parent Night Out events once a month or quarter. For a flat fee, parents could drop their kids off for an evening of fun activities, games, and snacks. The kids loved it, the parents loved it, and the center earned an extra $500 per event (while paying their teachers double their normal rate). Bonus: Offer themed nights (like movie nights or pajama parties) to make it even more appealing.

4. Sell Sensory Play Packs (Active Income)

Sensory play is a big hit with kids—and parents are always looking for ways to keep their little ones engaged at home. As a leader in play it could be easy to sell sensory play packs filled with kinetic sand, playdough, textured toys, and activity cards. Sell them to families for approximately $25 each and even offer monthly subscriptions. It was a simple way to earn extra income while supporting child development.

Honeybee Sensory Kit from young wild and friedman

5. Offer Professional Development Opportunities (Active Income)

Did you know that many childcare professionals are hungry for growth opportunities? A reputable center in my town started hosting professional development workshops for their staff and the broader community. Topics ranged from classroom management to curriculum planning, and they charged a fee for attendance. Not only did it generate extra income, but it also positioned the center as a leader in the industry (and may just help build connections with passionate teachers in your community). If you offer the classes digitally then you also have the opportunity to teach a national or global audience instead of just locally.

6. Partner with Soccer Shots (Passive Income)

Here’s an option I love as the spring approaches: A childcare owner that I know, partnered with Soccer Shots to offer weekly soccer classes at her center. Soccer Shots handled the coaching and logistics, while she charged parents a little extra for the convenience. The kids loved it, the parents loved it, and the center earned a nice chunk of passive income. It’s a no-brainer if you’re looking to add value without adding work.

7. Affiliate Marketing with Subscription Services or Toys (Passive Income)

Affiliate marketing is one of my favorite passive income strategies. Partner with brands like KiwiCo, Little Passports, or even Amazon to earn a commission for every purchase made through your link. For example, you could recommend educational toys, books, or subscription boxes in your newsletters or on your website. If your Facebook page is a resource for local parents on parenting activities and more you could increase potential earnings by posting affiliate links in your socials. It’s easy money!

8. Sell Digital Resources for Families (Passive Income)

Digital products are the ultimate passive income stream. Create and sell digital resources like printable activity packs, parenting guides, or meal plans for busy families. One owner I met created a “Rainy Day Activity Pack” and sold it for $10—and it’s still selling! Once created, these resources can be sold repeatedly with no additional effort.

Indoor Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt

9. Partner with Local Businesses (Passive Income)

Building relationships with local businesses is a win-win. Team up with pediatricians, dentists, or family photographers to offer exclusive discounts to your families. In return, you can earn a referral fee or a percentage of sales. Partner with a local photographer and earn $40 for every family that booked a session. It’s a simple way to build community while earning passive income.

10. Weekend Programs or Facility Rentals (Active/Passive Income)

Your center is a valuable asset—why not make it work for you on weekends? Offer weekend programs like music classes, stay-and-play sessions, or even rent out your space for birthday parties. One owner I know started hosting Saturday morning music classes and charged per child that attended. It earned her extra income, marketed her program and the parents loved having a fun weekend activity for their kids.

Why These Ideas Work

These ideas aren’t just about earning extra money—they’re about adding value to your families and community. Whether it’s providing convenience (like dinner-to-go), supporting parents (with Parent Night Out), or enhancing your center’s offerings (with sensory play packs), these strategies help you build stronger relationships while boosting your bottom line.

Final Thoughts

Earning extra income for your childcare business doesn’t have to be complicated. With a mix of active and passive income ideas, you can find the perfect balance to suit your center’s needs. Start small, experiment with what works best for your community, and watch your revenue—and your impact—grow!