Responsibilities of a Daycare Centre: A Guide for Dubai Owners (2026)
Short answer: A daycare centre has seven main responsibilities:
- Keep children safe and healthy.
- Support their learning and development through play.
- Hire and supervise qualified staff.
- Communicate openly with parents.
- Follow regulations. In Dubai, nurseries and early childhood centres need a KHDA permit as well as a trade licence.
- Manage finances responsibly.
- Keep the building clean, secure and child-friendly.
This guide explains each one for owners and investors. You can browse nurseries for sale on BusinessFinder.me.
What are the main responsibilities of a daycare centre?
| Area | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Child safety and well-being | Supervision, secure entry and exit, first aid, safe sleeping, allergy and medication procedures |
| Development and learning | An age-appropriate curriculum, play-based learning, language and social skills |
| Staff management | Qualified, vetted staff, safe child-to-staff ratios, training and appraisal |
| Parent communication | Daily updates, progress reports, meetings and clear policies |
| Regulatory compliance | Licences, inspections, health and safety, record keeping |
| Financial management | Fees, budgets, payroll and keeping the centre viable |
| Facility management | Clean, safe, well-maintained indoor and outdoor spaces |
| Community engagement | Events, partnerships with schools and health services |
How does a daycare keep children safe?
- Controlled access, with authorised pick-up lists and ID checks
- Constant supervision, with staff numbers matched to the children’s ages
- Childproofed rooms, safe furniture and age-suitable toys
- First aid trained staff, an incident log and emergency drills
- Clear procedures for allergies, illness, medication and nap time
- Hygiene routines for handwashing, nappy changing and food handling
- Safeguarding training so staff can recognise and report concerns
How does a daycare support learning and development?
Good centres plan daily activities around play, early literacy and numeracy, music, movement and outdoor time. Many Dubai nurseries follow recognised early years frameworks, such as the British EYFS, Montessori or play-based international curricula, and include Arabic and Islamic or cultural activities as required. Staff observe each child and share progress with parents. Through routines and group play, children learn independence, sharing and communication.
What rules apply to daycare centres in Dubai?
In Dubai, early childhood centres and nurseries are regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Under Executive Council Resolution No. 35 of 2020, an operator needs:
- a commercial licence
- a KHDA Educational Services Permit
- approvals for the premises
- approvals for staff
The centre must keep records, meet health and safety rules and allow inspections. Some centres in free zones or other emirates are regulated by different authorities, such as the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) in Abu Dhabi. Check the current requirements with the regulator before you open or buy. For more detail, see our guide: property management services in Abu Dhabi.
What are the staff responsibilities in a daycare?
- Centre manager: runs operations, compliance, budgets, parent relations and staff supervision.
- Teachers: plan and lead activities, observe development and report to parents.
- Teaching assistants: support activities, care routines and supervision.
- Nurse or first aider: health checks, medication and incidents.
- Support staff: cleaning, kitchen, security and transport, where offered.
Hire people with suitable qualifications, check their references and background, and keep training up to date.
How should a daycare communicate with parents?
Parents want to know their child is safe and happy. Use a parent app or daily report covering meals, naps, activities and mood. Hold regular meetings to discuss progress. Share policies on fees, sickness, holidays and behaviour in writing, and answer concerns quickly. Open communication builds trust, which leads to good reviews and referrals, the main source of new enrolments.
What does running a daycare cost, and how does it earn money?
The main income is monthly or termly tuition fees, sometimes with registration fees, extended hours, meals, holiday camps and extra activities. The main costs are:
- rent for a suitable villa or ground-floor unit with outdoor space
- staff salaries and visas
- learning resources
- insurance
- food
- maintenance
- licence and permit renewals
Occupancy (how many places are filled) has the biggest effect on profit.
Should I start a daycare or buy one?
Setting up a new nursery means finding approved premises, completing the fit-out and getting approvals before you can enrol a single child. Buying an operating nursery gives you a permit, staff and enrolled families, but ownership changes need KHDA approval. Read our guide on nurseries for sale in Dubai, and see how to buy a business in Dubai.
Key takeaways
- A daycare is responsible for safety, learning, staffing, parent communication, compliance, finances and the facility.
- In Dubai, nurseries need a commercial licence and a KHDA Educational Services Permit.
- Qualified, vetted staff and clear safety procedures are essential.
- Occupancy and parent trust drive the centre’s success.
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- How to Start a Healthcare Business in Dubai: DHA Licensing Steps
Frequently asked questions
What are the main responsibilities of a daycare centre?
Child safety and well-being, learning and development, staff management, parent communication, regulatory compliance, financial management and facility management.
Who regulates daycare centres in Dubai?
KHDA regulates nurseries and early childhood centres in Dubai, alongside the commercial licence. Other emirates have their own regulators, such as ADEK in Abu Dhabi.
What do daycare staff do?
Managers run operations and compliance, teachers plan learning and report progress, assistants support care routines, and nurses or first aiders handle health and incidents.
How should a daycare communicate with parents?
Through daily reports or an app, regular progress meetings and clear written policies.
Can I buy an existing daycare in Dubai?
Yes. Nurseries are listed for sale on BusinessFinder.me. Ownership changes need KHDA approval.
Last updated: 19 October 2026
