Estimates only — payroll burden is approximated at +12% for employer CPP/EI/WorkSafeBC, staff at 160 hours/FTE/month. Model funding (CCOF/CCFRI) as higher effective tuition.
How to read your numbers
- Margin under 5%? You're one vacancy from losing money — see the margin levers guide.
- Break-even close to your enrolment? Occupancy is your problem — see filling spots.
- Wages above 70% of revenue? Check your room composition against BC ratios.
Run your daycare on Mitten — free to start
Mitten does everything in this guide — daily reports, photos, messaging, billing, even payroll prep — free for your first 5 children, then just $20/mo + $2 per child.
Start free — no card needed → See the live demoFrequently asked questions
- How do I calculate daycare profitability?
- Monthly revenue (children × average tuition) minus monthly costs (staffing including ~12% employer payroll burden, rent, food, supplies, insurance, admin). Divide profit by revenue for your margin; divide fixed costs by tuition for your break-even enrolment.
- What profit margin should a daycare aim for?
- A commonly cited healthy range is 10–20% for owner-operated centres. Under 5% means one vacancy or one repair can put you underwater.