Launching a preschool is a major endeavor. Preschools are similar to daycare centers, in that they are not regulated by school boards. The mission, however, of many preschool centers is early childhood development and preparation for the school system. Private schools often incorporate preschools into their larger school system, but many independent services and facilities also exist. Writing a business proposal for a preschool center requires research and planning for the regulatory, financial, facility and marketing aspects of the business.

Structure and Outline Your Proposal

Building the basic document with sections and headings will help guide your research while also maintaining organization. Numerous free templates exist that include everything from a single-page proposal to in-depth corporate options. A preschool proposal will fall somewhere in the middle. Start with an executive summary, company description and mission, then outline and introduce the market and strategy. Introduce the location, market and demographic, as well as the marketing plan, overhead structure and the projected financials. If investors are involved, show the ownership percentages and profit or loss structure assumed by the investors.

Work Through the Regulations

There is no national regulatory agency for preschools. Each state is different, with some having strict guidelines and others having none. Some states even have funding available for tuition assistance and supplies. Research your state guidelines, the licensing requirements and the requirements to open a preschool. Make a two-column list that shows each requirement in one column, and your ability to meet the requirement in the next column. If you've already met a requirement, note that as well. Your ability to make a timely and legal launch is an important factor in the proposal.

Cost and Profit Predictions

Demonstrating financials in a proposal is difficult, as they are really only predictions. The more substantial data you provide the better your proposal looks. Use demographics such as age, marital status, family size, and so on, plus the average family income and a competitive analysis to show the demand in the area surrounding your location. Also show how many students you require for a break-even point and also how many to turn a profit against these statistics. If you demonstrate a high-demand market and the ability to turn a profit at 50-percent capacity, or less, the model looks great.

Overhead Structure

The biggest overhead costs are location and employees. Preschool locations vary from the owner's home to large facilities. A quality location is often expensive, but it demonstrates legitimacy while increasing confidence in safety, and in your ability to provide a safe, positive experience.