Most businesses in the U.S. – including daycares, child care centers, and preschools – require a NAICS code in order to register with the state or incorporate, open a business bank account, apply for grants, file taxes, seek government contracts, or pursue other official business. For the vast majority of child care businesses, the right NAICS code is 624410. Using the right code ensures proper classification, helps with licensing, marketing, and accessing industry-specific resources.

What Is a NAICS Code?

NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) is the standard used by federal statistical agencies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico to classify business establishments by their primary economic activity. Updated periodically (the latest major version was released in 2022), these six-digit codes help with data collection, benchmarking, and eligibility for programs.

Primary NAICS Code for Daycare and Childcare

The main NAICS code for most daycare and childcare businesses is:624410 – Child Day Care Services

Official Description

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing day care to infants or children. These establishments generally care for preschool children, but may also care for older children when they are not in school. They may offer pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, or early learning/educational programs.

What Types of Businesses Fall Under NAICS 624410?

If you describe your business in any of the following ways, NAICS 624410 is most likely the appropriate code to use.

• Child or infant day care centers

• Group day care centers

• Family child care homes (in the provider’s own home)

• Nursery schools and playschools (not part of elementary schools)

• Preschool programs focused on care

• Before- and after-school care (separate from schools)

• Head Start and Early Head Start programs operated independently

• Child day care babysitting services

Note: In-home nannies employed directly by private households typically fall under a different classification (e.g., private household services), not 624410.

NAICS Hierarchy for Childcare

All NAICS codes are part of a larger hierarchy depending on the industry. Codes are built upon wider classifications and get more specific with each piece of the number. Child care branches are specified in the following ways:

• Sector 62: Health Care and Social Assistance

• Subsector 624: Social Assistance

• Industry Group 6244: Child Day Care Services (or Child Care Services)

• National Industry 624410: Child Day Care Services / Child Care Services

The 4-digit code 6244 is often referenced in statistical reports for the broader childcare category.

Related or Alternative NAICS Codes

While 624410 covers the vast majority of daycare businesses, here are some adjacent codes:

Always base your selection on your primary business activity.

Why the Correct NAICS Code Matters for Your Daycare Business

While you won’t necessarily get in trouble for picking the wrong NAICS code, there are a lot of reasons to get this right on the first go, including:

1. Government contracts and grants: Many federal, state, and local opportunities require specific NAICS codes.

2. Business registration and licensing: Banks, insurers, and licensing agencies often request it.

3. Market research and benchmarking: Access accurate industry data, statistics, and competitor insights.

4. Tax and compliance: Helps with proper reporting and eligibility for industry-specific deductions or programs.

5. Marketing and SEO: Understanding your classification can inform how you describe services online.

How to Confirm or Change Your NAICS Code

Your NAICS code can be verified in a few different ways depending on where you’re at in the business registration process.

To confirm the code you select is up to date and correct, you can visit the official U.S. Census Bureau NAICS search tool and search “child day care” or “childcare.” Similarly, you can use sites like naics.com for detailed descriptions and examples.

If your child care business is already registered and operational, you can consult your accountant, attorney, or state childcare licensing agency to confirm your NAICS code selection.

When in doubt, choose the code that best matches your primary revenue source.

The Bottom Line

The NAICS code 624410 is the standard classification for nearly all daycare and professional childcare businesses in the United States. Getting this right from the start streamlines operations and opens doors to valuable resources like potential tax benefits and grant opportunities. If you’re launching or growing a childcare business, pair the correct NAICS code with strong local SEO (targeting terms like “daycare near me,” “[city] childcare,” and “infant care [location]”) to attract families effectively.