Key Takeaways
- Licensed childcare centers owned by AOS EAD holders qualify using SSN + EIN + 3 months of enrollment tuition deposits — no green card needed
- Weekly tuition receipts from enrolled families provide highly consistent, predictable deposits ideal for revenue-based underwriting
- SBA loans now require 100% US citizen ownership (March 2026) — childcare center owners on AOS need private capital alternatives
- Classroom buildout, playground safety surfaces, and staffing are primary capital uses for licensed childcare expansion
- Childcare facilities with $10K+ in monthly tuition deposits and 6+ months of licensed operation qualify for Bankable funding
The US childcare industry faces a persistent supply shortage, and licensed childcare center owners from immigrant communities often serve dual roles — providing culturally and linguistically appropriate care for children from similar backgrounds while operating licensed, state-regulated businesses that generate documented weekly tuition revenue. Many owners hold AOS EAD status, having built their centers over many years while maintaining state childcare licenses and serving growing enrollment waitlists.
The March 2026 SBA rule eliminated government-backed financing for these business owners. Bankable's private program evaluates weekly tuition deposits and total enrollment revenue through your business bank account. State license in good standing, consistent enrollment, and a separate business EIN are your qualifications — not citizenship.
Capital Uses for Childcare Businesses
Facility Upgrades and Safety Compliance
State childcare licensing mandates specific facility standards — HVAC adequacy, IPEMA-certified playground fall surfaces, bathroom ratios, fire suppression, and security systems. Compliance upgrades protecting and expanding your operating license can cost $15K–$100K. Revenue-based advances fund these non-discretionary compliance investments.
Capacity Expansion — Adding Licensed Slots
Adding licensed childcare capacity — converting unused space, building a portable classroom — requires capital that precedes enrollment revenue from new slots. A new 15-child toddler classroom generates $9K–$20K monthly once full. Working capital advances fund the buildout while enrollment grows.
Classroom Equipment and Curriculum
Age-appropriate learning materials, classroom furniture, STEM kits, and bilingual curriculum resources cost $8K–$20K per new classroom. Revenue-based advances fund classroom buildouts that enable capacity expansion while maintaining program quality.
Staff Training and Retention
Early childhood education staff require CPR/First Aid certification, state-required annual training, and quality improvement program participation. Investment in above-market wages that reduce turnover is among the highest-ROI capital uses in childcare operations.
| Factor | Bankable Standard |
|---|---|
| Immigration Status | AOS EAD or parolee-in-place EAD |
| State Licensure | State childcare center license required |
| Monthly Revenue | $10,000+ in enrollment/tuition deposits |
| Business History | 6 months minimum licensed operation |
| Documentation | SSN + EIN + 3 months bank statements |
| Funding Available | $25,000 to $5,000,000 |
Check your Bankability Score to see what your enrollment revenue qualifies for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Bankable provides revenue-based advances for licensed childcare and daycare businesses owned by AOS EAD holders. We use enrollment tuition deposits, SSN, and EIN. No green card required.
Weekly tuition deposits create very consistent, frequent deposit patterns. This is among the most predictable revenue profiles we underwrite — weekly deposits provide monthly revenue visibility rarely matched in other industries.
Yes. Capacity expansion — new classroom buildout, facility upgrades to increase licensed capacity — is a primary use case. We advance against existing enrollment revenue to fund expansion.
Government subsidy payments (CCDF, Head Start, state Pre-K) count as qualifying revenue. These payments appear in your bank account like any other tuition revenue and are counted toward qualification.
Typically 1x–2x average monthly revenue. A center with 60 enrolled children at $1,200/month each ($72K/month) could qualify for $72K–$144K in working capital.
SBA loans require 100% US citizen or national ownership. Childcare center owners on AOS EAD are excluded. Bankable provides private capital with no citizenship requirement.
Yes. Safety compliance investments — playground surfaces, fall zone materials, security systems, and facility upgrades required by state licensing — are valid uses.
Yes. Childcare management platforms (Brightwheel, HiMama, Procare) that handle billing, attendance, and parent communication improve revenue cycle management and are valid investments.