Brian, I think industry can be appropriate for child care.
Education industry is used.
High tech industry, etc. These do not show a lack of education etc. I think the proper use goes more toward the entire picture of child care, not simply the caring part of it. If you look at the equipment, food, buildings, vehicles, training, insurance, etc., you are talking about an industry. I think when you talk about all of these things it is appropriate to talk about a child care industry.