How to Secure a Space for Your Child Care Program

Starting Your Child Care Program with the Right Space

At Wonderschool, we help aspiring child care providers navigate the many steps it takes to open a successful program. One of the most important early steps? Securing a confirmed space.

Whether you’re launching an in-home program or planning to open a center, having a space in place is essential before beginning the licensing process. Here’s how to make it happen—along with helpful tips and resources to support your search.

Talking to Your Landlord About Running In-Home Child Care

If you’re renting your home or apartment, you’ll need written approval from your landlord to operate a licensed child care program from the space. That conversation can feel intimidating—but with the right approach, many landlords are open to saying yes.

Benefits of In-Home Child Care for Landlords

• Licensed care is safe
  
  As a licensed provider, your home must meet rigorous health and safety standards. That includes background checks, fire and health inspections, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, CPR certification, and more.
  
  
• You’re a stable, responsible tenant
  
  Child care providers are self-employed entrepreneurs with long-term goals. Your business makes you more committed and stable than the average renter.
  
  
• It benefits the property
  
  On-site child care is a huge plus for other families living in the building. Your landlord can highlight it as an amenity.
  
  
• You’re home during the day
  
  Your presence during work hours adds a layer of security—making you a built-in “neighborhood watch” for the property.
  
  

Sample Email to Request Landlord Approval

‍Subject: Request for Permission to Operate Licensed In-Home Child Care

Hi [Landlord’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I’m writing to request your written approval to operate a small, licensed in-home child care program out of my unit at [your address].

As part of the licensing process with the state, providers are required to meet strict health and safety standards—including fire and health inspections, background checks, and CPR certification. This means the space will be well-maintained and regularly monitored for safety.

I also want to reassure you that I’m committed to staying long-term and running a high-quality program that’s respectful of the property and our neighbors. Many families prefer child care close to home, and having a provider on-site could be a unique benefit for future tenants with young children.

If you have any questions or concerns, I’d love to talk them through with you. Thank you for considering my request!

Best,

[Your Name]
[Phone Number]

How to Find the Right Space for a Center-Based Program

If you’re launching a center-based program, finding a suitable commercial space is key. These programs require more square footage and must meet local zoning, safety, and licensing requirements. You also will likely be paying monthly lease payments throughout the duration of the licensing process, so you should be financially prepared to cover 6+ months of lease payments before you are open and operating. You can also try to negotiate a scale-up payment process or more amenable terms with your landlord.

Where to Search for Child Care Center Locations:

• Churches and Faith-Based Facilities
  
  Many faith-based facilities have classrooms or fellowship halls that sit unused during the week and may be open to renting them out for community-focused businesses like child care.
  
  
• Commercial Real Estate Platforms
  
  Use sites like LoopNet and Crexi to search for available properties in your area. Filter for retail, education, or medical spaces with open floor plans and parking access.
  
  
• Ask Around Locally
  
  Your bank, local childcare resource & referral agency, small business support center, or economic development office may know of available or upcoming spaces—and may even offer grant opportunities or networking introductions.

What to Look For in a Potential Child Care Center:

• Zoning approval for child care
  
  
• Minimum required square footage per child (varies by state)
  
  
• Fenced outdoor play area or room to install one
  
  
• Two or more exits and ADA accessibility
  
  
• Bathrooms, fire exits, and kitchen facilities as required by licensing

The guidelines vary by state, so please ensure you check out your state and local licensing guidelines before selecting a space. 

Next Steps: Get Licensed with Wonderschool

Once you’ve secured a space—whether it’s a home you own or rent (with approval), or a center-based facility—you’re ready to move forward with Wonderschool’s support to get licensed and open your program.

Get started with Wonderschool's child care licensing help