Questions About Housing For A Home Daycare

[lilysmama]

So, heres some quick background. I lost my job when I was pregnant with my daughter, and my fiancee lost his job late last year. As a result, we had to move in with my in-laws while we get back on our feet. My fiancee has just started working 1 job and is trying to secure another so we can get back on our feet quicker. After having no luck finding a job, I decided that daycare was the right move for me. So, I am currently working on getting my daycare license.

My question is how did you find a house/apartment/townhouse/condo that allowed you to run a daycare?

(We are in no position to buy a house, and cant get any financial help from our parents beyond his parents letting us live with them for now.)

[cheerfuldom]

I'm sorry, I don't have any advice for you regarding housing. I think you are going to have a tough time finding a rental that allows daycare but there are several providers on this site that make it work. I think you need to get really familiar with the licensing requirements so you know what they require as far as a set up and also figure out how many kids you want to take. Babysitting one or two kids to make ends meet is a whole different thing from running a full daycare.

Also, I am assuming you are looking for a job that allows you to stay with your daughter. Have you considered trying to find a part time job at a home daycare for now? There are some that would not mind you bringing one child. Or a nanny position where you could bring your own child?

If you don't have childcare experience, perhaps finding something like that would be a good place to start.

[lilysmama]

I have a ton of experience and already have 2 families who are waiting for me to get my license. I looked into doing nanny jobs and other options but none work for me.

Just curious as to any advice anyone on finding a place

[familyschoolcare]

In the state of Cal. the land lord can not prevent you from doing day care nor can they not rent to you because you will be doing daycare. So I sujjest

you find a plac you like then after you have moved in tell the land lord oh by the way I need to tell you I plain on running a daycare form this place.

[AnythingsPossible]

I told the rental management company we used up front about my daycare. She was very open to the idea and was very helpful in finding a property that would work for us. We ended up purchasing the rental a home a few years ago. The management company liked the idea of me operating a business because they figured we would be long term renters. If you are working with a company or realtor I would tell them your plans and they may be a great help. You may also want to look into rent with an option to buy. We rented for 5 years before we bought.

[lilysmama]

thanks for the info everyone. My fiancee just got a job so hopefully we will be able to move somewhere soon.

[Sunchimes]

I can't offer much advice except from a landlord's viewpoint. I would have been thrilled to get a tenant running a daycare. Besides the long term part, if you are being inspected by licensing and parents, you are less likely to let the dog pee on the carpet, less likely to kick holes in the wall, less likely to run out in the middle of the night. Less likely to let chickens sleep in the house--yes, seriously!

While there may be crayon marks on the walls now and then, kids aren't that hard on houses. And white sponges and paint are cheap!

Good luck!