Running a daycare center means making a positive impact in the lives of all the children with whom you work. If you’re considering starting a daycare business, you already know what it takes to teach, guide and care for kids. However, you might not be familiar with the facility standards you’ll have to meet in order to have your center licensed. Taking time to familiarize yourself with state requirements and your construction options will help ensure that opening a daycare center is a profitable, pleasant experience. 

Facility and Construction Standards for Florida Daycare Centers

Florida’s daycare center standards are designed to ensure that kids and center staff are safe at all times. When it comes to the physical facility space, the requirements are very nuanced. That’s why it’s important to take time to understand the major facility standards. Of course, it’s also essential to work with an experienced construction firm if you plan to have a new daycare center erected.

Basic facilities standards mandate that centers be kept clean and that they’re free of health hazards including rodent and pest infestations. Of course, standards also mandate that all potentially hazardous substances are clearly labelled and that your facility has secure, locked storage areas for toxic substances. If you’re starting a daycare business, investing in a new building is a great way to ensure that you’re up to code and that it’s easy to maintain the area.

These basic construction and cleanliness standards provide an outline for how facilities should look in general. There are also more specific, detailed requirements about how the space is configured and used. In terms of physical space, centers licensed after 1992 must provide

  • 35 square feet of floor space per child,
  • adequate indoor play space for infants outside of playpens and cribs,
  • adequate indoor play space for children to engage in activities that help enhance their motor skills and
  • 45 square feet of outdoor play space per child.

Child care facilities that operate only in the evening hours are exempted from the requirement for outdoor play areas but are expected to offer adequate indoor play space instead.
There are also specific standards that govern lighting, ventilation, temperature and other aspects of facility operation. Daycare centers are required to

  • have lighting equivalent to 20 candles at three feet from the floor,
  • have lighting equivalent to 50 candles in all other reading, painting and work areas,
  • maintain a temperature between 65 and 82 degrees,
  • maintain adequate ventilation,
  • fence outdoor play areas, and
  • keep screens on all open windows and doors.

Affordable Construction Options that Meet State Standards

Opening a daycare center is a great career move, but the costs of doing so can seem daunting. This is especially true where new construction is concerned, but you shouldn’t let that discourage you. Modular construction is a safe, attractive and cost-effective option for daycare centers. Consider this center designed to accommodate 138 children. It was constructed quickly, meets the strict requirements of the state and is aesthetically attractive.

In fact, many successful daycare centers nationwide are located in modular buildings. At Affordable Structures, we have the knowledge and experience to create a gorgeous daycare center that meets Florida’s rigorous standards. Contact us today to talk about your dream facility.