Can I Start A Preschool In A Subdivision With HOA?

Can you start a preschool in a subdivision with an HOA? If you live in a subdivision with a Homeowners Association (HOA) chances are high that you have the kind of home where parents would love to bring their child to a home preschool. The homes in your neighborhood are well kept, there is possibly an elementary school in the middle of the neighborhood, and there are a lot of families who are your perfect target market. But can you start a preschool in a subdivision with an HOA? The answer is yes! (At least 99% of the time, anyway.)

How To Get Started

Neighborhoods with HOAs have something called Codes, Covenants, & Restrictions (CC&R’s) that govern what can and cannot happen inside the neighborhood. The CC&R’s usually forbid certain home businesses. So, to legally operate your home preschool inside your subdivision you will need to get permission from the HOA.

While this may sound scary, with some preparation it doesn’t have to be. The most important thing to remember when meeting with the HOA is to present yourself professionally. Know what you are going to say and anticipate any questions that may be asked.

What Things Will The HOA Need To Know?

The HOA will expect you to be able to explain what your pick up and drop off times will look like. Carefully think this through. How much time will it take? One of the main concerns of the HOA is safety, so, if possible, eliminate the need for children to have to cross any streets. Take the time to map out what your pick up and drop off procedures will look like, and provide this map to the HOA members.

The HOA will also want to know about your class times, or what hours your home preschool will be open for business. Explain to the board members that you are not a day care and that your class times will only be for 2 ½ hours in the morning and another 2 ½ hours in the afternoon.

This Is a Huge Selling Point

During your presentation, emphasize the fact that your home preschool will be a tremendous blessing to the neighborhood. It will give parents a place down the street or around the corner to take their children to help prepare them for kindergarten. This will be amazing for stay at home parents so they will not have to drive 5 miles down the road to another preschool facility.

Before You Meet With The HOA Board

The people who will be most impacted by a preschool in your home are your neighbors. You will need to have a neighborhood meeting to explain what you are planning to do. You will need to get the signatures of your neighbors within a certain number of feet of your home. If no one shows up to the actual meeting, conduct it anyway because you most likely will need to tell the HOA you had one and tell them when and where it was held.

You can start a preschool in a neighborhood with an HOA, it just takes a little planning, preparing, and professionalism.