What, Like It’s Hard? Five reasons why coworking and childcare is a challenge.

When a prospective operator reaches out to Hopscotch, the initial conversation is often very optimistic - “I sent a survey out to my community, and everyone is behind me. I’ve got so much interest, and there is so much momentum!” When asked about numbers, the answer is “I’ve run a few projections, and it looks like we can be profitable with a 30-40% margin!” Once spaces open their doors, it’s an entirely different story. Memberships plateau, childcare revenue varies, fundraising efforts don’t pan out as expected, and the volatility of the model begins to take its toll. For many coworking and childcare owners, it’s a dose of realism they desperately need to de-risk their business and pivot towards profitability.

Combining coworking and childcare sounds like the perfect solution: a space where parents can work productively while their children are cared for just steps away. What could go wrong? A lot, as it turns out.

Running a coworking space is challenging enough. Adding childcare into the mix introduces a whole new level of complexity that most prospective operators underestimate. At Hopscotch, we’ve worked with coworking operators navigating these challenges, and we’ve seen what separates the dreamers from the doers. Here are five "secret" challenges that often catch operators off guard—and how to approach them with confidence.

1. Regulations and Business Models

There are three different models of coworking and childcare: 1. Cowork and childcare in one membership, 2. Coworking with childcare as an amenity, and 3. A daycare or preschool with a coworking capacity. Each of these models has pros and cons from a business standpoint, and they also have many different needs in terms of childcare regulations.

Childcare is one of the most highly regulated industries, and for good reason—children’s safety is paramount. But navigating the web of licensing requirements, safety inspections, and compliance measures can feel like an endless maze. Every jurisdiction has different rules, and requirements can range from staff-to-child ratios to facilities standards like playground fencing and kitchen layouts.

If you are operating an unlicensed or drop-in space, the optimization of staff-to-child ratios presents its own financial and hr challenges. A few slow months of drop-in childcare may spell the end of the line for a space.

Pro Tip: Start early. Research local childcare licensing requirements as soon as you start planning. Hire an expert to guide you if needed—this is not an area to DIY.

2. The Sound Barrier

Coworking thrives on productivity, and childcare thrives on...well, noise. Crying actually, if we are being specific. Balancing the needs of focused professionals with the energy and volume of a room full of children can be tricky. Even with soundproofing measures, certain disruptions are inevitable. Many parents have a hard time being onsite with their children because they can hear everything, despite our best soundproofing efforts. It’s important to have clear communication with families about a child’s adjustment period to new spaces and caregivers and to encourage families to try the space consistently for a month before calling it quits.

Pro Tip: Design your space with acoustics in mind. Separate coworking and childcare areas with physical barriers and sound-dampening materials. Use white noise machines strategically to mask everyday sounds.

3. Staffing Tug-of-War

Finding qualified staff is challenging for both coworking and childcare, but blending the two takes even more finesse. Your childcare team needs specialized training and certifications, while your coworking team needs to deliver a seamless member experience. Managing these two distinct groups under one roof requires strong leadership and clear communication.

Pro Tip: Create a culture that values collaboration across teams. Regularly align on shared goals—such as creating a family-friendly environment—to bridge any gaps.

4. Re-Educating the Market

The coworking and childcare model is still new in the US and as such, it takes time to build trust with families. Without sufficient investment in marketing, it could take three or more years for membership to hit capacity. Prioritizing smart, educational marketing with opportunities to visit and try the space is a must. We encourage all of our families that it takes a while for children to adjust to new spaces and don’t quit too soon because it doesn’t work once. Consistency is key!

Pro Tip: Invest in trial days and tours of the space. Be clear in your communication with families that it takes 3-4 weeks of consistent attendance for families to get used to this new style of working.

5. Juggling Member Expectations

Your coworking members will likely have a mix of needs: some will embrace the family-friendly vibe, while others will expect a distraction-free zone. Parents, meanwhile, may have high expectations for the childcare experience, often comparing it to standalone daycare centers.

Pro Tip: Set realistic expectations from the start. Be transparent about what your space offers and what it doesn’t. Gather feedback regularly to adjust your offerings while staying true to your core mission.

The Bottom Line

Blending coworking and childcare is a noble—and ambitious—endeavor. It’s not for the faint of heart, but when done right, it can create a vibrant community that supports parents in both their professional and personal lives.

At Hopscotch, we help coworking operators navigate these challenges with tailored strategies and proven best practices. If you're ready to take the leap into coworking with childcare, we’re here to help you make it work—not just in theory, but in reality.

Ready to solve the puzzle of coworking and childcare? Let’s talk.