Planning is a must for a successful building process.
Jessica Skrak Granqvist has extensive experience in both establishing and managing daycare centres. With a long history in Ljungby and Växjö, Jessica took over the establishment of the new daycare centre, Farstaborg Förskola, in the fastly growing Swedish municipality of Värmdö. Farstaborg daycare centre houses 100 children, in five departments and two floors. Farstabor is a modular building idyllically located in the middle of beautiful nature, a large football field, and a stable with horses. The daycare centre has room for play and learning both inside and outside, and aims to create a pedagogical environment.

After having the opportunity to talk to Jessica about establishing daycare centres, we want to share her wisdom and tips with you

What is the most important thing to think about before starting to build a new daycare centre?

I would like to mention a few things. The most important thing, in my opinion, is to clarify how long the daycare centre is needed, before choosing the building type and contractor. Also, ensure that personnel who will work on the premises are involved and can bring their expertise in the early planning process. Remember to request sustainable material usage, and personally I think it is important to think about the outdoor environment and to make room for a large area for common meals, meetings, and larger activities, and do not forget wifi and other digital solutions.

When to choose a permanent or temporary daycare centre?

First and foremost, you must ensure that you use the municipality’s existing buildings in the right way and really need a new building. The most important thing after that is to choose a building with a building process and type that can be delivered in the time available for the establishment, and provides the best possible financial structure during the operating period. The advantage of more adaptable solutions is that it is possible to add room if the business needs to grow, but it is also possible to move the premises if the need changes, which provides valuable flexibility. If you know that your daycare centre should operate for many, many years, a permanent solution is preferable.

What is the most important factor for a successful building process?

Collaboration. Neither the contractor, the municipality nor the daycare can take for granted that everyone speaks the same language and has an understanding of each other’s perspectives, working methods, and competence can differ. With good collaboration, you avoid misunderstandings and that responsibilities are unclear. I also think it is important to build for the general needs of a daycare and not for specific specializations, if the focus on daycare centre changes, the buildings still need to be usable.