Why Design-Build Is the Best Choice for Childcare and Education Centers

Safety is the number one priority when it comes to any childcare facility. Childcare providers are held to stricter safety standards than traditional retail spaces. Metrolina Builders works as a one-stop shop from design to construction keeping the vision of safety aligned. We help ensure necessary permits are obtained, surprise pitfalls are avoided, and your build is completed on time and within budget.

Learning Care Group trusts us with their most complex builds

Seven projects, zero surprises.

Three in the Raleigh, NC market, plus one each in Harrisburg, Waxhaw, and Charlotte, NC, and Gainesville, FL.

Learning Care Group is one of the largest childcare operators in the U.S. They manage 25 to 30 new facility builds a year. When Wes Arnold, their Construction and Development Project Manager, needs a builder in the Southeast, he doesn't go looking. He calls Metrolina Builders.

The Challenge

The regulatory complexity of childcare facilities puts most builders out of contention before a project starts.

The Strategy

Creating a production rhythm that let the same tradespeople develop familiarity with LCG's standards across multiple sites.

The Results

A multi-project partnership since 2023 with seven completed or active projects across two states.

Free Guide

Design-Build & Education Centers: Reducing Build Costs & Improving Childcare Facility Safety

There’s never been a better time to build a new childcare and education facility. However, there are several obstacles every potential owner needs to understand before they build. Download our Guide to Design-Build in Education today.

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Everbrook Academy

12,870 ft²
Charlotte, NC

Ivybrook Academy

14,000 ft²
Waxhaw, NC

Palisades Episcopal School

18,000 ft²
Charlotte, NC

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes childcare construction different from standard commercial builds?

Childcare facilities require compliance with state licensing and safety regulations that go well beyond typical commercial code. This includes controlled access systems, alarmed exits, specific classroom-to-bathroom configurations, outdoor play area safety, and parking lot protection standards. Builders without prior daycare experience often underestimate these requirements, causing permitting delays that directly impact a center's opening date and revenue.

Does Metrolina Builders have experience with multi-site childcare programs?

Yes. Metrolina has worked with large childcare operators including Learning Care Group on multiple concurrent and sequential projects. Their approach includes sequencing subcontractor teams across builds to reduce ramp-up time and maintain quality consistency across a portfolio.

What does the design-build model mean for a childcare operator?

Design-build puts design and construction under one contract and one point of accountability. For childcare operators, this reduces the risk of scope gaps between architect and contractor, aligns budget assumptions earlier in the process, and typically delivers cost savings of up to 20% compared to traditional GC models.

How does Metrolina handle permitting for childcare facilities?

Metrolina has 50+ years of experience navigating local municipal permitting in the Carolinas and now Florida. Their team is familiar with the licensing requirements specific to daycare and early learning facilities and manages the permitting process proactively to protect schedule and avoid surprises.

How does Metrolina approach child safety requirements in construction?

Safety is a design priority from day one. Metrolina builds facilities to meet the full scope of childcare safety standards: multi-layer entry control systems, alarmed playground and exterior doors, vehicle protection at drop-off zones, camera positioning, ADA-compliant restroom adjacency to classrooms, and storage and outlet specifications that meet childcare licensing requirements.

What kind of ongoing relationship does Metrolina offer?

Metrolina functions as a long-term regional partner for growth-focused operators. For clients like Learning Care Group, this means consistent subcontractor relationships, institutional knowledge of brand standards, and a team that can scale with a multi-project pipeline.

Let Us Help Turn Your Vision Into Reality

Ready to turn your education & childcare vision into a reality?

At Metrolina Builders, we're here to make the process painless and efficient. Contact us today to learn more about our design-build services and how we can help you lower your costs, improve efficiencies, and optimize safety & security for your new education or childcare construction project.

Designing & Building for Safety in Education & Childcare

From site selection to licensing—building safe, future-ready spaces for childcare and education.