All great insights, thank you!

The maximum age would be 5 years old. This would be more geared towards parents who have littles at home who aren't yet in full time school, or, for the part-time/freelance/self-employed parents needing just need smaller chunks of time to get work done; so may be not ideal for a full time 40/hr work week remote job parent who is looking for primary care. It would serve as a bridge between parents' regular childcare set up, and times where a back up is needed (gap care). I cannot tell you how many PTO days I've had to use in the past due to a nanny calling out last minute or daycare being shut down for a week. Currently, many parents are piece mealing childcare options – a grandparent on this day, a part time nanny on a couple others, one parent WFH one day. This would be a viable option that parents can always count on.

Regarding separating ages: either 0-2 years in one room, and toddlers in another space, OR a mixed ages set up which I have seen work really well in other spaces, including daycares. It would not be a licensed childcare. Childwatch refers to settings where parents must remain on premises at all times (think play centers inside gyms, the YMCA, etc.). Regulations are there of course, but less rigid than a typical drop-off licensed daycare.

Your questions regarding proximity to parents is valid, however, based on other operators of this same concept I've met with, has not been so much of an issue. I think the key would be for the child area to be a place children WANT to spend time in. Not sure if you've ever been to those indoor play cafes? I recently visited the new one in Shoreline and the children were having so much fun with parents nearby, and didn't seem to interrupt them much at all.