I have the same policy as mickyc (I borrowed it from her lol) and all the parents are okay with this. My daycare is completely in the basement, including a kitchen and a bathroom. I can hear them when I am in the bathroom and many times I have to yell "I can hear you, give that toy back" while I am doing my business LOL

If you can, do as much prep work as you can on weekends or evenings. I like to cook most of the food ahead of time so that I am just warming it up for lunch. I do this more because we usually come in close to lunch and I don't always have time to cook before a couple of the kids get picked up. My kitchen is like 6 steps from my play room though so it's not an issue if I have to be in there cooking though. At the beginning of the week I cut and peel the fruit and slice the cheese and have it in containers ready for snacks. During the morning free play I will prep stuff for art in the playroom.

Good Luck!! I used to work in centres too and now can't imagine going back. Being your own boss, setting your own hours and pay, doing things they way you want and not having to work with clueless and lazy coworkers is amazing lol I am sure you will love it!