Chapter 7 Developing a Center Facility ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved

Chapter 7

Developing a Center FacilityDeveloping a Center Facility

©2013 Cengage Learning.All Rights Reserved.

Chapter Objectives

• Describe an early childhood facility that meets the needs of children, staff members, and families.

• Explain the director’s role related to facilities management.

• Identify the individual consultants who are involved in planning an early childhood facility.

• Explain the director’s role in creating a new facility.• Describe the tasks involved in moving a program to

an existing facility.


The Center Facility

• A center should be designed to meet the user’s needs – Students– Families– Staff members

• The facility should reflect the lives of the people who staff and attend the center


Discussion Question

1. What do you think are important considerations for space in a child care facility?

2. Why should an environment for young children be aesthetically pleasing?


Users’ Primary Needs

• Health and safety• Accessibility of facilities• Controlled traffic flow• Personal space• Opportunities for independence and

growth• Aesthetic character


Health and Safety

• Hazard-free building– Lead paint– Asbestos– Air quality

· Safety considerations: Floor surfaces

Electrical outlets Protective window covering Security devices/egress Fire safety Playground


Accessibility of Facilities

• Some parents prefer close to home; others prefer close to work

• Near public transportation / well-traveled roads

• Easy access to building from parking area • Building scale • People with special needs (ADA)


Traffic Flow

• Traffic patterns in/out of building• Classroom doors dump onto playground• Serving meals in classrooms• Bathroom locations• Staff’s daily traffic patterns• Location of office and entry/foyer• Storage areas


Personal Spaces: Children

• Sufficient space for children to work and play– 35 square feet minimum – 50 square feet more realistic


Personal Spaces: Children

• Other considerations:– Cozy places and spaces– Meeting area for story/special activity– Movable shelving– Space for cot storage– School age children need space for

organizing clubs, informal sports, and playing games

– Adequate storage/filing cabinets


Opportunities for Independence & Growth

• Promoting children’s independence– Child-size appointments (toilets, sinks,

drinking fountains)– Places for children’s work at their eye level– Accessibility to materials and equipment


Opportunities for Independence & Growth

• Promoting children’s independence– Accessible storage areas for children’s

personal belongings and work– A variety of sound spaces (loud, quiet, active)– Appropriate number of choices– Variety in colors, textures, floor levels, and

building materials


Aesthetic Character

• Sense of beauty• Natural light• Adjustable lighting/incandescent lighting• Interesting wall surfaces• Solid color carpets • Elements of nature (seashells, polished

rocks, woven baskets, green nontoxic plants)• Attractively mounted children’s work


Programmatic Requirements

• Operational type (full day/half day)• Age groups served• Program goals• Center’s philosophy• Meals and preparation• Facility’s demographics/location • Playground needs


Government Regulations

• Zoning laws and regulations• Parking requirements• Building codes• ADA• Fire codes


Existing Buildings

• Cost involved – Purchase price– Lease or rent– Renovation


• Lease – specifies length of time– what space the lease covers– terms of financial agreement

Leasing


• Lease components– Beginning and ending dates of lease– Whether or not lease is renewable

• If renewable, what limits, fee increases, if terminated early

Leasing


Leasing

• Lease components• Who is responsible for maintenance and

repairs?• What is included?• Who pays for repairs?• Who provides materials, supplies, and tools?• When repairs will be done?• Who is responsible for compliance with

building code?


Relocation Costs: Staff time

• Fund-raising• Attending additional board committee meetings• Locating a new site• Negotiating the lease• Arranging loan for additional costs• Communicating with staff and families about the

move• Working with licensing specialists• Arranging for reaccreditation (as needed)


Relocation Costs: Direct Costs• Attorney fees• Architect and contractor fees• Materials needed for renovation• Cleaning prior to move• Movers• Changing address or other information on

stationery, brochures, web site• Reaccreditation fees• Paying staff overtime to prepare new site


New Construction

• Land / Lot Size– Accommodate child care facility, parking lot,

playground, and maintenance shed– Parking lot that is big enough to park staff,

parent, and visitor’s cars– Playground

• 75 square feet per child• Big enough to have separate playgrounds for

various age levels


Personal Spaces: Staff• Place for storing belongings• Bathroom facilities• Lounge area• Work space

– In classroom– To do paperwork / hold conferences– Office staff spaces (100 square feet

per staff)


Discussion Questions

1. Can you think of some professionals who might be involved in helping you either renovate or build a child care facility?

2. Why would you prefer to rent or lease a building for a child care facility? What are the advantages of building a new center? What are the things to consider in renovation?


Working with other Professionals

• Licensing agent• Architect• Contractor• Accountant• Attorney


Working with an Architect

• Suppose you are working with an architect on the design of an early childhood education facility.

• What are three questions you might ask this person about what to include in your design?

• Explain your reasons for choosing these questions.

Designing a Childcare Center: How to Choose an Architect

• Finding the right architect

• The architect’s childcare design experience

• Costs and schedules

Steps in the design process• 1. Feasibility Study

2. Programming3. Schematic Design4. Design Development5. Construction Documentation6. Bidding and Negotiation7. Construction Administration8. Post-Occupancy Training

http://www.spacesforchildren.com/8steps.html

Architects

• Spaces for Children http://www.spacesforchildren.com/profile.html

Chapter Summary

• An ideal center meets the needs of children, staff members, families, and visitors

• Other professionals can help


Documents

Chapter 7 Developing a Center Facility ©2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved