Building Design

• “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” - Steve Jobs
• When budgeting, consider the quality, durability and reliability of goods and services. Sometimes “inexpensive” translates to lesser quality. Paying less may cost more in the long run.
• Make sure your windows are low enough for children to have a clear view but not low enough to facilitate climbing. Don’t plant shrubbery outside ground floor windows that could block the view!
• Assign the ages of children that will use each room during the design process.  In most instances, order the rooms by ages with the infants, toddlers and special needs children on ground floor levels closest to the check-in area.
• Plan your classroom size (square footage) to maximize occupancy in correlation with educational and child care requirements for each age group.
• Each classroom should be designed with at least two unobstructed exit paths.
• Double entry locked doors enhance the building’s access control system. Keyless systems, remote locking systems, and camera systems should also be considered for security purposes at every access point to your building.
• Angled or recessed doorways and offset/staggered doorways into each classroom are structural techniques that can help keep hallways open and traffic flowing during busy times.
• Include an indoor play space even if it can only be a small classroom size.
• In infant/toddler areas, plan space for stroller parking and for infant carrier storage.
• When planning restrooms for the little ones, don’t forget the toddlers who may be potty training. Also make sure you have enough adult restrooms.
• A large room without built-ins can serve as a great multipurpose room for parent/volunteer events, staff meetings, and training sessions.
• Oversize your doorways to make room for strollers, buggies and parents carrying infants in carriers.
• Hallways need adequate electrical outlets for use by custodial staff and for special events.
• Plan for future growth. Many polled had already outgrown their new facility. Consider building a “shell space” that is unfinished.