Points out mistakes that could be avoided in planning the physical environment of day care centers. Cites importance of considering (1) the size scale required for use of facilities by children and largely female staff; (2) the scope of activities at the center; and (3) the behavior of staff and children. (NH)

Discusses change and environmental design as they relate to child care staff and participants. Development of children's settings requires the involvement of the community, especially architects, designers, builders, licensers, child care professionals, parents, and children. (RJC)

Explores the major problems with many of the new state-of-the-art buildings designed to house child care programs and concludes that the buildings are too small. (BB)

Discusses various factors which need to be considered when designing physical environments for infants and toddlers in child care settings. Along with the developmental differences and needs of infants and toddlers, these factors include health and safety, variety, flexibility, scale and proportion, softness and responsiveness, and harmony and…

Examines five issues related to child care facility design: (1) siting the building, outdoor play, and service areas; (2) creating favorable microclimates; (3) developmentally appropriate play yards; (4) pedestrian access and site circulation; and (5) vehicular access and parking away from pedestrians and play. (KB)

The process of designing a child care center is described. This process includes the conceptual and schematic design, schematic pricing, design development, and construction documents. Overall design criteria, and interior program components, are discussed. (LB)

Discusses design of physical environment for an early childhood program. Provides six starting points and pertinent questions for redesigning: start from the end and work forward; do your research; who's on your design team?; clean out and de-clutter before you start; maximize space; and beautify places. (DLH)

Examines general principles in designing child care centers and preschools: (1) design the site and building so that it has a friendly, child-like, inviting image; and (2) design child development environments to be child scaled, including furnishings, materials, the building, and the site as a whole. Contains criteria and suggestions for…

Notes that the location of any child care center is a key factor in its success. Provides four major objectives to consider when siting a center: (1) the center as a part of the community; (2) access and visibility; (3) desirable and undesirable surroundings; and (4) characteristics of the site itself. (SD)

Examines the notion of an early childhood education center organized as a series of houses around a common core of shared facilities. Discusses examples of child-care centers in Sweden and explores ideas that can promote functional facilities. Suggestions include ideas about physical-motor activities areas, administration offices, centralized…

Argues that the secret to producing quality child care in the 1990s will be clear, innovative thinking by the center or program director, good center design, and an ability to articulate and sell a vision of quality. (BB)

Explores how thoughtful design of a child care facility enhances its safety, effectiveness, and high quality programming, and helps reduce annual maintenance to high use areas. Concludes that collaboration between an architect and provider can increase the quality of care for children and improve the work environment for staff. (KB)

Emphasizes the importance of creating culturally reflective child care environments. Describes the experiences of a design firm in creating a schematic design for the model employer-supported child care facility. Specific areas of focus include: (1) culture and architectural child care design; (2) cultural research for facility design; and (3)…

Discusses (1) factors supporting day care center remodeling; (2) assessing building suitability for remodeling; (3) documents to help in assessment; (4) creating a team; (5) cost and funding; and (6) overall design considerations. Emphasizes unique children's needs. Includes tips on indoor environments, individual classrooms, the playground, and…

Examines the size of child-care-center spaces as a factor for designing developmentally appropriate facilities. Explores a range of architectural and design issues related to the size of spaces and ways of subdividing rooms to provide opportunities for small-group, quiet activities that are important to quality child care. (AA)