How to Design Child Care Centers

Child care centers are learning facilities designed to prepare children for school readiness and help them grow. Starting a child care center requires fulfillment of legal, educational and experiential requirements which differ from state to state. In South Carolina, for instance, a child care center director must be at least 21 years old. He also must have a bachelor's degree or advanced degree in early childhood education, child development, child psychology or a related field that includes at least 18 credit hours in child development and early childhood education. He should also have worked with children for six months in a licensed facility. A child care center should be designed with the comfort of young children in mind.

Instructions

    • 1

      Create a playground with adequate space so that children can play without obstruction. Ensure that the playground is easy to supervise and does not contain any hazardous materials or equipment. Locate the playground away from any external distractions and fence it to ensure children do not get out of the compound. Fencing of the center also serves the purpose of keeping away visitors and other people who could pose danger to children.

    • 2

      Put in place windows so that natural light, which is essential in a child's growth, can get into the building where the children will be. Ensure the windows provide enough ventilation openings so that the children can have fresh air.

    • 3

      Include facilities to cater for the various activities that will take place in the center. Create a reception area which will be the first point of call for visitors. Provide offices for the members of staff. Put up classrooms and ensure they have sufficient space. Allow for a common room which can be accessed by parents, teachers and children, and where multi-purpose activities can be conducted to create a sense of community for all. Include an isolation facility where sick children can rest while they wait to be picked up by their parents or to be taken to the hospital.

    • 4

      Buy furniture and equipment that is flexible, easy to use, easy to clean, adaptable and movable. Purchase evacuation cribs for infants and keep them near exits. These can be used in case of an emergency such as fire. Purchase chairs that have arms and backs, and set up tables for children that can be accessed from all sides so as to promote socialization.

    • 5

      Use interior finishing materials for the classrooms and other facilities that provide a home-like feel for children. Choose neutral colors for the walls, as strong colors tend to over-excite children.

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