CHILD CARE

SHARE

by WBDG Staff
Updated:
05-09-2016
OVERVIEW
WITHIN THIS PAGE

Overview
Space Attributes
Relevant Codes and Standards
Major Resources

The Child Care space types, described herein, are the facilities required for child care
services permitted within federal facilities. Child Care space types include all space sub-
types, including toilets, food preparation and service, office space, and meeting space, as
well as security features required in compliance with codes and regulations.

SPACE ATTRIBUTES
Child Care spaces should be secure environments that provide a variety of learning
experiences and meet the physical needs of the children. See WBDG Child Development
Centers for more information on the unique attributes of spaces designed for child
development and care. Typical features of Child Care space types include the list of
applicable design objectives elements as outlined below. For a complete list and definitions
of the design objectives within the context of whole building design, click on the titles below.

FUNCTIONAL / OPERATIONAL
Classroom equipment and durable goods including cots and cribs, chairs and other
seating devices, furniture, play equipment, academic equipment, presentation
equipment, audiovisual equipment, computer equipment, food service, and hygiene
equipment.
Outdoor spaces may include play yard space, including fencing, canopy, sidewalk,
ground cover, drainage, shade devices, play structures, and vegetation planting. See
WBDG Playground Design and Equipment for more information.
Occupancy: Occupancy Group Classification is Educational Occupancy E as sub-
occupancy with Business B2 Building Occupancy, with sprinklered construction. See
also WBDG Secure / SafeFire Protection.
PRODUCTIVE
Office space in Child Care space types should be equipped with infrastructure to
support telephone and data communication systems including space, power, and
conduit and telephone and data communication equipment.
Consider providing on-site food service areas directly serving the daycare population
and on-site laundry services and water services including hot water and water
conditioners.

SECURE / SAFE
Security equipment for Child Care space types may include access control, intrusion
detection, and alarm systems. See also WBDG Secure / SafeSecurity for Building
Occupants and Assets.
Additional elevators and exit stairways may be required for Child Care spaces
located on the 2nd level of buildings.

EXAMPLE PROGRAM
The following building program is representative of Child Care center space types and is
based on the ratios prescribed in the PBS-140 Child Care Center Design Guide. The center
described below included provisions for 86 children.

CHILD CARE

DESCRIPTION QTY. SF SPACE SUM TENANT USABL

TENANT OCCUPIABLE EACH REQ'D. ACTUAL SF FACTOR
AREAS

Staff and Parent Areas 1,140

Public Area

Vestibule 1 60 60
 Reception 1 100 100

Staff Area

Director's Office 1 150 150

Assistant's Workstation 1 80 80

Sick Bay 1 80 80

Staff Lounge/Work 1 200 200

Parent/Staff Conference 2 100 200

Adult Toilet 2 60 120

Central Storage 1 150 150

Service Areas 560

 Laundry 1 100 100

Warming/Central Kitchen 1 300 300

Janitor's Closet 1 80 80

Telephone Closet 1 80 80

Common Spaces 1,000

Multiple Purpose Space 1 800 800

Play Yard Storage 1 200 200

Classrooms 7,200

Infant Classroom (8) 1 900 900

Younger Toddler Classroom (12) 2 1,060 2,120

 Younger Toddler Restroom 2 40 80

Older Toddler Classroom (14) 1 1,060 1,060

Older Toddler Restroom 1 40 40

Preschool Classroom (20) 1 1,440 1,440

Preschool Restroom 1 60 60

After School Classroom (20) 1 1,440 1,440

After School Restroom 1 60 60

Outside Areas

Staff Parking 18 300 5,400

Parent Drop Off/Parking 10 300 3,000

 Entrance Porch 1 400 400

Play Yard Porches 4 400 1,600

Play Yards 4 1,500 6,000

Tenant Suite 9,900 9,900 1.1

Subtotal Tenant Usable Areas

EXAMPLE PLANS
The following diagram is representative of typical tenant plans.
EXAMPLE CONSTRUCTION CRITERIA
For GSA, the unit costs for firing range space types are based on the construction quality
and design features in the following table . This information is based on GSA's benchmark
interpretation and could be different for other owners.

RELEVANT CODES AND STANDARDS

The following agencies and organizations have developed codes and standards affecting
the design of child care centers. Note that the codes and standards are minimum
requirements. Architects, engineers, and consultants should consider exceeding the
applicable requirements whenever possible.

Building Child Care in California, Child Care Center Facility Development Checklists
GSA, PBS-140 Child Care Center Design Guide
GSA PBS-P100 Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service
Interagency Security Committee (ISC) Security Design CriteriaContains
specifications pertaining to window protection in child care centers located in GSA
controlled facilities. (For Official Use Only)
International Building Code
National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities, Early Childhood Facilities
U.S. Department of State, Creating a Child Care Facility at Post
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Making a Place for
Children: Child Care Facility Planning Manual for Washington State

MAJOR RESOURCES
WBDG
BUILDING TYPES
Child Development Center, Federal Courthouse, Health Care Facilities, Libraries, Office
Building, Research Facilities

DESIGN OBJECTIVES
Accessible, Secure / SafeFire Protection, Secure / SafeSecurity for Building Occupants
and Assets, SustainableProtect and Conserve Water, SustainableEnhance Indoor
Environmental Quality (IEQ)

ORGANIZATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS

Building Child Care in CaliforniaThis project exists to provide a centralized
clearinghouse of information and services designed to improve child care providers'
access to financial resources for facilities development projects in California.
National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education
The NRC's primary mission is to promote health and safety in out-of-home child care
settings throughout the nation.