PBS 140 Child Care Center Design Guide - The Whole Building ...

CHAPTER 7: INTERIOR SPACE DESIGN
� Open compartmentalized upper cabinets should be approximately 230
mm wide, 230 mm high, and 305 mm deep.
� Waste storage for disposable diapers must be in a waterproof, washable
container with a disposable plastic liner. The waste storage must
be covered with an air-tight lid. It must be within reach of the teacher at
the changing table and be operable without utilizing both hands. A pedaloperated
waste container may be used, placed under the counter out of
reach of children. If both cloth and disposable diapers are used, separate
containers must be provided.
� Movable or retractable steps are necessary to help toddlers up onto the
changing table. Steps are also particularly helpful for caregivers whose
backs are often challenged by excessive lifting when there are no stairs
for this purpose. Check with regional coordinators for advice about purchasing
changing tables with integral, retractable steps.
The diapering station requires exhaust ventilation and should be free from
drafts (see Chapter 10). A separate zone or a ceiling-mounted unit heater
should be provided at the changing table to maintain a temperature 1.5°C
to 2.5°C warmer than the rest of the classroom. Recommended finishes
include impervious flooring and millwork, countertops, and wall splash.
Wall surfaces adjacent to the changing table should have impervious
finishes. Because disinfectants are used to clean the changing table
surface, finishes must be unaffected by these cleaning products.
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7.6.6 Sleeping and Napping Areas:
Special areas for sleeping are provided in infant rooms, and often in young
toddler rooms. Generally, there is not sufficient available space to allow for
separate napping areas in older toddler and pre-school classrooms.
Infant sleeping areas should be quiet and pleasant in a somewhat separate
space within the classroom where infants can sleep according to their
individual schedules. Teachers must have visual and acoustical accessibility
to this area at all times. Locate sleeping areas away from active areas.
Separate this area with partial walls that are no higher than 1220 mm high.
Do not install glass above as this may qualify the nap area as a separate
sleeping area. Some licensing authorities would then require a teacher to
be stationed in the nap room in such a case. Allow ample space for one
crib per infant, placed 600 mm apart. When designing this area, the A/E
must dot in cribs on all drawings even though GSA will provide them. This
precaution will help ensure that the nap room will not only be correctly
sized, but also be configured properly to accommodate the necessary
number of cribs.
Recommended finishes include carpeted floor and painted walls above an
impervious wainscot or a washable, glossy paint or other washable surface.
Lighting must be capable of being dimmed. Exterior windows require
window treatment to control direct sunlight.
PBS-140 - July 2003