CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE GUIDE
management policies affecting center development, standards with which
Chapter 10: Technical Criteria. This chapter includes technical criteria
design and operations must comply, and the GSA goals and objectives for
and identifies the pertinent regulations which will apply to the Guide.
center design and operation.
Appendices: Appendix A provides additional technical information on
Chapter 3: Children and Adults in the Center. The chapter identifies
metric conversion. Appendix B provides listings of appropriate plantings in
those who use the center and how they tend to utilize it. A discussion of
the vicinity of child care centers. See Appendix C for the GSA Office of Child
children's basic developmental needs and activities for each age group,
Care and Regional telephone and mailing information. Appendix D includes
and how these needs and activities impact the design of the center, is also
two "Design Checklists" designed for use by designers of new facilities and
included.
for those assessing existing centers. Appendix E provides additional infor-
mation on providing a healthful indoor and outdoor environment. Appendix F
provides accessibility standards. Appendix G provides information on play-
Chapter 4: NAEYC and Other Standards. The NAEYC criteria for op-
ground solicitation requirements.
erational programs, including child group sizes and staff-child ratios, are
summarized.
Index: The index provides the page number locations of subject catego-
Chapter 5: Planning for Space and Location. The chapter describes
ries and specific terms contained within the Guide.
criteria used in selecting a center location together with planning and pro-
gramming space requirements, as well as example space programs for
1.5 Glossary of Terms
various center populations.
Chapter 6: Site Design. Concepts and criteria for site design and design
Actual Floor Area (AFA) - The square meters required as measured from
of play yards are provided. The general types of outdoor areas and the
the inside of partitions, doors, and glazing. AFA includes area required for
relationships of these areas to other outdoor and indoor spaces are de-
built-in case goods, fixtures, and equipment. (See Table1.1 on page 1-5)
scribed. Detailed criteria for materials, features, furnishings, and equip-
ment required in these spaces are given.
ADAAG - Americans with Disabilities Act Architectural Guidelines.
Chapter 7: Interior Space Design. The chapter provides concepts and
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) - The organization
criteria for the design of the interior spaces within a child care center. Major
that develops standards and provides related information on characteristics
types of spaces include entry and circulation, staff, classroom, common,
and performance of materials, products, systems, and services.
and service spaces.
Architectural (or Facility) Program - A written and sometimes graphic
Chapter 8: Furnishings and Equipment. General criteria regarding fur-
document that specifies the architectural requirements that the building
nishings and equipment for the center, including references to applicable
design must satisfy.
codes and regulations, are provided in this chapter. At the end of the chap-
ter, there is a list of the furnishings and equipment that may be provided by
the Federal Government as part of the baseline provisions.
Board of Directors - A group, ideally of 7-11 individuals, with diverse profes-
sional backgrounds and skills to support the selection and oversight of a
private center service provider. The board should be a non-profit corporation
tasked with fund-raising and distribution of tuition assistance. Boards coor-
cussion of finishes required in child care centers, establishes the baseline
dinate closely with GSA's Regional Child Care Coordinators.
finishes, and discusses acceptable options.
PBS-140 - July 2003
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