CHAPTER 7: INTERIOR SPACE DESIGN
7.1.14 Staff Lounge:
cessary within the classroom itself. Typically, this type of storage in the
The staff use this space not only as a retreat, but also as a workroom.
classrooms is provided by wall-mounted cabinets. The base of such
They eat, relax, and converse here, plan curriculum, and prepare classroom
securely anchored cabinets must be no lower than 1370 mm above the
materials. It may contain a cot or sofa. The staff lounge should be located
finished floor below.
near the adult toilet and central resource storage. This space requires
visual and acoustical separation from children's areas, but should be easily
The storage room should have open shelving; lockable, closed-door storage;
accessible to the staff.
and filing cabinets. If space permits, a work counter and a counter-height
stool may be provided.
The lounge needs to be comfortable, pleasant, and soothing. Provide a
counter with a microwave, a sink with plumbing connections, at least an
7.2 General Concepts for
under-counter refrigerator, and cabinets. Provide impervious flooring at
Classroom Design
the counter area. All base cabinets should have "child proof" hardware.
Furnishings include a table with four chairs, a small sofa, and storage (some
of which is lockable).
Children spend most of their day in the classroom. It affords facilities for
The workroom must have adequate space and power connections for
care functions and opportunities for developmentally appropriate activities.
telephone, computer, video equipment, and laminating and copy machines
Parents typically drop off and pick up children at the classroom. Adults
(either here or in the director's office). Isolate these machines acoustically
may visit during the day or help out as volunteers.
within the space, perhaps in an alcove, for better control of noise. Provide
space at the counter for a butcher paper holder and an art waxer (a piece
7.2.1 Classroom Areas:
of equipment that allows children's art to be hung without the need of tape
The classroom design includes functional areas defined by furniture
or pins).
arrangements and constructed elements that vary depending upon the age
group. In order to maximize the amount of space devoted to these important
7.1.15 Staff Toilet:
functions, the circulation between entrance and exits should be as direct
A center must provide at least one adult toilet, although two, remotely located
as possible. It is appropriate to position tables and work surfaces adjacent
from each at either end of the center, are recommended. Two adult toilets
to circulation for more crowded functions, while retaining corners and floor
are desirable to enhance the center's functioning because teachers will be
area for more protected and nurturing activities. The areas within the
out of classrooms for shorter periods. Adult toilets in the center must meet
classroom should be designed or arranged to fit four or five children and
all UFAS and ADA code requirements. Toilets should be accessible from
one adult, although there should also be a group gathering area. Finally,
the reception area and staff lounge. Recommended finishes include
there need to be "get away" areas (alcove like) so children can be by
impervious flooring such as linoleum and painted walls above an impervious
themselves or in smaller groups. Classrooms should be equipped with
wainscot. One adult toilet should be located in or near the infant and young
convenient bins for recycling, at the least, suitable waste paper.
toddler classroom areas, and will be discussed later in this chapter in the
section on classrooms. Provide electronic faucets in adult toilets. Adult
Major classroom elements will remain fixed, such as those requiring
toilets should be provided with toilet seat cover dispensers.
plumbing connections, risers or casegoods secured in place for safety
reasons. Plumbing underneath sinks must be inaccesible to children.
7.1.16 Central Resource Storage:
Children and their teachers will modify the remaining space continually to
The director and teachers use this centrally located resource room for bulk
create areas for their activities. The classroom should provide flexibility for
storage of curriculum materials and supplies and for storage of resource
these activities. The arrangement of storage cubbies for children's personal
tapes, books, as well as audio/video equipment. The central resource
items will be less frequently altered. Manufactured cubbies anchored to
storage should not be seen as a substitute for the small scale storage ne-
partitions or low walls have been found to be a cost effective solution
PBS-140 - July 2003
7-5
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