CHAPTER 7: INTERIOR SPACE DESIGN
7.5.3 Infant and Young Toddler Cubbies:
7.5 Component Areas of
Infants and young toddlers need storage for their diaper bags, clothing,
and supplies. These purchased cubbies are typically approximately 305
Classrooms
mm wide, 305 mm deep, and 455 mm high. The bench in the infant area
should be at about 380 mm above floor height for parents to sit while
removing or putting on the child's outdoor clothing.
7.5.1 Classroom Entrance Areas:
Each classroom should have a distinct and welcoming entrance. The
Parents may wish to leave collapsible umbrella strollers or other child-
entrance must meet all emergency egress requirements. A second
carrying equipment at the center during the day. Rods for this purpose
classroom entrance, either to the main circulation path or to the play yards,
should be provided here or near the reception area, but screened to avoid
should be considered and may be required for egress, depending on center
the appearence of clutter. Provide 230 mm to 255 mm of rod length per
configuration. Place the entrance along a wall, leaving valuable corners
every five children and install at approximately 1370 mm to 1525 mm above
available for activity areas. Entrances should allow for views from the
the floor. If a double storage rod is needed, install the top rod at about
main circulation area to classrooms. Near the classroom door, there must
2130 mm and the bottom rod at about 1065 mm above the floor. Provide a
be a sign-in counter (with storage below) at approximately 845 mm above
retaining rail to keep the lower ends of the strollers in place.
the finished floor.
7.5.4 Older Toddler, Pre-School, and Kindergarten Cubbies:
7.5.2 Cubby Storage Area:
Older toddlers, pre-school and kindergarten children need to store bulkier
Upon arriving at the classroom entrance, children typically store their outdoor
outdoor clothing in their cubbies. Storage is required for satchels or
clothing and personal belongings. They may again need their outdoor
backpacks used by children to carry personal items. Satchels and
clothing at times during the day to go to the play yard or on excursions and
backpacks may be stored on hooks. Lunches brought from home must be
to go home. Parents may linger in the cubby alcove, spending time with
properly stored for temperature maintenance and should not be stored in
their children or with teachers or other parents. The design of the cubby
the cubbies.
area must consider these activities so that bottlenecks do not occur at the
classroom entrance. Arrange cubbies in a "cloak room" arrangement so
Cubbies for this classroom should be a minimum of 305 mm wide, 305
as not to take up valuable classroom wall space. All the cubby storage
mm deep, and 1220 mm high. Two hooks are needed in each compartment
areas must include these features:
for hanging garments, and a shelf should be included for boxes, boots, or
Compartmentalized open-front, scaled to child size, per child.
extra shoes. The bench in this area should be about 255 mm high for
Cubby storage units secured to the floor and wall to prevent tipping
children to sit on while putting on their outdoor clothing and boots.
accidents.
A 915 mm clear area in front of the cubbies for access.
7.5.5 School-Age Lockers:
Seating, such as a bench, which may be integral with the cubby for
School-age children need to store outdoor clothing, books and papers from
either adult or child use.
school, and other personal belongings in their lockers. These lockers may
A parent bulletin board, locked tuition drop box, and parent mail box
be stacked two high if space is limited. The open compartments should be
(located at the cubby area or in the reception area).
a minimum of 305 mm wide, 305 mm deep, and 760 mm high.
The size and type of cubby storage vary according to the age group of the
7.5.6 Open Activity Area:
classroom. It is also convenient to include a shelf for child safety seats, if
Each classroom must have an open, unrestricted activity area, clear of
space allows. It is more cost effective to purchase cubbies. (The designer
constructed elements. Teachers, along with the children, are ultimately the
must take care to verify the manufacturer 's dimensions of cubbies
"architects" of this space. They can adjust and alter this flexible area in an
recommended by the GSA coordinator. The design must coordinate with
ever-changing response to their needs and activities. This can be
the build out to accommodate this purchased equipment.)
accomplished through the use of elements such as curriculum equipment
PBS-140 - July 2003
7-10
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