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 Zoning
Most cities and counties differ to some degree on zoning laws. Understand those restrictions or requirements. Familiarize yourself with “change of use” guidelines and how they affect
fire and life safety requirements. Contact your local authorities.
Building Codes
Understand capacity, utility codes, access and state and
local codes.
Fire Codes
Contact your local fire department about extinguishers, alarms, exit signs, sprinklers, fire walls and
evacuation plans.
Health Department Regulations
Contact your local Public Health office at www.health.state.nd.us/localhd to get information on water, sewage, ventilation, food service and environmental health.
Possible Interior Spaces
| Entry/reception |
Staff areas (lounge, resource area, |
| Director’s office |
personal storage) |
| Infant room (s) |
Bathrooms |
| Toddler Room (s) |
Parent area (nursing, meetings) |
| Preschool room (s) |
Laundry |
| Kindergarten room (s) |
Observation area |
| School-age rooms (s) |
Custodial space |
| Gross motor area |
Mechanical/Electrical |
| Storage Indoors/Outdoors |
Kitchen/food prep |
Entrances
• Include comfortable areas for parents to sit, a message center to relay information to families, storage for children’s
belongings, and ideally a hand washing sink to use both on arrival and departure from the facility.
Director’s Office
• Place close to the entrance so director can observe who is entering the building and make access easy for families to
talk to the director.
Zones in Your Rooms
• Divide space in your rooms into wet and dry regions. In the wet region you can include your entry zone and the
messy zone. In the dry region you can include the active zone and the quiet zone. Nap rooms should be easily visible
from the group area and easy for staff to monitor.
Gross Motor Area
• Designate an area where children can engage in gross motor activities when weather keeps them indoors.
Doors/Exits
• Ideal to have exits from each classroom directly to playground.
• Each room should have 2 means of exit.
Bathrooms/Sinks/Plumbing
• Adult hand washing (diapering) and food prep sink in rooms. Diapering sink cannot be more than 10 feet from the
diaper station.
• Child size sink in rooms
• Restrooms should include a hand washing sink and age appropriate toilets.
• Separate boy/girl restrooms for school-age children
• Adult/staff restroom
• Utility sink
• Water fountains
Floor Coverings
• Consider what is appropriate for wet/dry areas and infant/toddler rooms or preschool rooms.
Storage
• Storage both inside and outside. Consider about 10% of your total space be designated for storage. A good
rule
of thumb is 40-60 square feet of storage per
group room. Most programs will confirm they do not have
adequate storage.
Windows/Window Treatment
• Children need natural lighting so windows are an important feature. Keep
in mind what sizes of windows you need,
safety issues and latches. Also know what type of window treatment will be needed (i.e. room darkening for
napping) and any safety issues your window treatment may present (cords, choking hazards).
Paint Colors
• Choose wall colors that are neutral and soft. The color in the room should come from children’s playthings
and artwork.
Parking
• Is there adequate parking and pick-up/drop-off space by the building?
• Where will employees park?
Playground
• Is your playground fenced – who will pay for that?
• Is there a plan for surfacing on the playground?
• What are the natural features on the playground (trees, hills)?
Staff Area
• Staff need an area where they can take breaks, hold conference, work on lesson plans, keep personal items, have
access to resources, or eat lunches.
Parent Area
• Consider setting aside space for nursing moms, meetings with parents, or where parents can access some resources.
Laundry
• It is most convenient for staff to be able to wash bedding and other center items in your own facility.
Custodial Supply Space
• Keep custodial supplies out of reach of the children.
Kitchen/Food Prep
• Check with your local health department for requirements for your facility.
• Even if you are catering food, you will still need a basic kitchen set-up to accommodate snacks, cooking projects,
infant and staff needs.
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