PLUMBING CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHILD CARE
One of the largest fixed renovation or building costs for a child care center will be the plumbing. Plumbing is critical to the function of each room. Follow local building codes and licensing requirements as well.
Toilets and hand sinks:
These guidelines suggest one toilet and one hand washing sink for a ratio of 1:10 for toddlers and preschool children and 1:15 for school-age children. More toilets make life easier for everyone. It is standard practice to combine toileting areas for boys and girls under the age of five.
Toilet heights for children under five are best at 11 inches; hand sink heights for infants are 16 inches, for toddlers 18 inches and for preschoolers 22 inches. Depending on the age range of school-age children, their sink and toilet heights can either be the same as those for preschoolers or adults. Toilets are generally 1 foot wide and 2 feet long. At least 2 feet of space is needed in front of each toilet for an adult to assist a child. Generally, allow a 3’ x 4’ space for each toilet.
Activity sinks are needed in group rooms separate from hand washing sinks related to toilets. In infant and toddler rooms it is recommended there be two adult-height sinks – one for diapering and one for food preparation and other uses. In preschool and school age rooms one adult sink is recommended. Keep in mind the importance of water play for children and design an area for a built-in water play table.
Approximate Sizes for Bathrooms |
| Diapering only |
6’ x 5’ minimum |
| Diaper + 1 sink + 1 toilet |
9’ x 7’ |
| Diaper + 2 sinks + 2 toilets |
8’ x 12’ |
| 2 sinks + 2 toilets |
8’ x 7’ |
| Adult ADA sink + toilet |
7.5’ x 7.5’ |
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Plumbing Considerations by Age Group |
| Infants |
1 toilet per group (adult use/feces disposal)
2 adult sinks (diapering/food preparation)
1 child hand washing sink – 16 inches high
1 plumbed water play trough (optional) |
| Toddlers |
2 child sized toilets per 10-14 children – 11 inches tall
2 adult sinks (diapering/food preparation)
1-2 child hand washing sinks per 10-14 toddlers – 18 inches high
1 plumbed water trough (optional) |
| Preschoolers |
2 child sized toilets per 10-20 children – 11 inches tall
1 adult sink
1-2 child hand washing sinks per 10-20 children – 22 inches high
1 plumbed water trough (optional) |
| School Age |
2 toilets per 10-20 children (1 for males/1 for females)
1 adult sink
1-2 child hand washing sinks per 10-20 children
1 plumbed water trough (optional) |
| Adults |
1 toilet per 10 adults
1 fully-accessible toilet per building or floor
1 hand washing sink per 10 adults
2-3 kitchen sinks |
| Water fountains in each room |
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