Design of Early Learning Facilities

Why Quality Matters in Early Learning Facility Design

Children who attend early learning full time can spend over 10,000 hours in that space during their first five years. The space they are in matters. It can support or harm their growth. This includes their social, physical, intellectual, creative, cultural, and emotional development.

A well-designed space should be: 

  • Safe
  • Healthy
  • Engaging
  • Comfortable and Welcoming

Good design also helps teachers do their jobs better. 

Key Design Terms to Know

When planning a facility, it is important to understand three types of rules: standards, guidelines, and regulations. The following definitions are provided by Caring for Our Children, National Health and Safety Performance Standards Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs, 4th edition, 2019.

A standard describes a high level of quality. 

  • It is based on research or best practices. 
  • It is strongly recommended but not required by law.
  • Programs that do not meet standards may face criticism or lose credibility. 

A guideline gives advice on what to do.

  • It comes from trusted organizations.
  • It is not required, but it is helpful for making good decisions. 

A regulation is a rule you must follow.

  • It is required by law. 
  • It is enforced by a government agency. 
  • It sets the minimum level you must meet to operate legally. 

Design Regulations

Licensed early learning programs must follow DCYF rules when designing their physical space. These include:

These rules set the minimum requirements for your facility.

DCYF Feasibility Checklists

DCYF provides checklists to help you decide if a building may work for a child care program. These checklists: 

  • Help you review space requirements.
  • Do not include every rule.

Please use the correct Feasibility Checklist for your program type: 

Hiring an Architect

It is important to hire a licensed architect when designing your facility.

In Washington state, architects must: 

  • Complete college training
  • Gain work experience
  • Pass a licensing exam

Always choose an architect licensed in Washington. Some out-of-state architects may help, but they must work with a Washinton-licensed architect. 

Resources: 

How to Find the Right Architect

Here are some ways to find the right architect:

  • Ask other child care providers for their recommendations.
  • Visit other facilities and ask about their experience.
  • Ask schools, clinics, or community groups for referrals. 
  • If you like a building in your area, ask who designed it.
  • Review the portfolio for potential Architects in your area and check their experience in child care facility design. 
  • For Licensed Outdoor Nature Based programs, ensure the Architect has experience with child care licensing landscaping design.

What to Look for in an Architect

When choosing an architect:

  • Make sure they are licensed and insured in Washington. Ask about similar projects that they have completed. 
  • Look at photos or visit past projects.  
  • Check references.
  • Make sure they understand your vision.
  • Choose someone you feel comfortable working with. 
  • Make sure they can work within your budget and timeline. 
  • Ensure to ask what their services will cover (planning, permitting, zoning, project management, others).
  • Ask about their experience working with your local jurisdictions including permitting, zoning, planning. 

Resources

There are many resources to help with planning, permits, funding, and design.

Important: Most of these resources are general and not specific to Washington state. For rules you must follow, always check the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). 

Articles

Guidebooks