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Inside the Design of a New Child Care Center

by | Aug 14, 2024 | Child Care Inspiration

Inside the Design of a New Child Care Center

Imagine walking into a place where every detail is crafted not just with care, but with a deep understanding of what makes a child’s world feel safe, fun, and full of wonder.

That’s the essence of a new child care center—a project where architecture meets imagination, and where every brick tells a story.

The vision behind this design was more than just creating a building; it was about crafting a sanctuary where little minds could explore and grow.

The challenge? Making this new space fit seamlessly into a campus dominated by high-rise buildings. The solution? A clever use of cast stone that mirrors the surrounding architecture while giving the center its distinct, welcoming identity.

But the design didn’t stop at the exterior. Thought was given to every parent, child, and staff member who would fill this space daily. The center was designed in two phases, allowing it to serve children without interruption—an architectural dance of demolition and construction that doubled the facility’s capacity.

Inside, the layout was meticulously crafted with transparency in mind—ensuring teachers could see and hear every child at all times. And because kids will be kids, there’s a book nook in the lobby for those moments when the playground is rained out, turning waiting time into storytime.

The design didn’t overlook the small details—like how a fuzzy carpeted step helps infants learn to crawl, or how strategically placed kitchens allow teachers to keep an eye on the toddlers even while preparing snacks. The site itself, a narrow strip of land, was transformed into a “natural playscape,” where hills and playgrounds create an adventure just steps from the classrooms.

Safety and sustainability were the foundation of this vision. Security cameras, access-controlled doors, and alarmed gates are woven into the fabric of the building, keeping children safe without making the space feel like a fortress. And because the future matters, the building is wrapped in energy-efficient insulation, with smart lighting that knows when to dim or brighten based on the sunlight streaming through those large, inviting windows.

In the end, what has been created is more than just a place where children go while their parents work. It’s a space that reflects a commitment to care, innovation, and the belief that every child deserves a place where they can feel secure, inspired, and ready to take on the world—one small step at a time.

Step inside the design of a new child care center.  Where the achitect takes us through the unique elements incorporated into this engaging and innovative facility, from the exterior design that matches the aesthetic of the campus to the phased construction that allows for continued operation, provides insight into the thoughtfulness behind every detail.

Transparency, sight and sound monitoring, and a focus on promoting well-being and development are just a few of the key features incorporated into this state-of-the-art child care center. With an emphasis on security, safety, and energy efficiency, this facility is set to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for the children and families it serves.

Inside the Design of a New Child Care Center

EXTERIOR

The exterior design of the new Child Care Center was carefully crafted to align with the brand and aesthetic of the growing campus. The goal of the design was to create a facility that is unique, yet still conveys the same sense of promise that every child and family feels when entering a facility. One of the challenges faced in the design process was matching our two-story building to the look and feel of the campus, which is predominantly composed of high-rise buildings. The solution was to incorporate two colors of cast stone into the design to complement the look of the rest of the campus, which is primarily made up of precast panels.

PHASED

The new Child Care Center was designed in two phases to allow for continued operation and expansion. Phase 1 matched the current program size of the existing building and was built in the parking lot of the existing facility. The program is currently operational in the new building, and the previous center was recently demolished. Phase 2 will be built in the footprint of the demolished existing building and will double the number of children and families that the center can serve. In addition to expanding the capacity, Phase 2 will also include a larger preschool playground and a staff parking lot. Every square inch of the site is being utilized to maximize the potential of the new Child Care Center.

Inside the Design of a New Child Care Center

KEY FEATURES

The entire facility was designed with transparency in mind, ensuring total “sight and sound” of the children at all times. The building features a large central lobby with branded wall coverings, abundant natural light, double height ceilings, and a monumental open stair, all of which serve as a warm and welcoming entryway. A unique feature of the lobby is a book nook, providing an escape on days when the playground is closed and promoting impromptu learning while children wait for pickup or check-in at drop-off.

In addition to the lobby, the new Child Care Center also features a full commercial kitchen, allowing for a chef to join the staff and prepare fresh and nutritious meals specifically designed for the children. This enhances the culinary offerings and reduces operating costs. Phase 2 will also introduce a reading room with computers, providing breakout lessons and activities for preschool and kindergarten students who are reading at an advanced level.

INFANT & TODDLER ROOMS

All infant and toddler rooms are located on the first floor, with open windows and doors that lead directly to age-appropriate playgrounds. Special attention has been paid to design elements that ensure continual sight and sound monitoring, such as strategically positioned infant changing stations that allow teachers to always have a clear view of the room and other students. Infant classrooms are paired, sharing a kitchen that is centered and open to one another with a semi-circle design to promote a line of sight into the play area for teachers preparing bottles and food. This pairing also allows for staff flexibility, with aides able to float from room to room to support the needs of either classroom when appropriate.

Toddler rooms also feature paired kitchens, with a sliding barn door that can be closed if one class is engaged in a quiet activity or nap time. The center of each classroom is open and spacious, providing flexibility for learning activities. The layout and design goals for preschool and kindergarten rooms are similar to those of the toddler rooms. The new Child Care Center has incorporated special design elements for infants, including a quarter circle stair step designed into a corner in each room. This feature allows older infants to learn how to crawl up and down stairs and is covered in a fun, fuzzy carpet that is waterproof, stain-resistant, and easily cleaned.

Inside the Design of a New Child Care Center

SECURITY & SAFETY

Security and safety were top priorities in the design of the new Child Care Center. The facility is equipped with security cameras throughout the interior and exterior, ensuring comprehensive surveillance. Parents are provided with access cards to swipe in at the main door, and a video intercom is available for guests and visitors. Exit stair doors and elevator doors are also access controlled, preventing children from getting stuck or trapped in elevators or stairs. Additionally, all playground gates are equipped with alarmed panic hardware to alert staff if someone tries to enter the playground without authorization.

SITE

The design team took advantage of the narrow site and created an undulating topography that promotes exploration and creates unique play spaces throughout the site. The theme for the site design is “natural playscape”, aligning with the branding and providing a play experience that promotes learning through exploration. The building is surrounded by playgrounds, which are accessible from every first-floor classroom and the south end of the building. This design not only enhances security but also creates a natural extension of the classrooms, with large windows connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Inside the Design of a New Child Care Center

BUILDING SCIENCE/ ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The new Child Care Center incorporates various building science and energy efficiency measures, prioritizing sustainability. The building is constructed with outsulation, which involves installing continuous rigid insulation outside of the building sheathing to improve thermal performance. This design eliminates thermal breaks associated with traditional fiberglass batt insulation. Additionally, a UV resistant coating has been applied to the CMU wall that separates Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the building. This coating protects the finished interior of Phase 1 while saving costs by eliminating the need for temporary cladding systems. Special lighting control systems have also been implemented, with vacancy sensors in each room that adjust the lighting based on the amount of natural daylight available. This helps to save energy by automatically dimming or turning off lights when they are not needed.

In conclusion, the design of the new Child Care Center incorporates various elements to create a fun, engaging, and safe environment for children and families. From the exterior design that aligns with the aesthetic of the campus to the carefully planned layout of the infant and toddler rooms, every aspect of the design has been thoughtfully considered. The use of technology, such as security cameras and access control systems, ensures the safety of the children, while the incorporation of sustainable building practices promotes energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The result is a state-of-the-art child care facility that promotes learning, development, and wellbeing.

Inside the Design of a New Childcare Center:

Where Imagination Meets Architecture

A World Built for Little Explorers

Imagine walking into a place where every detail—from the colors on the walls to the shape of the windows—has been meticulously designed with the mind of a child in focus. That’s exactly what you’ll find at this new childcare center, a space where architecture collides with imagination to create something that feels less like a building and more like a sanctuary for little explorers.

Fitting Into the Big City

The challenge? Nestling this child-centered haven into a bustling campus dominated by high-rises. The solution? A masterful use of cast stone that allows the center to both blend in and stand out, marrying the campus’s modern architecture with the warmth and whimsy a childcare center demands. You know the moment you step inside: this is a place designed to nurture, inspire, and let kids be kids.

The Details That Make a Difference

But it’s not just about fitting in with the skyline. The true magic of this center lies in the details, the small touches that make a big difference. Take, for example, the fuzzy, carpeted steps in the infant rooms. These aren’t just stairs—they’re part of a grand adventure where babies learn to crawl and climb, with each step covered in a soft, waterproof material that’s as practical as it is fun.

Spaces That Turn Waiting Into Wonder

Or the book nook tucked away in the lobby, a quiet corner that turns rainy days into impromptu storytime sessions. It’s the perfect hideaway for a child waiting for their parent, a space that turns “waiting” into “wonder.” Even the kitchens are carefully positioned so that teachers can whip up snacks without ever losing sight of the toddlers they’re caring for—because in this place, design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about solving real-world problems in thoughtful, imaginative ways.

Designed With Transparency in Mind

At its core, this center was designed with transparency in mind—literally. Large windows and open layouts allow teachers to see and hear every child at all times. In the toddler rooms, sliding barn doors offer flexibility, giving the space the option to open up or create cozy, quiet zones. The design prioritizes safety without sacrificing creativity, ensuring that every child can roam freely while always being within a teacher’s watchful eye.

A Playscape for Imagination

And when it comes to outdoor play? The “natural playscape” is the crown jewel. The site, a narrow strip of land, has been transformed into a rolling landscape of hills and playgrounds, encouraging kids to explore and engage with nature, just steps from their classrooms. Large windows connect these outdoor spaces to the inside world, blurring the boundaries between where learning begins and playtime ends.

Safety Meets Sustainability

In a world where safety and sustainability are more important than ever, this center doesn’t miss a beat. Security cameras, access-controlled doors, and alarmed gates are seamlessly integrated into the design, keeping the kids safe without making the place feel like a fortress. The building is also wrapped in cutting-edge energy-efficient insulation, ensuring it stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer, all while minimizing energy use. Smart lighting systems even adjust based on the natural light pouring through the windows, saving energy and making the space feel naturally bright and airy.

More Than Just a Building

In the end, what has been created here is more than just a childcare center—it’s a thoughtfully crafted environment where every element serves a purpose. From the phased construction that doubled the center’s capacity without disrupting operations, to the specialized rooms for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, this place is a masterclass in how design can elevate the everyday experience of learning and play.

A World for Kids to Explore

It’s not just about providing a space for kids to spend their days—it’s about creating a world where they feel safe, inspired, and ready to explore the possibilities around them.

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With over 35 years of experience, Rebecca leads the way at Childcare Design (formerly Calbert Design Group), where she excels in navigating the intricate world of commercial real estate development.  Her passion lies in guiding clients through these complexities with ease and expertise.

    

Discover more of her valuable insights and resources at SaveOnBuilding.com, where Rebecca is committed to empowering small business owners with the insights they need to avoid costly pitfalls and make informed decisions.

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