CHAPTER NINE
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
KEY CONCEPTS
Ecosystems perspective views child care facility as part of human-built environment
existing in, and having many connections with natural, physical-biological environment.
Within the natural environment, the center comprises a complex social-cultural
environment where humans interact for the purpose of nurturing and educating young
children.
Sustainability
equal to or better than tho
Personal space provides the individual with a sense of ownership (e.g., a cubby or cot
Territoriality is a chil specific claim to a place in the learning environment; an
individual temperament or personality.
Density, the number and size of people using a space affects the learning environment.
Total group size as well as arrangement of learning or interest centers so that children
can work and play in small groups are strategies for managing density.
Indirect guidance is an effective way to manage density by arranging environment to
give concrete cues about how many can play in a given area.
ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS FOR STUDENTS
1. Have students evaluate the indoor and outdoor environment of a selected child development
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2. Draw the floor plan of a classroom on graph paper. Using a catalog to find dimensions, cut
4. Have students access one of the classroom planning tools listed in the Technology Toolkit
(p.202) and experiment with creating their own designs by manipulating the digital images.
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Handout 9.1 Playground Maintenance Checklist
Adequate protective surfacing under and around equipment
____Yes ____No (Install or replace)
Surfacing material free of foreign objects or debris
____Yes ____No (Rake; remove debris)
Surfacing materials still in place under heavy use areas (slides, swings)
Satisfactory drainage, especially in heavy use areas (slides, swings)
All equipment securely anchored
Equipment intact and in good repair (handrails, guardrails, protective barriers, steps, rungs)
Equipment is free of rust, rot, cracks, splinters (especially where in contact with ground)
____Yes ____No (Repair or replace)
Paint on equipment is lead-free and in good condition (not peeling, cracking, chipping, chalking)
Equipment is in original condition (no added strings, ropes, swings looped over top rails, etc.)
Equipment is free of sharp points, corners, or edges
____Yes ____No (Correct: e.g., remove, cover)
Protective caps or plugs in place and in good repair on all equipment
Equipment free of hazardous protrusions, open S-hooks, or protruding bolts
Play area free of trip hazards (exposed footings on play equipment; rocks, roots, etc.)
Equipment free of crush and shearing points on exposed moving parts
Equipment in good condition (no worn parts, loose fastening devices)
Trash receptacle(s) available and emptied regularly