Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/giving-your-building-a-second-chance-guidelines-for-remodeling-your-center/5013782/
More and more young children are attending child care programs. At the same time, the issue of quality in these programs is being examined and emphasized. While there are many factors that contribute to quality care, such as teacher-child ratios and appropriate materials, an appropriate facility for young children to grow, develop, and be protected is also essential. Historically, facilities for child care programs have been new buildings designed specially for this age child, and a collection of basements, community agencies, and church facilities. Now a third option is beginning to be explored: remodeling existing buildings to specifically meet the needs of young children and their families (Sussman, 1998; Wardle, 1988). This is because some existing buildings are structurally sound, meet the unique developmental needs of young children, and cost less to remodel than building from scratch.Who Should Remodel?
Clearly, remodeling is not for everyone. Remodeling should be viewed as an option that fits certain unique situations. These include a program that wishes to expand an existing facility, a program that has access to an inexpensive or free building to remodel, and a program where remodeling is financially and practically the best option. Any program considering remodeling must have access to people ...