Childcare centres

Good practices

Although buildings specifically designed for children are not yet governed by mandatory standards, it is essential to think about designing an environment suited to their diverse abilities, needs and challenges. Below are some good practices from Canadian and Québec construction guides. While these standards focus primarily on accessibility to the built environment in general, they can be adapted to the needs of children:

• Stationnement : Prévoir des aires de stationnement plus larges pour faciliter la circulation des parents avec poussettes ou des personnes utilisant une aide à la mobilité.
• Circulation efficace et sans obstacle : Assurer une surface de plancher stable et non réfléchissante, ainsi qu’une largeur de corridors suffisante pour permettre à deux enfants utilisant une aide à la mobilité de se croiser. Consultez les normes applicables pour des détails spécifiques.
• Universal toilets: These facilities offer greater flexibility, more space and allow a child to be accompanied by a person of a different gender. Key points:
  
  Adapted bowl height, Sufficient space between the toilet and the wall to facilitate the transfer of children using mobility aids, Installation of lateral and rear grab bars for greater safety, Easy-to-use handles that don’t requiring twisting the wrist or pinching actions
• Accessible controls: Controls such as switches, faucets, soap or paper dispensers and clothing hooks must meet accessibility standards in the standards guides. Amenities should be at different heights to accommodate children of different sizes.

For more detail, the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (ADA) (United States) provides specific recommendations regarding accessibility for children.

Going beyond the standards

Good practices are of paramount importance because they allow us to go beyond minimum requirements and imagine innovative solutions. Employers and educators can help create inclusive environments by:

• Designing architectural environments that promote inclusion
• Organizing activities that encourage integration
• Raising children’s awareness of the diverse needs of their peers
• Building on other inclusive childcare models
• Communicating their needs to the Ministère de la Famille, des Aînés et de la Condition féminine

The contribution of universal design

Applying the seven universal design principles to the design of an inclusive daycare facility improves accessibility for all children, regardless of their abilities. This fosters a safe, stimulating and supportive environment for cognitive development, social interaction and inclusion. The following is a non-exhaustive description of these principles:

• Equitable use: Providing the same means of use for all children, identical whenever possible, or equivalent when necessary.
• Flexibility in use: Providing a choice of methods adapted to different needs, while allowing each child to progress at their own pace.
• Simple and intuitive use: Designing environments and tools that are easy to understand, regardless of the child’s cognitive or linguistic abilities. Limiting unnecessary complexity and guiding children through their activities.
• Perceptible information: Communicating instructions through different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) to maximize their understanding.
• Error tolerance: Minimizing risks and errors with a thoughtful layout, making high-use items easily accessible and securing hazardous components.
• Low physical effort: Offering equipment and games that require little effort for comfortable use without any risk of excessive fatigue.
• Size and space for approach and use: Providing optimal visibility of essential elements without obstruction, adapted to the seated or standing position of children and educators, while facilitating ergonomic access to all components, regardless of posture or mobility. This includes a variety of fitted grips and handles, as well as sufficient space for comfortable use of mobility devices.