Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Building new childcare facility

    Posted 03-10-2023 01:07 AM

    We are building new childcare facilities in two counties in rural western Kentucky. We have an opportunity to get this right and maybe build something that could be a model for rural childcare. We want to involve facility designers and pedagogy and ECD experts in our process from the beginning. Suggestions



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    Michael Howard
    Ceo
    ARCH Community Health Coalition
    Manitou KY
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  • 2.  RE: Building new childcare facility

    Posted 03-11-2023 07:41 AM

    We are also building a new center in collaboration with the local public school pre-K and town recreation department in rural western Maine. I am following this thread and would love to hear from others who have done this.



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    Laurie Davis
    Little Schoolhouse Childcare
    Greenville ME
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  • 3.  RE: Building new childcare facility

    Posted 03-11-2023 11:46 AM

    Hey Michael, what do you consider to be rural? 

    We have 4 locations (and growing) in Michigan serving rural communities (one at 10,000 population the rest under 3,000). 
    Our total capacity is right around 500. 

    If it would be helpful, I'm open to a call to discuss.

    Tyler



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    Tyler Huntey
    CEO
    Huntey's Clubhouse
    Big Rapids MI
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  • 4.  RE: Building new childcare facility

    Posted 03-13-2023 12:32 PM

    Hi Michael,

    We've got some resources on our LinkedIn page specific to design and planning of preschool and early education facilities. Regulations vary by state, but planning a new center is an exciting process - and given the amount of time young people spend in your school as their first environment outside of home, we believe it's critically important to get the details - health, safety, and most importantly a nurturing and supportive environment for proper development of children, staff and administrators just right. Feel free to reach out if you need a hand.

    All the best,

    Daniel Turner



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    Daniel Turner
    Founder / Owner
    Daniel Scott Turner Architects
    Houston TX
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  • 5.  RE: Building new childcare facility

    Posted 03-14-2023 10:04 AM

    Hi everyone

    I wanted to build on Daniel's post to Michael about choosing furniture for the learning environments in his new center. My expertise is helping teachers to align the needs of the developing brain to the learning environment. I wanted to suggest keeping in mind how you want to set up your space so that the developing brain and other domains are catered to. Purchasing pieces of furniture that are flexible, see through for children (ie shelving without backs), curved furniture and some round tables and floor mats go along way to calm the brain if set up well. Enjoy the excitement of setting up a new center - it's great to have a fresh canvas to work on. Happy to offer design ideas if you need them. Kathy 



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    Kathryn Murray
    Founder
    Future Strong Education Consultancy
    Savannah GA
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