Directors and Managers

The Department of Labor is committed to providing its customers—America's employers, workers, job seekers, and retirees—with clear and easy-to-access information on how to comply with federal employment laws. This resource can be used by program directors, human resource managers, and construction professionals involved in meeting compliance issues related to Davis-Bacon.

Program design elements, such as group size, classroom size, the indoor-outdoor relationship, and easily accessed diapering and toileting facilities with adjacent handwashing sinks, all have a great impact on the functioning and design of a child care center.

Following is a list of non-profit financial and Technical Assistance (TA) intermediaries involved in planning, developing, and financing facilities for low-income child care and Head Start programs. Grantees looking for new funding resources to support their goals and objectives will find this information useful.

No construction or construction-related services shall be commenced by a contractor until the contractor is issued a "notice to proceed." This notice is issued by the grantee agency and completes the final phase of the architect's basic services. While the notice to proceed can be issued simultaneously with the contract award document, grantees are advised to ensure that all administrative requirements are satisfied, and that any concerns regarding schedule and progress payments are resolved.

Program directors are strongly encouraged to involve parents in the entire planning process for facilities development. Program directors and members of the facilities planning team will find this resource helpful for conducting a parent focus group.

This policy statement focuses on allowable rental or lease costs associated with facilities and equipment. Grantees may find this information useful when considering renting or leasing facilities and equipment for their program’s use. This policy statement also clarifies the term "less-than-arms-length" as it relates to property agreements.

During the design phases and during the occupancy phase outstanding construction items noted as punch list items will be listed on a Certificate of Substantial Completion form. This form is used by the chief executive officer of the grantee. This certificate allows the grantee to ensure safe and effective utilization of the structure.

Awarding a construction contract using the bid process is based primarily on cost. Program directors and members of the program's facilities planning team can use this resource in their bidding process.

The selection of an architect is based on professional knowledge, experience, and understanding of the specifics of the project. Program staff can use this tip sheet to further their understanding of how to maintain a working relationship with an architect.

Trailers and modular units that are designed to serve as a dwelling or place of business are considered real property if installed permanently at a given location so as to seem fixed to the land as a permanent structure. Grantees considering using trailers and modular will find this information useful.