Resources for Safe Playgrounds
Playgrounds are a fundamental part of the childhood experience and should be safe havens for children. The resources on this page feature safety guidelines for designing, constructing, and maintaining playgrounds.
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Facilities
A program’s physical environment supports the quality and quantity of the services it provides. Browse facilities resources that help programs create environments that are conducive to learning. Explore resources about adhering to safety guidelines for designing, constructing, and maintaining healthy classrooms and playgrounds. Also, find materials that outline the procedures for applying for funds to purchase, construct, or make major renovations to facilities that operate Head Start programs. This includes the measures that must be taken to protect the federal interest in such facilities.
Facilities and Learning Environments
Facilities and Learning Environments reinforce the importance of designing and maintaining all facilities so they actively support children and families in both indoor and outdoor environments. Transportation supports the safe and efficient movement of children from one point to another.
Pro-Children’s Act of 2001
The Pro-Children’s Act of 2001 imposes restrictions on smoking in facilities where federally-funded children’s services are provided. Grantees that are subject to these requirements will find this information useful.
Facilities, Learning Environments, Transportation, and Technology Glossary of Terms
This glossary of terms provides explanations of technical and construction language. This resource can be used by program directors and members of the local program's facility planning team.
Notice to Proceed
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.
Parent Focus Group Meeting Report Form
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.
Rental or Lease of Facilities and Equipment
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.
[Sample of] Certificate of Substantial Completion Form
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.
Tip Sheet on the Bidding Process
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.
Tip Sheet on Working with Architects
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.
