Caring for Our Children (CFOC)

Chapter 5: Facilities, Supplies, Equipment, and Environmental Health

5.1 Overall Requirements

5.1.1 General Location, Layout and Construction of the Facility

5.1.1.6: Structurally Sound Facility

Content in the standard was modified on 04/27/2021.

Every exterior wall, roof, and foundation should be structurally sound, weathertight, and watertight, in compliance with applicable building codes. Every interior floor, wall, staircase, and ceiling should be structurally sound and finished in compliance with applicable building codes. ECE programs should follow all applicable local and state requirements.

RATIONALE

The structural soundness of an early care and education program is important for preventing injuries and providing protection from weather and natural disasters. A weathertight and watertight building not only helps preserve the building elements but is also important for maintaining indoor temperatures in acceptable ranges, limiting the entry of pests, and preventing water intrusion that can lead to excessive dampness and mold contamination.1,2

 

Early care and education programs sometimes use older buildings or buildings originally designed for other purposes. When facilities are inspected prior to beginning operations and before and after renovation or construction activities, the risks of exposure to potential environmental hazards are lessened.3

COMMENTS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Choose Safe Places for Early Care and Education (CSPECE) program

https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/safeplacesforECE/csp_program.html

 

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). List of NFPA Codes and Standards. https://www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards/All-Codes-and-Standards/List-of-Codes-and-Standards

TYPE OF FACILITY
Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home
RELATED STANDARDS
5.1.1.2 Inspection of Buildings
5.1.1.5 Assessment of the Environment at the Site Location
5.2.9.6 Preventing Exposure to Asbestos or Other Friable Materials
5.2.9.13 Testing for and Remediating Lead Hazards
5.2.9.15 Construction and Remodeling
5.3.1.6 Floors, Walls, and Ceilings
5.7.0.7 Structure Maintenance
REFERENCES

  1. Whole Building Design Guide. Secure/Safe. National Institute of Building Sciences. Updated September 28, 2017. Accessed March 9, 2021. https://www.wbdg.org/design-objectives/secure-safe

  2. Whole Building Design Guide. Occupant Safety and Health. National Institute of Building Sciences. Updated January 13, 2017. Accessed March 9, 2021. https://www.wbdg.org/design-objectives/secure-safe/occupant-safety-health

  3. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Choose Safe Places for Early Care and Education (CSPECE) program. Reviewed December 4, 2019. Accessed March 9, 2021. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/safeplacesforECE/csp_program.html

NOTES

Content in the standard was modified on 04/27/2021.