5.1.2.3: Areas for School-Age Children

When school-age children are in care for periods that exceed two hours before or after school, a separate area away from areas for younger children should be available for school-age children to do homework. Areas used for this purpose should, in addition to meeting the other facility standards have:

1. Table space;
2. Chairs;
3. Adequate ventilation;
4. Lighting of 40 to 50 foot-candles in the room;
5. Lighting of 50 to 100 foot-candles on the surface used as a desk (1).

RATIONALE

School-age children need a quiet space for reading and to do homework so they are not forced to work against the demands for attention that younger children pose. In family child care homes such an area might be within the same room and separated by a room dividing arrangement of furniture.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

5.1.2.1 Space Required per Child
5.2.1.1 Ensuring Access to Fresh Air Indoors
5.2.1.2 Indoor Temperature and Humidity
5.2.2.1 Levels of Illumination

REFERENCES

1. American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), American Institute of Architects, Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, U.S. Green Building Council, U.S. Department of Energy. 2008. Advanced energy design guide for K-12 school buildings, 148. Atlanta, GA: ASHRAE.