Caring for Our Children (CFOC)

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

5.1 Overall Requirements

5.1.6 Exterior Areas

Note to Reader: See Chapter 6 for Outdoor Play Area Requirements

5.1.6.5: Areas Used by Children for Wheeled Vehicles


The area used by children for wheeled vehicles should have a flat, smooth, non-slippery surface. A physical barrier should separate this area from the following:

  1. Traffic;
  2. Streets;
  3. Parking;
  4. Delivery areas;
  5. Driveways;
  6. Stairs;
  7. Hallways used as fire exits;
  8. Balconies;
  9. Pools and other areas containing water.
RATIONALE
Uneven or slippery riding surfaces can lead to injury (1). Physical separation from environmental obstacles is necessary to prevent potential collision, injuries, falls, and drowning.
TYPE OF FACILITY
Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home
RELATED STANDARDS
5.1.6.2 Construction and Maintenance of Walkways
5.1.6.3 Drainage of Paved Surfaces
5.1.6.4 Walking Surfaces
REFERENCES
  1. U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). 2003. Child care center design guide. New York: GSA Public Buildings Service, Office of Child Care. http://www.gsa.gov/graphics/pbs/designguidesmall.pdf.