HEAD START CENTER DESIGN GUIDE

3.2 Teachers

Teachers care for and supervise the children. In Head Start they promote learning and developmental activities through a curriculum designed for stimulation and development. Curriculum activities occur not only in classrooms, but also in play yards, in multiple-purpose spaces, and on excursions outside the center. Teachers are responsible for the children while at the center, including greeting them and their parents when they arrive. Teachers ensure that only authorized individuals pick up the children at the end of the day.

Teachers also prepare curriculum materials and projects for the children and confer with the parents and administrators. Teachers may need time away from their classroom in a separate space, which may double as a workroom. They need adequate storage areas, not only for curriculum materials and supplies but also to lock up their personal effects. Because their job is demanding, the designer should focus on creating organized arrangements for teachers. This is one of the core challenges in designing a center.

GSA advises that the design can facilitate the needs of teachers by providing:

• Ample elevated wall-hung storage above children's level, but also located to avoid the possibility of adults striking their heads. All elevated storage should be designed to avoid the possibility of items falling on children.
• Elevated electrical outlets for equipment such as audio devices and other technology. (There should also be CD and tape storage.)
• Outlets convenient to elevated electronic equipment.
• Conveniently located, accessible adult toilet(s), complying with ADAAG.
• Convenient storage for teachers' outer garments and items such as boots.
• A comfortable and private place to confer with parents.
• A resource room where teaching materials and equipment can be stored in an orderly and highly visible fashion.
• Locked space to store personal belongings.
• A comfortable space for teacher use for breaks and lunches, and to prepare teaching plans and materials.
• Adequate shelving or counter space for displaying teaching materials.
• An easy means of displaying children's art projects at children's level.