HEAD START CENTER DESIGN GUIDE

7.6 Lofts and Platforms

Lofts and platform areas are optional constructed elements within the classroom. They can offer many activity opportunities and advantages. Lofts and platforms are not appropriate for every classroom, because they can minimize flexibility. Lofts must always be designed with the safety of the child in mind. This means that constructed elements should reduce the risk of children falling from the loft. Typically, lofts will be purchased pieces of equipment that the architect-engineer will accommodate in the design.

Lofts with slides and steps offer a variety of experiences. However, it is best for circulation if they are descending in the same direction. It is important to coordinate sprinkler requirements to avoid having to sprinkle under lofts or risk having children too close to sprinklers.

7.6.1 Infant Lofts and Platforms

Infant classrooms require soft, colorful crawling areas with slight level changes, such as low, carpeted, constructed platforms, movable foam shapes, or forms that provide level changes. Ramps or small 3-to- 4-inch steps should be used between levels. All corners should be rounded and all surfaces should be soft and minimize falls. The maximum total height of platforms for infants is 18 inches.

Recessed constructed areas provide infants with large, contained spaces in which to move and explore. The low retaining sides allow infants to pull themselves up and move. Similar portable low boundaries might also work well. Caution must be used in permanently constructing such an area so as not to reduce classroom flexibility.

7.6.2 Toddler and Pre-School Lofts and Platforms

Lofts enhance toddler and pre-school classrooms by offering:

• Challenging, large-muscle activities.
• Small intimate spaces.
• Additional spaces for exploration.
• Opportunities for a child to view the environment from another level.
• A classroom with more character.

The following design requirements are suggested by GSA and should be considered in the design of a loft for toddler and pre-school age groups:

• Lofts should be no higher than 3 ft. above the finished floor for toddlers and 4.5 ft. above the finished floor for pre-school children. They should be designed to minimize conflict and should allow more than one child to use the equipment. For instance, offering stairs going up and a slide coming down will minimize congestion and possible conflict.
• Loft features meeting the definition for fall zones must be provided with resilient surfaces, as prescribed by the CPSC's Handbook for Public Playground Safety. Refer to Chapter 6, Play Yard Surfaces.
• Lofts should meet local, state, or other standards that may apply.
• Guardrails should be provided to protect children from falling from raised areas. Toddlers should have guardrails on any constructed surface more than 10 inches above adjacent surfaces. Pre-school children should have guardrails on any raised surface more than 20 inches above floor level. The top of the guardrail must be at least 2.5 ft. above the platform, or in accordance with local codes, whichever is more stringent. Openings between 3.5 and 9 inches should be avoided to prevent head entrapment. Avoiding openings between 0.3 inch and 1 inch will prevent finger and hand entrapment.
• Protective barriers should be provided on all raised surfaces 2.5 ft. above floor level or higher for pre-school and younger children. Protective barriers can be vertical slats, or preferably acrylic panels (for clear visibility). Openings in these panels should not be larger than 3 inches to prevent entrapment. Avoid using horizontal rails that allow climbing.
• All protruding corners should have a minimum radius of 1/2 inch.
• Teachers must be able to see and easily reach all areas of a loft.
• The loft should present an image of safety, avoiding overly challenging elements such as cantilevers or narrow bridges.
• Level changes should be appropriate to the age group and accessible by ramps, steps, or ladders. Steps and ladders should allow two children to use them at the same time to avoid aggressive behavior. Riser heights for stairs should be a maximum of 5 inches for toddlers and pre-school children. Minimum tread depth is approximately 11 inches. Stairs and ramps should be a minimum of 3 ft. wide.
• Handrails should be provided for all stairs and ramps at 22 inches above the leading edge of the treads. All handrails should adjoin the wall to avoid the possibility of injury. Handrails also should meet state, tribal, and local codes.