HEAD START CENTER DESIGN GUIDE

7.8 Mechanical/Electrical/Telephone/Equipment

Except when they are freestanding buildings, centers typically will be provided with mechanical service by the central plant. When freestanding, interior space should be provided for mechanical equipment, or rooftop equipment will have to be used. However, the decision to use rooftop equipment should be carefully weighed. The decision-makers should consider the additional maintenance and possible damage to the roof that this configuration entails. This precaution is particularly applicable to regions of the country with significant precipitation. GSA suggests using equipment and systems that will have low long-term operating and maintenance costs.

Space for telephone service should be centrally located and separate from the children's areas, although a dedicated telephone closet is not always necessary. If one is provided, it should have a lockable door that is not accessible by children, but which can be opened from the inside. Finishes may include painted walls and a sealed concrete floor.