Early Childhood Facilities Design Institute

The Forum for Early Childhood Organization and Leadership Development and White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group are sponsoring the Early Childhood Facilities Design Institute on June 12-13, 2003 in Kansas City, MO. This Institute provides a place where early childhood practitioners can learn about creating high quality, developmentally appropriate spaces for young children, both indoors and outdoors. Through the Institute, participants will learn a new vocabulary as they expand their understanding about exciting and affordable places for children.

June 12th 8:30 AM- 5:00 PM
Participants will learn the basic principles of planning indoor childcare, Head Start and Early Head Start environments. The emphasis will be on how to let the curriculum, children's needs and staff needs drive the design process.

• Site and building assessment
• Optimum group and center size
• Individualizing design for infants/toddlers and preschool children
• Understanding the design process
• Working with architects and designers
• Negotiating contracts
• Creating high quality spaces
• Role of culture in design
• The American's with Disabilities Act

The Institute will be housed at the Hampton Inn & Suites on the Country Club Plaza, Kansas City's historic and premier entertainment, dining and shopping district.

June 13th 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Participants will learn how to design and renovate outdoor play space using nature as part of the play element. The emphasis will be on creating interesting and high quality outdoor environments.

• Outdoor site assessment
• Understanding the steps involved in construction or renovation
• The American's with Disabilities Act
• CPSC and ASTM standards
• Looking at why children need nature
• Design considerations for outdoor spaces
• Master planning

Additional information and the registration form can be found at

www.whitehutchinson.com/children/earlychildhoodfac.shtml.

Questions about the institute can be directed to Vicki Stoecklin at +1.816.931-1040, e-mail.