June 21, 1993
VA HANDBOOK 7610 (420)
CHAPTER 420. VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION -
GUIDELINES FOR CHILDCARE/DEVELOPMENT CENTER
1. APPROVAL OF GUIDELINES
Guidelines approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on June 21, 1993.
2. DEFINITION
a. A child care/development center has considerable responsibility in the community. Its role is to offer a sound program
which goes beyond caretaking.
b. The first experiences for young children in group situations should assist them in developing a positive self-concept.
When children feel good about what they can do they recognize the love and friendship of caretakers and other children they
develop confidence in themselves and will be more receptive to learning opportunities.
c. Much of a child's development occurs spontaneously from unstructured activities -play where the child is learning and
growing from his or her own initiative, exploration, and discovery. Learn ing also occurs from structured and semi -structured
situations.
d. Optimal early childhood development is experiences interspersed with structured learning. Child development occurs
by adding knowledge or abilities and by passing through a series of stages or major periods of development.
3. PROGRAM DATA REQUIRED
a. Projected number of children in each age group.
b. Staffing projections.
c. Will food service be catered?
4. SPACE DETERMINATIONS
These guidelines suggest the space required for a child care/development center. The actual area (NSM/NSF) allocated
to the individual spaces listed under each major heading will be determined by the requirements of those involved in
providing child care facilities. However, all child care centers must meet, as a minimum, state licensing requirements. All
design elements must be scaled in accordance with child anthropometric (developmental) references. The net to gross
conversion factor will be 1.3.
1. Administrative
a. Administration
(1) Entry/Lobby ................................................................................................................................... (Minimum =
7.4 NSM ( 80 NSF))
0
plus
.1 NSM (1.5 NSF)
per child over 75
This is the controlled access point for patrons, parent waiting area, and display and
informational boards.
420-1
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