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Facilities Planning

A program's physical environment is crucial for providing quality services. With these resources, learn to develop systems for maintaining and scheduling repairs for facilities and create conducive learning environments. Discover how to establish resilient facilities and emergency response systems for natural disasters. 

Explore budgeting sources, safety guidelines, and regulations for purchasing, constructing, or renovating a Head Start facility.

Bonding

A bond is a financial guarantee by a surety company that work will be completed as described in a contract. This resource can be used by program directors and their facilities planning teams to understand the relevant requirements for bonding. Most construction contractors are familiar with the process of obtaining surety bonds.

Financing Facilities

Following is a list of non-profit financial and Technical Assistance (TA) intermediaries involved in planning, developing, and financing facilities for low-income child care and Head Start programs. Grantees looking for new funding resources to support their goals and objectives will find this information useful.

Post-Approval Guidance and Checklist

Learn more about the specific regulations in the Head Start Act and Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) that grantees must comply with when they purchase, construct, or renovate a facility using Head Start grant funds. Use this resource when complying with these regulations.

Strategic Maintenance Planning Tool

Head Start leaders must develop systems to address the maintenance needs and repair schedules of their facilities. These systems can have significant budgetary implications and should be approached with the same care one would take with any major purchase. Use this facilities guidance tool to help with data-informed decision-making in implementing sound business practices.

Facilities Project Implementation

Learn about the laws and regulations grantees must comply with and the forms they must complete when they purchase, construct, or renovate a facility.

Facilities Maintenance, Health, and Safety

Review the insurance and maintenance regulations, quality health and safety practices, and policies that grantees should establish in their early care and education facilities.

Compliance Assistance: The Davis-Bacon Act and Related Acts

The Department of Labor is committed to providing its customers—America's employers, workers, job seekers, and retirees—with clear and easy-to-access information on how to comply with federal employment laws. This resource can be used by program directors, human resource managers, and construction professionals involved in meeting compliance issues related to Davis-Bacon.

Eight Steps in the Design Process

Program design elements, such as group size, classroom size, the indoor-outdoor relationship, and easily accessed diapering and toileting facilities with adjacent handwashing sinks, all have a great impact on the functioning and design of a child care center.