IFF's community planning initiative is Building Blocks

The Building Blocks of Design: A Handbook for Early Childhood Development Facilities

The Building Blocks of Design handbook is a guide and reference tool for early childhood development providers who want to improve or expand their centers. The handbook covers everything from choosing a paint color for a simple cosmetic enhancement to planning a major construction project.

Topics covered include:

• Assessing space needs and project planning
• Laying out and furnishing classrooms
• Adding toilets or diaper-changing facilities
• Making cosmetic improvements
• Addressing storage needs
• Designing playgrounds
• Adding classrooms
• Evaluating a space for renovation
• Planning and building a new center or major renovation

Worksheets, checklists, and case studies will help you answer questions like:

• Is my organization ready to take on a project?
• What should I look for when hiring a contractor?
• What types of storage should I provide in the classroom and common areas?
• What should I look for when evaluating a space for renovation?
• How can I make common areas more welcoming? 
  

The Building Blocks of Design handbook draws from IFF's sixteen years of accumulated knowledge and experience financing, designing, and developing the vital spaces where young children are cared for and educated.

Funding for the handbook was provided by the Grand Victoria Foundation. 

Download The Building Blocks of Design handbook [427kb]
or Download an order form [38kb] to obtain a hard copy of the handbook