UFC 4-740-14
1 August 2002
CHAPTER 5
CHILD ACTIVITY ROOMS
5-1
GENERAL CRITERIA. Include child activity areas and functional support
spaces in all child activity rooms. Developmental and routine activities, children's
displays, eating, and all other activities pertaining to a child's care in a self-contained
environment occur in these indoor spaces.
5-1.1
For Interaction. A prime objective of a successful design is to create
conditions that allow caregivers and children to interact both verbally and non-verbally in
large and small groups. To do this successfully, activity room space should not appear
crowded. Include low tables and chairs, several interest areas, and the space for
caregivers to communicate individually with children. Define functional areas by
furniture arrangements that vary depending upon the age group.
5-1.2
For Visibility. The designer must keep in mind that visibility of all areas
within the activity room is a key factor, so avoid creating "blind" areas that would make
staff supervision difficult. The ideal room width to length ratio is 3:2.
5-2
SPACE AND LAYOUT. In child activity rooms, area requirements are
expressed in terms of uninterrupted activity space (UAS). UAS is defined as space in a
care area used exclusively for activity, excluding the diaper changing station, the food
preparation station, the toileting areas, storage areas, installed millwork, door swings,
and any dedicated circulation space. Dedicated circulation space is that area directly
behind the diaper changing station, behind the food prep area, directly in front of access
doors, directly behind access doors, or the path of routine travel between doors or any
of the areas mentioned above. In other words, if a child can't play there without being
interrupted by traffic, it is considered dedicated circulation.
5-2.1
Maximize Space. In order to maximize the amount of UAS and space
devoted to childcare functions, design the circulation between the entrance and exits to
be as direct as possible. Adjacent to circulation, it is appropriate to position tables and
work surfaces, which tend to involve more crowded functions while retaining corners
and floor area for more protected and nurturing activities.
5-2.2
Flexibility. Design activity rooms for flexibility. Provide in each activity
room no less than 6.04 m2 (65 ft.2) per child of UAS for infants and 4.18 m2 (45 ft.2) per
child for pre-toddlers, toddlers and preschoolers. Further, include diaper changing
stations and food preparation areas in all activity rooms, no matter what the age group
they serve, so that these activity rooms can accommodate all age groups and children
with special needs.
The Navy does not permit diaper changing and food
preparation areas in the preschool activity room. Major activity room elements should
remain fixed, such as those requiring plumbing connections or case goods secured in
place for safety reasons. The arrangement of storage cubbies for children's personal
items will be less frequently altered. Children and their caregivers will modify the
remaining space continually to create areas for their activities.
5-1
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