Physical environment:
The premises are clean, well lit, usually with adequate natural lighting, adequately ventilated and maintained in a suitable state of repair and decoration.
The premises are for the sole use of the facility during the hours of operation.
There is access to a telephone on the premises.
Rooms are maintained at an adequate temperature.
The entire premises is fully air-conditioned.

Indoor play area:
At Esperanza area per child is an average of 100 square feet.

Provision is made (space or partitioned area) for children who wish to relax, play quietly or sleep, equipped with appropriate furniture. This area may be converted from normal play space providing children car rest safely without disturbance.
Play areas are large enough to give scope for free movement and well spread out activities. There are separate are as for different activities. There is adequate storage space for equipment.

 

Outdoor play area:
Normally, outdoor play space adjoining the premises is provided. It is safe, secure and well maintained.

Toilet facilities:
There is a minimum of one toilet and wash hand basin with hot and cold water available for every 10 children over the age of two years

 

Staff facilities:
There is an area where confidential information and necessary records can be kept and where staff my talk to parents confidentially. There are separate toilet facilities for adults, Staff have a room or area available for breaks, a way from areas being used by children.

Kitchen:
Normally there is a kitchen which is adequately equipped to provide meals and snacks for children and staff on the premises.
The kitchen conforms to environmental heath, hygiene and food safety requirements children do not have access to the kitchen unless it is being used solely for a supervised children’s activity.

Laundry facilities:
A separate laundry is provided or adequate arrangements made launder nursery linen. Where laundry facilities are provided on site, children are not allowed access. Arrangements are made to ensure that an adequate supply of clean bedding, towels, spare clothes etc. are always available.

Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design, condition and well maintained.

 

Safety & Security:
The premises and outside play area are secure and children are not able to leave them unsupervised. We have an effective system for managing access to the premises, ensures that it is used, and keeps a record of visitors. In the event of a child being lost or not collected there is a clearly defined procedure to be followed.

Fire safety:
There are clearly defined procedures for emergency evacuation of the building, which include any special measures to be taken where children are located above or below ground level, known to all staff and fire drills are carried out periodically. Fire doors are not obstructed and fire exits are clearly identifiable and easily opened from the inside. Fire blankets, extinguishers, alarms and smoke detectors are frequently checked for proper working.

Hygiene:
The premises and equipment are clean. All staff are informed and aware of the importance of good hygiene practice in order to prevent the spread of infection. Children are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through the daily routine.

Animals:
Any animals on the premises are safe to be in the proximity of children and do not pose a health risk.

 

Sandpits:
Sandpits are protected from contamination and the sand is clean.

Food handling
Those responsible for the preparation and handling of food are fully made aware on food safety and hygiene.

Health:

Medicine
Medicines are stored in their original containers, clearly labeled and inaccessible to children;
Medicines are not usually administered unless they have been prescribed for that child by a doctor;
the parent gives prior written permission to administer any medication
written records book are kept of all medicines administered to children, and parents sign the record book  to acknowledge the entry
if the administration of prescription medicines requires technical/medical knowledge then individual training is provided for staff from a qualified health professional Training is specific to the individual child concerned.

 

First aid

There is a first aid box, the contents of which will be determined in the first aid training course, and are checked frequently and replaced as necessary. This is kept in an accessible place out of the reach of children. A record is maintained, signed by the parent, of any accidents.

 

Facilities:
Like a home, Esperanza is a place where children can:

Relax and be themselves Have ample natural light in all spaces were children will spend time, especially the class rooms Have a sense of arrival and welcome upon entering the center for both children and parents Use indirect lighting as main ambient lighting to avoid a “commercial” flavor Feel and be safe and secure Find different places for different kinds of learning Work and play using different furnishings and varied lighting Avoid institutional, unnatural finishes and textures. Use natural finishes to the extent possible, emphasizing a “hand-made” appearance Have no sharp edges: A1/2 bull-nose on all exterior corners at child-level gypsum and trim typical. Integral bull nose corner beds are recommended Provide comfortable Environments

• Be Child-Sized

• Facilities designed for children have: Child-sized furniture appropriate to the specific age group served Ceiling heights should be varied, low enough for intimacy, and high enough to avoid a monotonous spatial experience Windows at children’s level Doors, sinks, toilets, and water fountains that are ‘’child friendly’ and mounted at appropriate heights

Encouraging Autonomy

At Esperanza children are allowed to:

 

Independently address bodily needs such as hunger, thirst, using the toilet, and sleep Set their own pace Choose activities and toys Choose their own friends and companions – or be alone Be active or still Create three-dimensional projects that are protected from destruction by everyday traffic through classroom space Promote health and Eell-Being

 

Invite Self-Expression
Such facilities are characterized by:

 

• Restraint in color and furnishings (e.g., neutral tones for backgrounds and ceilings, with warm colors for accents) Space for children’s art, located at the children’s eye level together with a well-thought ot and safe way of hanging art and displaying three-dimensional projects Space for objects that children bring to share or that have special meaning Changing displays more than permanent graphics

 

Provide space, Indoor and Outdoor Physical Activities

Running Playing ball Climbing, swinging sliding, and balancing Storage of play items such as tricycles Access to nearby toilets Controlled access for maintenance

 

Outdoor and Indoor Spaces for Nature
These contain place to:

 

Dig in dirt or sand Play with water Grow seeds, flowers, and vegetables Investigate animal life Collect rocks, leaves, or other specimens Contain a variety and scale of natural elements such as trees, flowers, and shrubs Have quiet time, away from the “crowd” while still being able to be supervised Places for large motor activities such as climbing and riding wheeled toys

 

 

Structured, Yet Flexible
This means that different spaces in a facility:

 

Can be recognized by children Are for quiet and active play Can be rearranged by children for their own activities Contain adequate storage facilities to avoid a chaotic impression Plan for Flexibility

 

Include Appropriate Space for Parents and Teachers
This includes places to:

 

Think and plan Meet and communicate Host visitors Store equipment Keep record Come together and celebrate as a community

 

Be safe, Secure and Healthy
This includes provisions and strategies to ensure that:

 

Children are not abused by adults in the center People /personnel do not have uncontrolled access There are adequate washing facilities Finishes are easily cleaned Attention is paid to good indoor air quality as well as to the use of day lighting, non-toxic building materials and improved maintenance practices Equipment, furnishings, and finishes do not contain asbestos or lead Ensure occupant Safety and Health