Resources for Safe Playgrounds
Playgrounds are a fundamental part of the childhood experience and should be safe havens for children. The resources on this page feature safety guidelines for designing, constructing, and maintaining playgrounds.
Program Management and Fiscal Operations
Facilities
A program’s physical environment supports the quality and quantity of the services it provides. Browse facilities resources that help programs create environments that are conducive to learning.
Facilities and Learning Environments
Facilities and Learning Environments reinforce the importance of designing and maintaining all facilities so they actively support children and families in both indoor and outdoor environments. Transportation supports the safe and efficient movement of children from one point to another.
Pre-Approval Guidance and Checklist
Explore the specific regulations in the Head Start Act and the Head Start Program Performance Standards that grantees should consider when they want to purchase, construct, or renovate a facility using Head Start grant funds. Use this facilities guidance resource to support the development and analysis of facilities applications in regard to these regulations.
Regulations and General Support
Learn about procurement procedures, accessibility guidelines, and other design elements grantees should consider when establishing an early care facility.
Regulations and Guidance for Disaster Recovery
Learn about regulations, resources, programs, and agencies that can help grantees prepare for and recover from a disaster or crisis.
Facilities Project Planning and Development
Explore the budgeting sources, safety guidelines, and regulations grantees should consider when they want to purchase, construct, or renovate a facility.
Pro-Children’s Act of 2001
The Pro-Children’s Act of 2001 imposes restrictions on smoking in facilities where federally-funded children’s services are provided. Grantees that are subject to these requirements 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.