B2C2 Expansion Toolkit

Who is responsible for what?

Whether it’s a new build or a renovation, once the architect has worked with you on your concept, it’s time to move on to the project’s next phase: schematic design. Ensuring all your goals and aspirations are met during this stage is crucial.  Consult, research, and reflect on your choices and decisions. 

What is needed:

• Site evaluation includes – any testing or reports you have obtained, zoning information, indoor and outdoor space size, etc.
• Visualize your space! – Create a bubble for each room: kitchen, administration, staff, janitor, laundry, storage, lobby, electrical/mechanical, and additional rooms like art rooms or playgrounds. 
• Define routines and activities – Map out each age group’s daily routines and activities. Identify entry and exit points for children, staff, and families. Review a typical schedule to ensure smooth flow and movement throughout the day.
• Create flexible spaces – Think strategically—design flexible spaces that adapt to different activities, age groups, and future needs. 
• Initial cost estimate (Class D): Is prepared by the architect when a project is at the “Conceptual Design” stage. Conceptual design is defined as the beginning of a project when preliminary spatial needs have been identified and a space program is being developed. It takes into consideration the size of the building and whether current structures, layouts, elevations and materials used for the building need to be demolished. It also includes current market trends and labour costs.  
• Internal project team – Confirm your project team, who is the lead, and who is authorized to sign off on documents and financial decisions.

Room Design by Age 

According to the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, each program room must have a minimum of 2.8 sq. meters of unobstructed floor space per child. Obstructions include counters, sinks, cubbies, pillars, etc. The recommended space calculation above the minimum can be done using the B2C2 space calculator. [link]

What does HDLH look like in practice?

In Ontario, the Ministry of Education’s framework, How Does Learning Happen? (HDLH), is your go-to resource. This pedagogy is essential for child development and can help shape design.

Belonging: Use Universal Design principles for inclusivity. Consider a fob system for the centre, allowing staff and families to easily access the centre and give a sense of ownership and connection.

Well-Being: Win hearts with food! Design a separate dining area where children and staff can see the kitchen and interact with the cook. Create quiet, cozy spaces with soft lighting for children who need breaks. 

Engagement: Let’s get moving!  Maximize free space in program rooms. Add space to build structures, tumbling mats, and areas for dancing and creating masterpieces. Provide comfy spaces for families to hang out during drop-off and pick-up times and a quiet place to nurse.

Expression: Keep it quiet, keep it creative! Use high-quality sound-absorbing materials like ceiling tiles, carpets, and acoustic panels. Create an art studio with easy access to supplies and plenty of outdoor space for climbing, running, gardening, and sand/water play.

Organizing focus groups to gather information will result in fewer mistakes and a more economical, efficient, and well-designed space.

• Involve people familiar with a child care centre’s day-to-day activities and functioning. 
• Gather ideas from families who might use the service. 
• Get input from people with industry experience who are familiar with universal design.

We have provided you with the following tips that may assist you through your own design process. Of course, this is not a complete list, as every project is different.  

Enabling Accessibility Fund through Employment and Social Development Canada (EAF) provides grant and contribution funding under separate funding processes. The EAF funds projects that make Canadian communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities. The EAF supports Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, in particular Pillar 3 – Accessible and Inclusive Communities. To learn more, consult the Canada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, 2022

Grants

The EAF provides grant funding for small-scale construction and communication technology projects that improve accessibility in communities and workplaces. Grants can be up to $200,000 per project.

Project examples may include:

• building ramps, accessible doors, and accessible washrooms
• installing screen reader devices and hearing loop systems
• constructing a universally designed office
• creating an accessible playground

Contributions

The EAF provides contribution funding for larger construction projects. To be eligible for funding, facilities must offer programs and services to include persons with disabilities in:

• their communities, and/or
• the labour market

Contributions can be up to $3 million per project.

Flat rate

The EAF has introduced flat rate costing for all projects. The flat rate calculator provides the amount of funding for:

• ramps
• accessible doors
• accessible washrooms
• elevators
• lifts
• pool lifts
• multi-sensory rooms/stations
• accessible playgrounds
• accessible parking
• accessible drop-off areas
• accessible electric vehicle charging stations
• accessible kitchens
• accessible drinking fountains and hand-wash stations
• accessible multi-purpose rooms

If you are applying for funding for these projects, refer to the flat rate information sheet.

Guidance for EAF projects is also available, including:

• a flowchart to help you choose the accessibility project that is right for your organization
• guidance on providing safety and security items to make your building more accessible
• guidance on accessibility in the workplace

Related link

• Towards an accessible Canada

This stage includes refining the details of the schematic drawings.  This will involve: 

• Precise details about the space and finishings for the final design. 
• Coordinate the structural, mechanical, and electrical specifications. 
• The Architect works with consultants, engineers and other professionals to assess and review the plans.
• Ensure all provincial and federal building codes are met. 
• Throughout the construction phase, specific information and instructions for bidding purposes, as well as cost and documentation, will be used. 

Your role in this stage is to work together to make final decisions regarding; 

• Program space requirements.
• Playground space requirements, gate locations and sizes of equipment sheds.
• Location of entrances and exits. 
• Spaces that support a mix of quiet and active play.
• Ceiling heights and the type of materials that will be used to reduce noise are noted.
• Lighting drawings are reviewed to ensure a mix of soft and adequate lighting in each room, particularly in high-traffic areas such as educator prep counters and other workspaces such as the kitchen and offices.
• Door sizes and finishes are checked.
• Window sizes and coverings and natural ventilation options.
• Location of carpeting and tiling.
• Storage spaces.
• Tiling and backsplashes for kitchen, bathrooms, and educator prep spaces.
• Consensus on finishes for educator and office workspaces.
• The location of all washrooms and their accessibility.
• Confirm the number of cubbies needed for each age group, as well as for educators.
• A conversation with the architect to understand the heating and cooling systems chosen for the building.
• Paint colour selection for all rooms.
• Child-sized sinks and toilets are noted clearly in the plans.
• Review IT needs passcard/fob system.
• Security needs.

Class D

• This is the first cost estimate that you get after you initially estimated a budget.
• This preliminary cost estimate is based on the initial concept of your project, including floor plans.
• This will help you make some early decisions.
• Accuracy of this estimate is +/-  30%.

Class C

• Intermediate estimate at the schematic design phase that helps refine initial cost predictions.
• If significant changes occur since the class D estimate, a class C will be necessary as the design is refined.
• At this point, the design is set with a plan, elevations, and an approximate palette of materials.
• Accuracy of the estimate is +/- 25%.

Class B

• Completed before the construction, the documents are fully detailed. 
• Provides a more detailed breakdown based on the progress of the design.
• May want to adjust and confirm the project budget by identifying potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Sets the stage for finalizing the design and preparing the final estimate.

Class A

• This is the pre-tender estimate based on completed construction drawings.
• This estimate is critical for finalizing the budget and securing approval to proceed with the tendering process. 
• Contractors will use the estimate to prepare their bids. 
• Accuracy of this estimate is +/- 5%.

Creating a Bubble Diagram

Creating a bubble diagram isn’t just an exercise to determine where to put which room, it can also foster creative thinking and problem solving with your team. On top of that it’s also FUN! 

How to Create a Bubble Diagram

Bubble Diagram Example 1

Bubble Diagram Example 2

Downloadable Design Guidelines

Below are some design guidelines (PDFs) from Ontario and Toronto. Your local municipality may have guidelines published of their own. Make sure to look for them so your project meets the specs. 

Ministry of Education Design Guidelines

City of Toronto Child Care Design & Technical Guidline