Programming Documents for Pre-K for SA - The City of San Antonio

• Classrooms should be configured in pods of four with shared
sink/counter/cabinet area and toilet facilities between each. No
changing area is required at this time. Consider inclusion of wallmounted
changing table in toilet, if necessary.
• Pods of five classrooms were originally recommended in the
Brainpower Initiative. It was decided in the meeting that
pods of four classrooms were more functional and more
cost-effective to develop.
• A storage closet for instruction related supplies should also be
located in each classroom (for supplies and books). Cubbies to store
manipulatives and art supplies and counterspace for art work to
dry/be displayed will also be required.
• Teachers will be provided a teaching station within each classroom.
No faculty lockers will be provided. Personal belongings will be
stored in individual classrooms.
• Natural light in classrooms is desired. Also, windows should be
provided from the hallway into the classrooms to allow observation
without entering the classroom and for additional security.
• Dutch doors should be considered at classroom entrance to control
children egress from the space.
• Exterior doors should be provided to an outdoor play area.
• Other Spaces
• Exterior playscapes will be required. These may be shared between
two pods of classrooms and may provide a variety of equipment to
allow for maximum flexibility/experiences during outdoor physical
activities.
• Play grounds should be built using Head Start regulations.
NISD has also provided the planning team with their
standard design requirements.
• Ideally, each pod should have one playground (total of foursix
play grounds per center). Discussion regarding one
central playground vs. multiple shared playgrounds (between
pods) occurred. It was decided that one large playground
would be hard for teachers to ensure student safety. Rebecca
Flores asked if it was possible to cost out the difference
between a Head Start playground vs. minimum state required
playground to assist in determining which type to design.
• It is desired that each playground have a different set of
equipment so children could rotate and use the other
playgrounds to enrich their outdoor experience.
• Indoor play areas, beyond that included in classrooms, as
outlined in the Brainpower Initiative, is not a high priority
unless it is deemed a requirement due to local air quality
conditions. The preference is for children to play outside.
City of San Antonio Early Childhood Centers of Excellence
Preliminary Meeting with CoSA Education Policy and Services Administrator Page 4
July 10, 2012