The Colorful Care Project transformed a 4,000-square-foot residential house into a fully compliant child care facility, highlighting the distinct requirements between residential homes and child care centers. The design accommodated three dedicated classrooms: one for toddlers (16-24 months, 494 square feet, accommodating 10 children with two staff members, an ADA bathroom, and diaper-changing stations), a preschool class for three-year-olds (624 square feet, accommodating 15 children with two staff members, ADA bathroom), and a preschool class for four-year-olds (540 square feet, accommodating 15 children with two staff members, ADA bathroom).

The facility includes essential spaces like a staff bathroom, utility room, sick bay, secretariat, conference room, office, and a commercial kitchen. All elements are ADA compliant, featuring ramps with a 1:12 slope, a four-foot-wide commercial entrance door, and three-foot-wide classroom doors. Each classroom has direct access to outdoor play areas, ensuring safety in case of emergencies. In the basement, there is a projection space, while the attic houses a teacher’s meeting room and a relaxation area with a kitchenette.

With a capacity of 40 children and six staff members working on-site, plus at least three additional staff, the facility ensures compliance with all regulations, including parking, access, and playground space. Each child enjoys approximately 100 square feet of outdoor play area, making the Colorful Care Project a highly functional and fulfilling design.

Project Location:

Alexandria, VA

Project Type:

Commercial: Educational Child Care Facilities

Project Valuation:

670,000.00 USD

Land Area:

21,055 SF

Built-Up Area:

4503 SF

Construction Type:
Type III

Project Zoning:

R-4

Number of Floors:

2

Building Code:

2018 Virginia Building Code