Purpose: to serve as a framework for a dialogue between program personnel and the architect and other specialists who will be responsible for the actual design and/or construction of the physical facility. This puts program requirements into precise specifications.

1. What are the principal uses of the facility? Is it to be designed as a multi-purpose facility?

2. Will other agencies or programs be co-located with Head Start in the facility?

3. Will existing space be modified or will the facility be developed or renovated as "new" space?

4. What constraints or criteria determine the location of the facility (if not an already existing facility in a fixed site)? For example:

• Location convenient for target children and families? Within easy walking distance or convenient to transportation?
• Safety of the immediate neighborhood of the facility.
• Nearby schools or parks.
• Nearby neighborhood health centers or other related services.
• Parking.

5. How much total space is needed in square feet (Note: Multiply total width of planned space by total length of the facility as planned. Include all areas)? _____________

6. How many people will be using the facility? ____________

• Children ____________
• Parents _____________
• Staff _______________
• Volunteers __________
• Others _____________

7. When will the space be used?

• Months during the year ____________
• Days during the week ____________
• Hours during the day _____________
• Special functions/purposes__________

8. Which program design features are needed? Square footage of each space?

• Infant-toddler rooms ___________
• Preschool classrooms __________
• Parent space_________________
• Staff space __________________
• Administrative space___________
• Kitchens ____________________
• Child care ___________________
• Indoor play areas _____________
• Outdoor playgrounds___________
• Parking area _________________
• Home-based facilities __________
• Other (specify)________________

9. What special design features are needed in addition to those above?

• Special health and safety features ____________
• Special exit doors ____________
• Security___________________
•  Visitors ____________
• HVAC requirements (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)_______________
• Lighting_________________
• Electrical _____________
• Plumbing________________
• Environmental ___________
• Acoustical _____________
• Computers_______________
• Communication ___________
• Telephone systems___________
• Storage & records ____________

10. What other design features are applicable in addition to those above? For example:

• Predetermined space requirements (for example, minimum square footage per child; children on ground floor; staff and parent rooms on upper floors).
• Relationship of rooms.
• Relationship of playground to classrooms.

11. What budgetary constraints apply? When will the necessary budget approvals be obtained?

12. Have building and zoning codes been researched and steps undertaken to obtain the necessary approvals?

13. What is the schedule for project start up, construction, and completion? Will penalties be im posed for delays in project close-out?

14. Are there any special considerations that influence the selection of architects or other contractor bids, selection, or contract negotiations? Who is responsible for coordinating the contract process?

15. Has the planning taken into account steps necessary to obtain building inspections and signoffs and a certificate of occupancy?

16. Who is responsible for coordinating plans to obtain the necessary supplies and equipment, arranging for moving in, and launching program operations once the new space is ready? (Insert name of responsible person.)

Name:____________________________________________________

(Has this person been fully involved in the planning and design process? __________________________