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The early childhood education and care facilities design standards (ECEC design standards) have been developed for early childhood education and care facilities. Learn about how these standards support the department, sites, design teams, contractors and facilities management providers to ensure the department's requirements are met for all new facilities, major upgrades, refurbishment and maintenance of existing ECEC facilities (including site funded projects).
What are the ECEC design standards
The early childhood education and care facilities - design standards (ECEC design standards) helps to:
- create high-quality, fit for purpose learning environments for children from birth to school age
- ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, standards and the National Construction Code
- support the effective delivery of connected, continuous programs and services
- ensure all children are thriving and learning.
For the full context of our design requirements, you must read the ECEC design standards together with the:
- education facilities design standards (PDF 1 MB)
- outdoor learning environments standard (PDF 969 KB) .
We are working on producing a single set of design standards for all department education and care facilities.
Outline of the ECEC design standards
The 4 parts provide reference information for a consistent approach to the:
- planning, design and construction of new facilities and major upgrades
- refurbishment and maintenance of existing facilities
- development of project briefs, and detailed planning and technical information.
Part 1 — strategic design
Outlines the vision and goals for ECEC facilities to guide design that is aligned with department, state and commonwealth strategies, and pedagogy principles.
ECEC design standards – part 1: strategic design
Appendix A – alignment with frameworks and strategies
Part 2 — design principles - master planning, architectural and landscape
Detail department requirements for the planning, design and construction of world-leading, equitable, inclusive and sustainable ECEC facilities.
ECEC design standards – part 2: design principles - master planning, architectural and landscape
Part 3 — generic functional briefs
Exist for each functional unit and provide a clear statement of functional requirements to support learning and care, teaching, administration and management.
ECEC design standards – part 3: generic functional briefs
Part 4 — technical specifications
Detail department performance standards for the building fabric and finishes, services and utilities, structural and civil works, acoustic performance, security, information and communications technology and ecologically sustainable design.
