Organization
The Children's Place
Location
Ottawa, Ontario
Extant
Yes
Who is it designed for?
The Children’s Place is a non-profit organization that provides 24-hour childcare for children 6 months to 13 years of age. Care is prioritized for families that work unconventional hours, attend evening school, or have difficulty finding after-hours childcare. Their largest clientele are single parents and new Canadians who often do not have other care options.
Background
Founded in 1986, the Children’s Place is the first licensed childcare centre in the City of Ottawa to provide 24-hour care. The centre originally operated out of the founder’s home until a suitable building was found and renovated.
Description of space
The 24-hour cycle in considered in the flexible design of the space. The gym which provides space for children to play during the day becomes their bedroom at night. Foldable beds are brought out and made up every night with fresh bedding. The installation of soft lighting allows for staff to perform mandated sleep checks very 30 minutes. A white noise machine is also used to dampen sounds such as a phone ringing. Every morning the beds are put away for the space to be used for active play.
A home-like environment is created through shared activities like family style dinners, evening walks, and movie nights as well as bedtime routines such as help with pajamas, bedtime snacks, brushing teeth, and storytelling.
- Bedding storage
- Childhood educator checks on kids regularly
- Soft, warm lighting
- White noise speaker
- Privacy curtains (separate genders for older children)
- Foldable beds
- Adjoining toilet with light on
- Open or closed toilet stall (corresponding to children's levels of autonomy)
How does it work?
As people are increasingly working less traditional hours, there is a need for flexible childcare to accommodate this shift. 24-hour care requires flexible staff. Staff work non-traditional hours, usually 10 to 11 hour shifts. They also work 4 days on, and 4 days off.
Is this space initially designed for care?
The Children’s Place, a former wedding dress shop, was adapted for care. Renovations were undertaken to ensure the space fulfills the requirements needed for licensed childcare facilities. In addition to providing spaces for washing and using the bathroom, storage spaces must be created to store toys, materials, equipment, food, medical supplies, cleaning supplies, and client records. For programs that run more than six hours a day, childcare centres must designate space for eating, resting, food preparation, and outdoor play.
How is the 24hr cycle considered in the design of the space?
Two full-time staff work overnight between 12pm and 6am. Once daytime office staff leave, doors are locked, and overnight staff checks the ID of everyone who enters the building. The majority of cleaning is done also at night, when the children are asleep.
Is the space publicly accessible?
No. The space is private, accessed by clients.
References
Cindy Henderson (Executive Director), interview by Cara Chellew, July 6, 2023.
Ministry of Education. Planning and Design Guidelines for Licensed Child Care Centres. Government of Ontario.
“Ottawa Child Care and School Age Programs.” The Children’s Place, May 15, 2018. https://www.childrensplace.on.ca/.