Facilities Planning Introduction
The first and most important step in any construction or renovation project is planning. The more time spent on planning, the better the project and the smoother the construction process. Planning may not avoid every problem, but dedicating time and effort to the planning process can increase opportunities for success and help to eliminate difficulties, errors, and misunderstandings.
The planning process varies according to the size of the project. (Refer to the Tip Sheet on Project Size for more information.) Conducting planning in cooperation with an ACF regional office is critical to the overall success of the project. To justify federal funding, support, and priority consideration of construction/renovation projects, grantees should refer to Section 1309.10 and also should consider developing a Facilities Plan over a three, five, or longer period. Ideally, the Facilities Plan should be updated annually.
Administrators are strongly encouraged to involve parents in the entire planning process for facilities development. To accomplish this, administrators should plan a meeting that provides an arena for parents to participate in a discussion and to contribute to plans for facilities. (Refer to the Tip Sheet on Parent Focus Groups on Facilities Development.)
The planning process varies according to the size of the project. (Refer to the Tip Sheet on Project Size for more information.) Conducting planning in cooperation with an ACF regional office is critical to the overall success of the project. To justify federal funding, support, and priority consideration of construction/renovation projects, grantees should refer to Section 1309.10 and also should consider developing a Facilities Plan over a three, five, or longer period. Ideally, the Facilities Plan should be updated annually.
Administrators are strongly encouraged to involve parents in the entire planning process for facilities development. To accomplish this, administrators should plan a meeting that provides an arena for parents to participate in a discussion and to contribute to plans for facilities. (Refer to the Tip Sheet on Parent Focus Groups on Facilities Development.)