The most important thing to consider when planning space for a kindergarten classroom is how many students your program will be serving at a time. Many states have guidelines as to how many children can be present in a kindergarten classroom at one time. Be sure to check your state guidelines before planning your classroom. A good rule of thumb, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), is to provide at least 35 to 40 square feet per child in the class. For example, for a class of 20 kindergarteners, the total square footage of the room should not fall below 700 to 800 square feet.
Once you have the dimensions of the classroom set, you will need to decide how best to optimize the space you have been given. Be sure to provide space for each student to store his personal belongings, such as cubbyholes or lockers. Coat hooks are a good idea but are not necessary. All children should also have a place to sit in the classroom, either at a desk or at a table. Each chair and desk space should be labelled with the children's names. Desks provide spaces for children to store belongings such as pencils and books, but tables take up less space. Both are appropriate for a kindergarten classroom. You may be able to place several desks in cooperative groups of four to six rather than keeping desks individual, taking up too much space.
Consider how much outdoor space you will have available for your use. If the kindergarten classroom has its own playground or outdoor play space, you may be able to move some of your classroom centers or materials outdoors in order to conserve indoor space. Consider moving large centers, such as building blocks, a sensory table or some art materials outdoors in order to create more space inside of the classroom. If your outdoor space has a roof or an awning, you may be able to move several centers outdoors.
Be sure to take into consideration the types of activities your kindergarteners will be participating in when setting up your space. In addition to desk or table space, you may also need a large carpet or a space to conduct circle time. Remember to set aside play spaces for dramatic play, manipulatives and art projects. Many kindergarten play supplies such as art supplies, building blocks and other toys can stored in bins on open shelves and brought to the tables or desks when it's time to play. Storing materials in this manner may help conserve classroom space.
An important consideration when setting up your kindergarten classroom is fire codes. Your city or state fire marshal will be able to tell you how many exits your classroom must have, as well as help clarify how many decorations you can place on the walls and ceilings of your classroom. Since receiving a yearly fire code inspection is standard in all states, you will be able to ask these questions of your local fire department when they tour your classroom for the inspection, or call the fire department in your city to learn these rules as you are setting up your classroom.