Designing daycare spaces for connection and growth

81% of employees say that confidence in their childcare arrangements allows them to excel at work (Gensler, 2023). At Holland, we design with the understanding that children are shaped by the environments that surround them and the spaces that define their daily interactions. A well-designed daycare goes beyond regulatory requirements–it is a space that nurtures development, enhances caregiver efficiency, and provides parents with unwavering confidence in their child’s care. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the key design elements we prioritize to create childcare facilities that support children's learning and development while meeting the needs of parents and caregivers.

Understanding the needs of children and caregivers

The design of a daycare begins with a deep understanding of how children engage with their surroundings. Research shows that children in well-designed environments demonstrate higher engagement and cognitive development (Science Direct, 2023). To achieve this, daycare spaces must be thoughtfully tailored to align with the educational philosophies and practical needs of the facility, ensuring that every design choice enhances both learning and daily operations.

For instance, the Montessori approach is centred on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play (Montessori Education, 2024). A well-designed Montessori-inspired daycare goes beyond aesthetics—it shapes experiences that empower children to explore, engage, and develop confidence in their abilities. Flexibility and freedom of movement are fundamental to this approach. Open-concept classrooms with adaptable, child-sized furniture create an environment where children move effortlessly between activities and interact naturally with their surroundings, fostering autonomy and self-guided learning.

Designing for neurodivergent children requires special consideration with lighting, acoustics, and sensory components playing a vital role in ensuring comfort and engagement. Thoughtful choices, such as dimmable lighting for a calming effect or textured surfaces for tactile stimulation, can make an environment more inclusive for all learners.

For caregivers, efficient space planning is essential. Unobstructed sightlines allow for constant supervision, while strategically designed storage solutions ensure that learning materials are accessible yet organized. These subtle design choices enhance the daily workflow of staff, allowing them to focus on fostering a nurturing learning environment.

The role of design in family experience

A daycare is not just a space for children—it is an extension of a family's daily routine. With 69% of parents having either considered or switched jobs due to the challenges of finding quality child care, the need for well-designed daycare facilities continues to grow (Gensler, 2023). From the moment parents arrive to when they pick up their children, every element of the environment should contribute to a smooth and reassuring experience. Thoughtful layouts, designated stroller storage, and streamlined drop-off and pick-up zones help minimize stress, ensuring children start and end their day with ease.

Beyond convenience, a well-designed daycare nurtures both families and a child’s development. Warm, welcoming aesthetics featuring natural materials and soft colour palettes create a sense of security and comfort. Thoughtfully placed seating areas invite parents to linger, fostering a sense of community among families and caregivers.

Prioritizing safety without sacrificing aesthetics

With 42.9% of child injuries linked to environmental factors, safety in childcare design must go beyond compliance—it’s about creating an environment that reassures parents and caregivers while allowing children to explore and engage freely (National Institutes of Health, 2024). A well-designed childcare space blends security with the freedom children need to grow.

Access control plays a crucial role in security, ensuring that entry into classrooms is limited to authorized individuals while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. This includes strategic separation between public areas like reception and staff-only zones, helping regulate movement without making the space feel restrictive. Effective space planning ensures that parents have designated access points while maintaining a secure and structured flow for staff and children.

Visibility is another key factor—carefully arranged furniture and millwork placement prevent obstructed views, allowing teachers and staff to maintain clear sightlines at all times. Thoughtful design ensures supervision without making children feel constantly monitored, fostering a sense of independence while keeping safety a priority.

Designing play features with safety in mind is essential. Climbing structures, interactive elements, and furniture with soft edges are selected to minimize injury risks while supporting active engagement. Given the constant movement, play, and occasional rough handling by children, choosing high-quality, durable materials is crucial. These materials must withstand daily wear and tear while ensuring safety, allowing daycare spaces to remain functional and inviting without frequent repairs or replacements.

By embedding these safety features seamlessly into the aesthetics of the space, childcare environments remain open, inviting, and conducive to exploration—without feeling restrictive or clinical.

‍Innovative trends in childcare design

The best childcare spaces are those that spark wonder. We are seeing a shift toward:

• Interactive play integration: Moving beyond static spaces, daycare interiors are incorporating climbing walls, sensory paths, and nature-inspired play structures that turn the entire environment into a learning experience.
• Nature-inspired design: Soothing, natural colour palettes and organic materials bring warmth and calmness, supporting children’s emotional well-being.
• Wellness-focused spaces: Beyond classrooms, facilities now include wellness rooms, quiet zones, and even staff retreats to support mental well-being for both children and caregivers.
• Smart storage solutions: Built-in millwork and modular furniture maximize space without sacrificing play or movement.

Reimagining childcare spaces

‍At Holland, we believe that early childhood spaces are more than just buildings—they are environments that shape the way children learn, grow, and connect with the world around them. With every project, we consider how space can inspire creativity, how materials can foster engagement, and how design can build a sense of belonging. A well-designed daycare is an investment in the future. It is a place where children feel safe, where caregivers feel supported, and where families feel connected. Through thoughtful design, we craft spaces that enrich lives and create lasting, meaningful experiences.

Interested in designing a childcare space that fosters connection and learning? Get in touch with us today.