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Frequently Asked Questions
The following are just a few of the questions we are asked most frequently. We hope that by providing some of the answers and accompanying resources here that many programs can benefit from the information.
FAQ #1: I need to divide up a large room into two smaller spaces using portable dividers. Can you recommend a company or brand of divider?
First and foremost we want to emphasize that not all spaces can be easily divided. There are many things to consider including building and life safety codes, electrical and ventilation systems, access to bathrooms and natural light and much more. However, for those programs that truly can resolve group size and space division issues by simply installing portable dividers, the following is a list of dividers that are available in four foot heights.
Community Playthings RoomScapes are dividers which serve multiple purposes and add activity space to the environment. Few of their options reach four feet in height, however, centers wanting to pursue this type of divider option may want to contact Community Playthings directly to learn more about available options. 
Discount School Supply offers three products which meet the four foot height requirement.
Discount School Supply Option 1
Discount School Supply Option 2
Kaplan offers dividers that double as structures that house play activities. The following two options both meet the four foot height requirement.
ScreenFlex provides an interesting option for Acoustical Portable Walls.
FAQ #2: I need to make improvements to my playground. Can you help me develop a playground plan like the ones I see on the LISC website?
We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to create a plan as the first step in your playground construction or renovation project. Unfortunately LISC is not able to create full schematic plans for every early learning center. These types of plans are done by professional architects and/or landscape architects. There are, however, several ways that LISC can assist you in working towards getting a playground plan. First of all we do offer "planning grants" which may be used to pay for the type of design professional that would be needed to create a full playground plan. Learn more about these grants here. Secondly, we would be happy to provide you with the names and contact information for design professionals that we know have prior experience designing outdoor environments for young children. And finally, our consultants are available to assist you in thinking through all of the key steps on your way to developing a fabulous new outdoor play space! Click here to view an example.
FAQ #3: When my ECERS review was done my playground was scored as very unsafe. I don't understand what standards were used to judge this or what parts are unsafe and why?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has a Public Playground Safety Handbook. Child Care Center Playgrounds are considered to be Public Playgrounds. The CPSC has numerous standards for playground equipment, location of equipment, surfacing, etc. You can read these standards here. If your playground was deemed "unsafe" it is very likely that you have more than two areas where components of your playground do not adhere to these standards. Other common safety issues that are arising in playgrounds include problems with fencing and adjacency of playgrounds to roadways. LISC staff and consultants are available to help you better understand some of these safety issues and begin developing a plan to address them. Download our Resource Guide on child care center playgrounds.
Stay Tuned for more FAQs in future ENews Editions!
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