Young children are especially susceptible to the negative effects of modern life, including indoor air quality and heavy metal exposure, such as lead. Many eco-living families feel like they have to sacrifice some of their green morals when placing their children in daycare or preschool. These families do the best they can by packing their children organic snacks, but there is little they can do about other aspects of the program. Now, parents in Atlanta, Georgia will have a choice to enroll their children in the first completely eco-friendly child care center FIO360.
What makes a child care facility eco-friendly? According to FIO360,
- Solar tubing to conserve energy and provide natural daylight throughout the facility;
- Radiant, heated floors in all classrooms-proven to reduce energy costs, enhance air quality and improve circulation, which contributes to a stronger immune system, a healthier heart and better sleep;
- Activclassroom whiteboard technology and software informed by teachers to foster an interactive learning environment that keeps students engaged, focused and enthusiastic;
- Streaming video capabilities in each classroom for parents who want to periodically join in on their children’s learning and play experiences throughout the day;
- Waterless urinals and sensor-activated faucets in all lavatories to preserve water;’
- Odor-free, zero-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, which have been linked to numerous harmful health effects, from headaches to cancer;
- Heated Marmoleum flooring in all the classrooms and main corridors, made up of all-natural, non-allergenic raw materials such as linseed oil, rosins and wood flour;
- Zero-PVC (polyvinyl chloride) rugs that are formaldehyde-free and made with natural fibers; and
- Eco-friendly, no-PVC play equipment and all natural, organic toys that exclude harmful chemicals and lead.
Personally, I question the need for an Activclassroom whiteboard in an early childhood classroom. I do have concerns about the overuse of technology at this young age, and I firmly believe that hands-on learning with quality, open-ended toys in socially-mediated learning environment is all children need to grow and prosper. That being said, all of the other green innovations are FIO360 are to be commended. In fact,
FIO360 is one of the first child care centers in the United States to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED standards for environmentally sustainable construction. Forgoing the formal LEED certification, FIO360’s Eco Early Care and Learning Boutique will actually surpass the Council’s standards, providing an entirely eco-friendly operation with organic/locally-grown food, natural/organic personal care products and earth-friendly cleaners throughout the facility.
But I have to ask, why forgo the formal LEED certification? For more information about LEED and green building, please visit Green Building Elements.
FIO360 plans to open in April, reaching full capacity of 238 openings by August, 2008. This eco-friendly child care center is also hiring employees (too bad I don’t live in Atlanta). Hopefully, the trend towards eco-friendly child care will take off across the United States.
I too am concerned about the technology in classrooms at an early age. I do think the interactive whiteboards shold not be incorporated into an early childhood classroom…I think NO boards should be incorporated unless they are felt boards for stories. the attention span of very young children is so low and the time needed to work with these types of technology is high..teacher fiddle with the technology while children squirm in their chairs…not a good combination
I love it! Eco-concious and early childhood education…totally my field. I hope this spreads.
I am very intrigued about this completely green day care center. My husband and I are in the beginning stages of developing a day care center in Philadelphia and one of things we’re passionate about is that it be eco-friendly. I know that’s very different from being “totally” green. I’m wondering what the start-up costs were for this facility? I’d imagine a fortune. Are there any grants out there that aid in green building.
Hi Sharon,
I saw that you have a daycare center and wanted you to be aware of our Cuddle Smart Products for babies and toddlers. They are all natural and are antimicrobial. Please take a look and contact me if you are interested in purchasing our products for your daycare.
Thanks!
Good luck Sharon. Check out Green Building Elements for ideas about funding. I don’t know of any specific grants myself.
Eco-Friendly Child Care? Baloney!
Oh, sorry: Tofu!
REDUCE ELECTRIC USAGE BY 70%
This is great to see. My business partner, Donna Saffren, and I opened Midtown Montessori in February of 08. We are a certified green business, located in Santa Cruz, California. We were awarded our certification through the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program. Our “green” features include:
T8 florescent lighting and solar tubing
Infrared faucets in children’s bathroom
No VOC paint
Individual cloths for drying washed hands
High efficiency appliances(washer, dryer, dishwasher)
Organic snacks and cooked lunch(children bring no food)
Glass glasses, plates, bowls, actual silverware and cloth napkins
Drought resistant landscaping all on timed drip and sprinkle(less than 25% sod)
Paperless billing
Use of recycled paper for all printed materials
Comprehensive compost and recycling program
School vehicle is fully electric(Zenn Electric)
We have plans for solar panels and an expanded garden in the near future. Please check out our website at midtownmontessori.com.
Love and Gratitude
Formal LEED certification is probably really expensive.
Wow Bryan! I wished I lived in SC so my son could attend you program (and I teach there too!)
I’m interested in opening a “green” childcare center…any advice?
I think the easiest place to begin is with organic food and natural toys.
If anyone knows of a green daycare in the denver area, I would love info. Thanks!
I am looking for green childcare options in the Denver area. Any help?
I have been running Natural Chopice now for over 12 years. I have always given the children I tend to all natural, organic food and use natural cleaning products no chemicals etc I tech the children about the 3 R’s and we also grow our own veggies in the summer months, organically. I believe that I am one of the first home daycares to have been doing this for the last 12 years, we are located just north of Toronto, Onatrio in a town called Innisfil.
If anyone else who is running a program like myself and has some ideas they are willing to share I would love to hear them
I would love to be emailed about an eco friendly day care in the philadelphia area or in the Austin Texas Area. Also, would love to know where I can order (in Bulk) supplies and equipment daycare that is eco friendly.
Located in beautiful San Diego, Eco Baby Childcare is eco-friendly, fun loving, & baby approved.
I am in the process of starting my daycare. I have so many ideas, However I am stuck trying to come up with a decent name. My theme is “Go Green”. I have been doing a lot of research on Eco-Friendly Child Care Centers and I am seeking help.
Thank You in advance.