Childcare facilities
The childcare facility design addresses hygiene and privacy issues by integrating the entrance-to-childcare space passageway as a toilet space for constant adult supervision, ensuring cleanliness and privacy, and facilitating smooth childcare operations.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 小川晶
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-02
AI Technical Summary
Toilets in childcare facilities are often far from childcare spaces, leading to hygiene issues due to inadequate supervision and cleaning, and privacy concerns are not adequately addressed, which can compromise the cleanliness and safety of the environment for children.
Designing a childcare facility where the passageway between the entrance and childcare space functions as a toilet space, allowing constant adult supervision and easy access, with no separating walls and incorporating various types of toilets with and without individual doors, and using screens to block the view from the childcare space.
Maintains cleanliness by constant adult monitoring, ensures privacy, and facilitates smooth childcare activities by guiding children to toilets easily, thereby preventing inappropriate practices and creating a safe environment.
Smart Images
Figure 2026109761000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a childcare facility, and particularly to a childcare facility that can keep the toilet clean by realizing a toilet space that is easily accessible to adults, has appropriate human surveillance in the toilet space, allows children to use it with confidence, and can smoothly carry out childcare activities.
Background Art
[0002] The toilet in a childcare facility such as a nursery or kindergarten is also a place for children to undergo toilet training. For example, if the toilet is far from the childcare space such as the playground, it becomes difficult for children to go to the toilet by themselves, and there is a possibility that they will hold it in. Also, because the toilet is far away, children often seek support from childcare workers, increasing the burden on the workers. Therefore, it is important to create an environment where children can easily go to the toilet by installing the toilet in a location close to the childcare space.
[0003] On the other hand, it is also important to teach children the importance of protecting privacy when using the toilet. When children start to develop a sense of shame as they grow, considerations such as making individual toilet booths with doors available are necessary. For example, in the childcare facility described in Patent Document 1, the toilet is arranged at the corner of the facility isolated by a wall from each childcare room.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] The toilet environment in childcare facilities is a crucial factor that significantly impacts children's health and hygiene. In particular, if the toilets are far away, caregivers may not be able to keep a close eye on the children. Also, if the children's toilets are far away, caregivers and other adults are less likely to actively go to the toilet with the children. As a result, even something as simple as wiping up a small amount of water stain in the children's toilet may not be done. If this situation continues, the toilets will gradually become dirty and it will become difficult to maintain cleanliness. Consequently, a clean toilet environment that children can use with peace of mind will be compromised. Having toilets in easily accessible locations for adults is crucial for improving the hygiene of toilets and childcare facilities. Easy access for adults encourages not only regular cleaning but also thorough cleaning at all times, making it easier to maintain cleanliness. Clean toilets contribute to providing a safe and secure childcare environment for children.
[0006] Furthermore, in recent years, in childcare facilities, acts that inflict deep physical and psychological harm on children, such as rough treatment by caregivers, and acts that are deemed to require improvement in light of respect for children's human rights and dignity, have become a problem as inappropriate childcare. While ensuring privacy in restrooms is important, it is also necessary to maintain cleanliness and create an environment where inappropriate childcare practices can be monitored. For example, restrooms should be designed to allow adult caregivers easy access to the restroom space and to keep a watchful eye on the children.
[0007] This invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a childcare facility that can keep toilets clean by creating toilets that are easy for adults to use, and where children can use the toilets with peace of mind by ensuring that they are adequately supervised, and where childcare activities can be carried out smoothly. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] The present invention relates to a childcare facility (100) having an entrance (11) which is the entrance and exit of the childcare facility (100), a toilet space (12), and a childcare space (13), characterized in that the passageway (2) that goes back and forth between the entrance (11) and the childcare space (13) is the toilet space (12).
[0009] There may be no wall separating the toilet space (12) and the childcare space (13), and the toilet space (12) may be configured to be visible from the childcare space (13).
[0010] The system may be configured such that, in addition to the passageway (2), there are no other routes for moving between the entrance (11) and the childcare space (13). The toilet space (12) is equipped with several types of toilets, including those with and without individual doors, and the individual doors may be configured to be approximately half the width of the toilet booth in which the toilet is installed.
[0011] The facility may have a childcare worker's space (15-17) for use by childcare workers, and the toilet space (12) and childcare space (13) may be located on a route that allows movement between the entrance (11) and the childcare worker's space (15-17), with no other routes for movement between the entrance (11) and the childcare worker's space (15-17) other than the aforementioned route.
[0012] The facility may also be equipped with a screen (40-42) that blocks the view from the childcare space (13) to the toilet installed in the toilet space (12).
[0013] The facility may also be equipped with a screen (40-42) that blocks the view from the childcare space (13) to the toilet installed in the toilet space (12).
[0014] The toilet space (12) is equipped with several types of toilets, including those with and without individual doors, and the individual doors may be configured to be approximately half the width of the toilet booth in which the toilet is installed. [Effects of the Invention]
[0015] According to the present invention, the passageway between the entrance and the childcare space, which sees frequent foot traffic, is designated as a toilet space. This allows the toilets to be kept clean by the constant flow of people, especially adults (such as caregivers and guardians), and ensures that the toilet space is adequately monitored. This prevents inappropriate childcare and creates a childcare facility where children can feel safe and secure. Furthermore, since the facility is designed so that children must pass through the toilet space when entering or leaving the childcare space, it is easier to guide children to the toilet when they arrive at or leave the facility, or before and after outdoor play, enabling smooth childcare activities. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0016] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing an example of a childcare facility according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram of toilet space 12 (aisle 2). [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram showing an example of a traffic flow. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a childcare worker's movement pattern. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a toilet space 12 as seen from the central side of passageway 2, indicated by arrow 52 in Figure 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications and applications of technologies not explicitly described below. That is, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications (such as combining each embodiment) as long as it exhibits its effects. Also, in the description of the following drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily match actual dimensions, ratios, etc. There may be parts where the dimensional relationships and ratios are different between the drawings. Also, to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and redundant descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted.
[0018] An embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a childcare facility according to this embodiment. It is for explaining the approximate positional relationship of each part, and the details such as the shape of each part are not limited thereto.
[0019] The childcare facility 100 according to this embodiment is a childcare facility 100 having an entrance 11 which is an entrance of the childcare facility 100, a toilet space 12, and a childcare space 13, and a passage 2 for going to and from the entrance 11 and the childcare space 13 is essentially configured to be the toilet space 12. [[ID=⑨]] The entrance 11 which is the entrance of the childcare facility 100 is used when children, guardians of children, childcare workers, teachers, principals, facility managers, etc. (hereinafter referred to as childcare staff) enter and exit the childcare facility 100. For example, when children arrive at the facility, they take off their shoes in the hall 11a of the entrance 11 and enter the facility. They may also change into indoor shoes.
[0020] In the hall 11a of the entrance 11, a passage 2 communicating with the childcare space 13 is arranged via a door 11b. This passage 2 leading to the childcare space 13 functions as the toilet space 12. In FIG. 1, the toilet space 12 is shown surrounded by a dashed-dotted line, and the childcare space 13 is shown surrounded by a broken line. One end of the toilet space 12 (the upper part of the toilet space 12 in the example of Figure 1), that is, one end of the passageway 2, is connected to the entrance 11 of the childcare facility 100, and the other end of the toilet space 12 (the lower part of the toilet space 12 in the example of Figure 1), that is, the other end of the passageway 2, is arranged to allow access to the childcare space 13.
[0021] The childcare facility 100 has a space primarily used by childcare workers. In the example shown in Figure 1, etc., an example of a childcare worker space is provided, which includes an office 15, a changing room 16, a kitchen 17, and a pre-cooking room 17a and a food storage room 17b for preparing ingredients before cooking. A large transparent window 71 is provided in the wall separating the childcare space 13 and the kitchen 17, extending from the floor to the ceiling of the childcare space 13. The children are able to see the kitchen 17 through the transparent window 71.
[0022] A lockable sliding door 61 is provided between the entrance 11 and the kitchen anteroom 17a. For example, by locking the sliding door 61 except when bringing in ingredients from the entrance 11, it is possible to prevent children from accidentally entering the caregiver's space, and to eliminate other routes of movement between the entrance 11 and the childcare space 13 other than the route through passageway 2 (toilet space 12). As a result, it is possible to configure the facility so that when moving between the entrance 11 and the childcare space 13, one must always pass through passageway 2 (toilet space 12).
[0023] Sliding doors 62 to 67 are provided between the office 15 and the kitchen anteroom 17a, between the kitchen 17 and the kitchen anteroom 17a, between the kitchen anteroom 17a and the food storage room 17b, between the office 15 and the food storage room 17b, between the office 15 and the changing room 16, and between the childcare space 13 and the office 15. Sliding doors 62 to 67 may also be lockable. For example, by making the sliding door 62 between the office 15 and the food storage room 17b lockable, the movement of childcare workers, as described later, can be managed. Although sliding doors 61 to 67 have been used as examples to describe the partitions between each room, other types of doors (partitions) may also be used.
[0024] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the toilet space 12 (passageway 2). The toilet space 12 consists of multiple toilets for excretion installed on both sides of the passageway 2. In the example shown in the figure, there are multiple toilets, including an adult toilet 12a and several types of infant toilets 12b and 12c corresponding to different developmental stages of children (for example, an infant toilet 12b for 3-5 year olds, an infant toilet 12c for 1-2 year olds, etc.). In addition, the area 12d enclosed by the dashed line is equipped with a handwashing area with multiple handwashing sinks. Furthermore, there is a washing machine area 12e for placing a washing machine and a shower box 12f for children to wash their feet or take a shower (not shown).
[0025] The childcare space 13 is where the children spend their time. There is no wall separating the toilet space 12 from the childcare space 13. In the example in Figure 1, the childcare space 13 is equipped with a table space 13a that the children use for meals such as lunch and snacks, and for playing such as drawing, and also has partitions 21 that appropriately divide the large childcare space 13. The partitions 21 are preferably about 450cm to 600cm high so that they do not obstruct the view of the caregiver when they are standing.
[0026] The partition 21 may also be a storage box that doubles as a storage box for children's personal belongings, toys, picture books, etc. For example, as shown in Figure 1, a partition 21 made by connecting multiple storage boxes can be used to divide a large childcare space 13 into separate rooms for each age group or for different purposes. Since the height of the partition 21 is lower than the eye level of a caregiver when standing, caregivers can survey a relatively wide area of the childcare space 13 from anywhere in the space and keep an eye on the children. In addition, while caring for the children in the childcare space 13, caregivers can frequently turn towards the toilet space 12 to monitor the toilet space 12 as much as possible.
[0027] <Specific examples of traffic flow> Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a flow of movement. The explanation uses the arrival of children at the nursery school as an example. First, all children enter the childcare space 13 from the entrance 11 through the passageway 2, which also serves as a toilet space 12 (arrow 31 in the diagram: Route 31). At this time, they relieve themselves in the toilet space 12. After relieving themselves, the children proceed to their respective rooms (arrow 32 in the diagram: Route 32). Similarly, when a parent or caregiver guides a child into the childcare space 13, they allow children who need to relieve themselves to do so in the toilet space 12 (Route 31), and then guide the children who have finished to their respective rooms (Route 32). The same route is followed when entering the facility from the garden of one of the 100 childcare facilities, or when returning from a walk or other outing. When leaving the nursery and going outside the nursery facility 100, the same route is followed in reverse. The direction of the arrows for routes 31 and 32 in Figure 3 is reversed.
[0028] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a caregiver's movement. The explanation uses the caregiver's arrival at the nursery as an example. The caregiver enters the childcare space 13 from the entrance 11, passing through the corridor 2 (which also serves as a toilet space) 12. At this point, they check inside the toilet space 12. Afterwards, the caregiver proceeds through the childcare space 13 to the office 15 and the changing room 16 (arrow 33 in the diagram: route 33). When leaving the nursery, the same route is followed in reverse. The direction of the arrow for Route 33 in Figure 4 will be reversed.
[0029] During working hours, when returning to the childcare facility 100 from the garden or from a walk, the caregiver follows routes 31 and 32 as shown in Figure 3. That is, they enter the childcare space 13 from the entrance 11 through the passageway 2, which also serves as a toilet space 12 (Arrow 31 in Figure 3: Route 31). At this time, they allow any children who need to relieve themselves to do so in the toilet space 12, and then proceed with the children to their respective rooms (Arrow 32 in Figure 3: Route 32).
[0030] When childcare workers move between the entrance 11 and the office 15, they must always follow the route indicated by route 33 (and, as appropriate, the route indicated by route 32), which allows for monitoring (supervision) of the toilet space 12 and the childcare space 13. For example, the sliding door 62 between the office 15 and the food storage room 17b can be made lockable and kept locked at all times while children are present. The key can be held by a responsible person such as the childcare leader or the principal, thereby controlling the movement of childcare workers. In other words, even if childcare workers have business in the office 15, they must always pass through the toilet space 12 and childcare space 13 from the entrance 11, and also pass through the toilet space 12 and childcare space 13 when leaving the office 15. This allows for more thorough monitoring (supervision) of the toilet space 12 and childcare space 13.
[0031] <Regarding obstructions that block the line of sight> The toilet space 12 has the advantage of being constantly monitored from the childcare space 13 side because there is no partition wall between it and the childcare space 13. However, there is also a desire to prevent the toilet from being easily visible from the childcare space 13 side.
[0032] In this case, for example, it is preferable to provide a barrier that blocks the line of sight from the childcare space 13, indicated by arrow 51 in Figure 2, to the toilet in the toilet space 12. In this embodiment, the hand-washing sink wall 40, on which the hand-washing sink is installed, is configured as an example of a barrier. In this embodiment, the wall of the toilet booth, on which the toilet with an individual door is installed, is also configured as an example of a barrier. In the example in Figure 2, the individual door of the toilet booth is configured to be approximately half the width of the toilet booth, and the front wall 41 and side wall 42 of the toilet booth are configured as examples of barriers.
[0033] Furthermore, the wall 40 for installing the handwashing sink, which serves as a shield, may be made of a light-transmitting material such as frosted glass. Since the handwashing sink installed on the wall 40 is connected to the floor by water pipes and drainage pipes, the wall 40 itself does not need to be made of an opaque material as long as it adequately blocks the view from the childcare space 13 to the toilet.
[0034] <About toilet types> In the early stages of development, for example, toddlers who have just been potty-trained do not feel shame about using the toilet. Learning about shame is a very important element in a child's development. Feeling embarrassed is a necessary emotion for living in society, and especially regarding toilet use, it is a good opportunity for children to understand their own privacy and boundaries with others. For this reason, it is important for childcare facilities to provide toilets that are appropriate for the child's developmental stage.
[0035] In this embodiment, the toilet space 12 is equipped with a separate door 43 for the infant toilet 12b, and with and without separate doors 43 for the infant toilet 12c. The configuration allows for use according to the child's developmental stage. The separate door 43 is designed to be approximately half the width of the toilet booth, so that half of the child is hidden even when left open. For example, in the early stages of development when a child has not yet developed a sense of shame, they start with the infant toilet 12c without a separate door 43. Then, as their sense of shame develops, they use the infant toilet 12c with a separate door 43, partially hidden by leaving the door open. Finally, they can use the infant toilet 12c and infant toilet 12b with the separate door 43 closed. This configuration allows the child's sense of shame to develop gradually and contributes to their growth.
[0036] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a toilet space 12 as seen from the center of passageway 2, indicated by arrow 52 in Figure 2. The toilets on the far right and far left have individual stall doors 43. Figure 5 shows the individual stall door 43 of the leftmost toilet closed and the individual stall door 43 of the rightmost toilet open. The door lock 44 is of the sliding type, making it easy to see whether it is open or closed from the outside, easy for children to grasp and operate, and resistant to damage even when operated by children. It is also designed so that adults such as caregivers can open and close it from the outside as needed.
[0037] As described above, in the childcare facility 100 according to this embodiment, the passageway 2 connecting the entrance 11 and the childcare space 13 is used as the toilet space 12. This allows the toilet to be kept clean by the movement of people, especially adults (such as childcare workers and guardians), and because the toilet space 12 is adequately monitored, inappropriate childcare can be prevented. Furthermore, it makes it easier to guide children to the toilet when they arrive at or leave the facility, or before and after outdoor play, allowing childcare activities to proceed smoothly. Furthermore, there is no wall separating the toilet space 12 and the childcare space 13, and the toilet space 12 is visible from the childcare space 13. This allows for adequate supervision of the toilet space 12, preventing inappropriate childcare.
[0038] Furthermore, by locking the door, it becomes possible to configure the area so that there are no other routes of movement between the entrance 11 and the childcare space 13 other than the route through passageway 2, thus enabling thorough monitoring of the toilet space 12. Furthermore, by arranging the toilet space 12 and childcare space 13 on the route used by childcare workers to move between the entrance 11 and the childcare worker's space, and by locking the doors, it is possible to configure the system so that there are no other routes for moving between the entrance 11 and the childcare worker's space, thereby ensuring that childcare workers can keep a close eye on the childcare space 13 and toilet space 12. Furthermore, the toilet space 12 is equipped with multiple types of toilets, including those with and without individual doors 43 that are approximately half the width of the toilet booth, which helps to gradually cultivate a sense of modesty and contributes to the growth of the children.
[0039] The scope of application of the present invention is not limited to the configuration described above. The present invention can be broadly applied to childcare facilities and the like that can keep toilets clean and prevent inappropriate childcare. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0040] 2 aisles 11 Entrance Hall 11a 12 Toilet space 12a Adult toilet bowl 12b Toilet for children aged 3-5 12c Toilet for toddlers aged 1-2 years 12d Handwashing area, 12e Washing machine area, 12f Shower box 13 Childcare space 13a Table space 15 Office 16 Changing room 17 Galley 17a Pre-cooking room 17b food storage room 21 Partition 40. Wall for installing handwashing sink (obstruction) 41 Front wall (shield) 42 Side wall (shield) 43 Individual Doors 44 Door Lock 61 to 67 Sliding doors 71 Window section
Claims
1. A childcare facility having an entrance that serves as the entrance and exit for the childcare facility, a toilet area, and a childcare area, A childcare facility characterized in that the passageway between the entrance and the childcare space is the toilet space.
2. The childcare facility according to claim 1, characterized in that there is no wall separating the toilet space and the childcare space, and the toilet space can be seen from the childcare space.
3. The childcare facility according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that there are no other routes of movement between the entrance and the childcare space other than the routes of movement through the aforementioned passage.
4. It has a space for childcare workers to use, The childcare facility according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the toilet space and the childcare space are located on a route of movement between the entrance and the childcare worker space, and there are no other routes of movement between the entrance and the childcare worker space other than the said route.
5. The childcare facility according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is provided with a barrier that blocks the view from the childcare space to the toilet installed in the toilet space.
6. The childcare facility according to claim 5, wherein the toilet space is equipped with multiple types of toilets, including those with and without individual doors, and the individual doors are configured to be approximately half the width of the toilet booth in which the toilets are installed.