Contact: Maridith Geuder
A public service project by Mississippi State University is evaluating area Head Start centers for changes that would bring the facilities into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
"We've analyzed 14 centers for Prairie Opportunity Inc. to recommend changes that would ensure both ADA and building code compliance," said Shannon Criss, director of the School of Architecture's Small Town Center.
Since it was formed in 1979, the center has focused on planning and design to improve community quality of life. It serves as the school's research, teaching and service arm.
Criss said a variety of recommendations have been made in the Head Start project, ranging from providing internal and external ramps and handrails to establishing new or different entrances and providing fire protective signaling.
"We surveyed each facility, drew floor plans and evaluated each for code compliance," she said. "Our recommendations are preliminary, meant to serve as a starting point for professionals who would design alterations. We also recommend that centers seek legal opinions about ADA compliance."
With initial funding from an arts and humanities grant from MSU's Office of Research, Criss enlisted the help of architecture students and visiting professor John Poros. She will seek additional grants to develop design prototypes for Head Start centers.
"We hope that we can establish prototypes that will become national models," she said.
The students took their efforts a step further at the Head Start center serving Starkville and Oktibbeha County. They designed, built and installed furniture to serve as a room divider and storage area.
"Head Start students had been hanging jackets and coats on hooks on the walls, something not in compliance with health code standards," Criss explained. "The new furniture provides more effective storage space and helps create a better learning environment."