Childcare & Education
DDA Accessibility Checklist

Why This Matters

Childcare centres and educational facilities have overlapping obligations under the DDA Premises Standards and the National Construction Code (NCC). Children, parents with prams, staff with mobility needs, and visitors with disabilities all need safe, dignified access.

Access & Drop-Off

The arrival experience sets the tone. Parents juggling children, prams, and bags need a seamless path from car to reception.

• Accessible drop-off zone within 30m of main entrance
• Step-free path from drop-off to reception/sign-in area
• Pram-accessible paths minimum 1500mm wide
• Covered waiting area accessible to wheelchair users
• Accessible visitor parking per AS2890.6
• Automatic or easy-to-operate entry doors — maximum 20N force

Interior Circulation

Once inside, everyone needs to move freely between spaces. Pram traffic doubles the effective width requirement in many corridors.

• Corridors minimum 1200mm wide (1500mm preferred for pram traffic)
• Step-free access between all public areas
• Accessible reception/sign-in counter at 850mm height
• Lift or ramp access to all levels used by children and parents
• Door handles lever-type at 900–1100mm (not round knobs)
• Slip-resistant flooring throughout — minimum R10 in wet areas

Classrooms & Learning Spaces

Inclusive learning environments benefit all students. These items ensure children with disabilities can participate alongside their peers.

• Minimum one wheelchair-accessible position per classroom
• Adjustable-height desks or tables for wheelchair users
• Clear floor space 1300mm x 800mm at accessible workstations
• Visual and audible fire alarm systems
• Accessible storage for student belongings at reachable heights
• Adequate acoustics for hearing aid users — reverberation time <0.5s

Play Areas & Outdoor Spaces

Play is a right, not a privilege. Outdoor spaces must be designed so every child can participate in physical activity and social interaction.

• Accessible path of travel to all outdoor play areas
• Inclusive play equipment with transfer platforms
• Soft-fall surfacing accessible to wheelchair users
• Shaded accessible seating for carers and parents
• Accessible sandpit with raised edge and transfer space
• Accessible garden beds at 600–700mm height

Amenities & Facilities

Both adults and children need accessible amenities. Childcare centres must accommodate parents, staff, and children with different needs simultaneously.

• Accessible parent room/feeding room with 1500mm turning circle
• Accessible toilet for adults (staff/parents) per AS1428.1
• Accessible toilet for children at 300mm seat height
• Accessible change table provision
• Staff amenities with accessible kitchen and breakroom
• Accessible staff parking provision

Signage & Emergency

In an emergency, every second counts. These requirements ensure people with disabilities can navigate safely and evacuate without barriers.

• Braille and tactile signage at room entries
• Colour-coded wayfinding for young children
• Accessible emergency evacuation plan
• Visual and audible emergency warning systems
• Designated assembly point accessible to all
• Staff training requirements for assisting people with disabilities

Common Mistakes We See

These five issues appear in the majority of childcare and education projects we review. Catching them early saves costly redesigns later.