Sweden - the future of child care, education, and playground design?! Dadlabs goes across the pond to talk to and soak up how these swedish child care centers work. From an uncluttered architectural design to a belief in healthy organic food, the design and policy of these schools seems focused on creating the best possible learning environment for its kids. DadLabs Ep. 352. Brought to you by BabyBjorn.

DADDY TROY: Our tour began with a briefing by the matriarch of the school and a discussion of Swedish preschool policy and philosophy. Along with a progressive paternity leave policy, Swedish preschool is guaranteed for all, and costs about $200 per month via government subsidies.

Despite being a large facility with many students, this particular preschool was designed around nodes that are small in scale and feel much like home. Kitchens, eating areas, and play areas all displayed the characteristic Swedish organization and design that is aesthetically simple yet highly functional.

Inside students were working independently. Some were reading while others prepared for lunch. Remarkably, the preschool has its own kitchen staff who prepare fresh and organic meals for the students.

Just like inside, the outside playground was beautifully simple. The equipment had been built to last and somehow the inherent design of the toys encouraged certain kinds of play. For example, this tricycle. It is built for three and encourages students to work together and pedal each other around the playground. For me it became a symbol for the how the Swedes take care of their people and families.

In the end, the care and love of this facility was similar to preschools we have in the US

Here you see an outside area where students take their naps. Also, just outside the daycare were some woods that kids could ask to go play in independently - freedom from the fenced in play yard.