5.7: Creating Environments for Infants and Toddlers **
5.7: Creating Environments for Infants and Toddlers **
The infant/ toddler framework proposes the following play spaces to consider for an infant/toddler program:
- A cozy area for books and stories
- A small-muscle area
- A sensory perception area
- An active movement area
- A creative expression area
Here is a sample infant/toddler classroom. See Appendix B for an older toddler classroom and for the corresponding blueprints.
Creating Environments for Preschoolers
The preschool framework offers the following list of suggested play spaces when creating a learning environment for children three to five years of age:
- Dramatic play area
- Block area
- Art area
- Book area
- Writing area
- Math area
- Science/Sensory area
- Family display area
- Music/movement
- Meeting area (for conferencing)
And here is a sample preschool classroom. Additional sample classrooms for preschoolers and corresponding blueprints can be found in Appendix B.
In both cases, it is helpful to think of ways that the spaces can be used by two or three children together, one child alone, or an adult and one or two children, as well as larger areas for more exuberant group play. Providing opportunities for small configurations enables the play space to support growing social relationships and meet needs of children who prefer more defined space or space away from others. [1]
Licensing Requirements for Indoor Preschool Classrooms in California
Here are a few of the licensing requirements to keep in mind when planning indoor environments for young children in California:
The program provides for quiet and active play, rest and relaxation, eating, and toileting. (101230)
35 square feet of indoor activity space per child (not including bathrooms, halls, offices, food preparation areas, or storage. (101238)
That each child has individual storage space for clothing, personal belongings, and bedding. (101238)
Storage must be provided for play materials, equipment, and napping equipment. (101238)
Combustibles, cleaning equipment and cleaning agents shall be stored in an area separate from food supplies in a locked cabinet or in a location inaccessible to children. (101238)
Tables and chairs scaled to the size of children must be provided. (101239)
All play equipment and materials used by children must be age-appropriate. (101239)
Drinking water must be available freely to children. (101239)[2]
Ensuring Quality in the Indoor Environment
Tools, such Environment Rating Scales, can be used to help ensure the environment is high quality. Here are some items that describe high quality indoor environments for preschool-aged children according to the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS).
- Space is accessible to children and adults, including those with disabilities
- There is ample space for the people and furnishings
- Adequate storage and seating
- Storage for play materials and personal belongings are accessible to children
- Cozy spaces and other soft furnishings and materials