Value of a Well Planned Space

Goals of a well planned space 1.Provides a physically safe environment for children 2.Provides children with areas that promote cognitive, emotional, social and physical growth 3.Provides an abundance of materials so children can make choices

4.Provides adults with a space they can easily supervise 5.Provides a space pleasing to the eye for both adults and children 6.Provides easy access to materials when needed so children are able to direct themselves 7.Provides a space with high activity and low stress where children can work and play comfortably

What might the physical space look like? 1.Entrance attractive inviting display children work (D and E mostly) bulletin board of important info

What might the physical space look like? 2.Director’s/Teacher’s Office records kept information about students can be used for conferences staff planning

What might the physical space look like? 3.Isolation Area required by law for sick children cot and toys (?)

What might the physical space look like? 4.Kitchen size depends on amount of food prepared daily inspected by health department floor should be easy to clean and non-skid

What might the physical space look like? 1.Staff Room place for adults to relax personal belongs locked away may be used as a work area may be used for conferences

What might the physical space look like? 6.Bathroom must have at least 1 toilet for every 10 kids (more is convenient) size (height) of equipment should be appropriate for age water heater should be set on low non slip surface

What might the physical space look like? 7.Indoor rectangular shape is best for supervision PA law says 65 square foot per child

What should you look for inside the room? Walls –Painted with LEAD FREE paint –Bulletin boards, chalk board…should be at child’s sight level –More schools are going to white boards instead of chalk because of easy clean up and multiple uses

What should you look for inside the room? Floors –For younger children carpet is best because of easy clean up and warmth however many school are taking out carpets it’s life expectancy is too short –If using throw rugs, make sure the back is non-skid or can cause accidents

What should you look for inside the room? Windows –Should be a child level so they can see out –Screens should be placed on all windows –Drapes or blinds can add interest to the room and reduce the noise! –Day cares may choose to put blinds on windows to reduce the light for nap time

What should you look for inside the room? Doors –Should be light weight –Should push out to open to guard against injuries –Door knobs should be at kid level

What should you look for inside the room? Acoustics –Studies show that noise affects children’s behavior! Loud =BAD –Carpets, drapes, bulletin boards, stuffed animals, sand tables, acoustical tiles in the ceiling –Ceiling should be feet high to reduce noise and provide the feeling of spaciousness

What should you look for inside the room? Temperature –Very important in the learning process –Child cannot process information in an uncomfortable environment –Usually between degrees is comfortable –Decrease temperature when planning vigorous activities

What should you look for inside the room? Electrical Outlets –For safety reason’s, they should be out of the child’s reach –When not being used, safety caps should be inserted at ALL times –Electrical cords should not stretch across the room where kids go (they might fall down and get a boo boo)

Factors to consider with furniture The most important thing to think about with any surfaces on in the classroom is SANITIZATION! You must keep surfaces free from bacteria and viruses. Most common solution is ¼ c bleach to 1 gallon of water on all surfaces. Be sure to let it sit for 2 minutes before wiping and solution is only good for 24 hours---keep mixing.

Factors to consider with furniture Chairs –Proper height for children –Stackable is best (allows for extra space) –Plastic is best (easy to move and light weight)

Factors to consider with furniture Tables –Should be hard, smooth and washable –Should be light enough to move easily –Rectangular tables are best for younger children because it allows them “their own space”

Factors to consider with furniture Storage/Lockers/Cubbies –Organized for easy access –Easy for child use –Right height for children –Swinging doors can be a hazard –Good way to keep them organized

What factors affect space organization? Licensing Requirements –Size is dependent on state –Minimum number of fire extinguishers –Exits clearly marked –Entrance doors must open to the outside

What factors affect space organization? Program Goals –Promote positive self concept –Promote problem solving skills –Promote fine motor skills –Promote gross motor skills –Promote language skills –Promote prosocial behavior –Promote appreciation of cultural diversity pg 164

What factors affect space organization? Traffic Patterns –Way children move through the classroom area –Need to set up areas so they are not interrupted by people walking through –How you plan to teach the class