 Using your notes from the presentations and your reference guides, select three questions for this activity.  Write the question on one side of your index card and the correct answer on the opposite side of the card.  Wait for instruction

 Think about what a developmentally appropriate, well-organized environment tells you about a program.  What may result when a classroom is not designed to meet children’s developmental needs?

 Safety is an important concern when planning a preschool space.  When children feel safe, they feel free to learn.

 Physically safe environment  Promote physical, intellectual, emotional, social development  Easy access to materials  Adults with space that is easy to supervise  Space that is pleasing to the eye  Space with high activity and low stress

 The physical space of a center may be divided into seven main areas. ◦ 1) Entrance: children’s artwork displayed, bulletin board.

◦ 2 ) Directors Office: hold children’s records, school records, and public relation material. ◦ 3) Isolation Area: for children who become ill, should have a cot and few toys

◦ 4) Kitchen: sink, refrigerator, and stove for snacks ◦ 5) Staff Room: storage space for staff personal belongings, tables and chairs.

◦ 6) Bathrooms: toilet, sink, water temperature set on low heat ◦ 7) Indoor Environment: ground floor near an exit.

 Walls should be painted with lead-free paint  Windows at children’s eye level  Doors should be lightweight and doorknobs at child’s reach  Temperature should be comfortable degrees  Electrical Outlets should be covered when not in use.

 Classroom or playroom furniture should be durable, washable, and stackable.  Chairs should be proper height  Toys kept in storage units  Storage units should be at children’s height  Children can learn responsibility when they are provided with personal storage space

 Cool Colors (blue,green,and purple): create a spacious feel  Warm Colors(red, yellow, and orange): make the room feel smaller  Light blue is often used in childcare centers: soothing, calming and secure  Yellow is happy and cheerful  Orange is welcoming and forceful  Purple can have a mournful effect.

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 A program’s goals should be based on the children’s abilities, age and skills  Caregivers concerned with all developmental areas might select the following program goals ◦ To promote positive self concept ◦ To promote independence ◦ To promote problem solving skills ◦ To promote gross-motor coordination ◦ To promote self-control ◦ To promote language skills ◦ To promote pro-social behavior ◦ To promote an appreciation of cultural diversity

 With a partner, brainstorm how Early Childhood Centers support their goals.  After, select 5 goals that you feel are the most important for an Early Childhood program and explain why you chose these. ◦ Discuss how defining program goals is the first step towards a well-organized space ◦ Identify and explain which color you would choose for your program

 3 of the seven areas the physical space of a center is divided into (Example: The directors office)  2 of the guidelines for valuing the physical space of an early childhood center  1 way a students needs may not be met based on the physical environment

 Take out your worksheet from yesterday!!  zDc

 ANdM

 5U

 Working with your table, you will identify the ways in which the environment of an early childhood classroom supports the Physical, Intellectual, Emotional and Social development of children.  Try your best to write down as many as you can come up with