Video Tour of Head Start Preschool Classroom +to+arrange+a+preschool+classroom&view= detail&mid= B69F8029C B69F8029C678&first=0&FORM=LKVR5

Goal 100% of the students in Child Care will meet or exceed the learning expectations measured by a score of 75% or better on daily performance assignments and assessments that are taken during the chapter.

Preparing the Environment I CAN …. Explain the value of planned indoor and outdoor space Name the basic activity areas in a center, along with the functions of each area. List criteria to consider when choosing playroom furniture and color schemes Summarize factors that affect the organization of space in a center. Organize basic activity areas of the classroom and outdoor play yard

Preparing the Environment Well organized and developmentally appropriate classroom will help children to learn. Teacher’s Responsibility Arrangement will effect the quality of program and give direction for expected behavior.

Well Planned Classroom Provide choices Provide interesting play activities Reduce behavior problems Encourage interaction Allow for exploration Attractive and inviting Nurturing environment Provide space to play Diversity in materials Sufficient quantities Place to be quiet Place to talk Place to move

Classroom Playroom Ground floor close to an exit Rectangular rooms work best for supervision 35 Square feet room per child

Classroom or playroom Walls Washable Bulletin boards absorb sound and provide space for artwork Chalkboards at child eye level Floors Carpeting – Cushion – Colorful visually more appealing

Classroom or Playroom Windows Eye –level Screens Must be able to open Drapes or blinds Valances Pleated shades Doors Lightweight Push out to open Doorknobs should be low

Classroom or Playroom Acoustics Noise affects children’s behavior Acoustic materials – Carpets – Drapes – Stuffed Toys – Sand – Bulletin Board – Acoustical tile for the ceiling Temperature / Humidity Comfortable environment % humidity normal

Classroom and Playroom Electrical Outlets Above children’s reach Safety caps Room arrangement is influenced by outlets Do not use long electrical cords

Color Choices Color Appeals to our senses Calm or stimulate Cool colors Make a room appear larger Sense of openness Children six and older prefer – Blue – Green – violet Warm Colors Make a room appear smaller Children under the age of six prefer – Red – Yellow – Orange

Color Choices Target Sheet: Psychological Impact of color Target Sheet: Responses to color

Factors that affect space and organization Inspire children Define the activity and limits Space affects the use and care of equipment

Licensing Requirements Each state has their own requirements Common requirements – Number of fire extinguishers – Entrance and exits marked – Minimum number of square feet

Organizing Basic Activity Areas Each activity area is a space of its own. Arrange activity areas by function Wet and dry should be placed away from each other Active and quiet placed away from each other Hand-out Arranging Basic Activity Areas

Outdoor Play Area Outside square feet per child varies. Usually 75 to 200 Rectangular best U or L are more Difficult to supervise and arrange

Planning the Play Yard Empty Space Well planned into areas Usually in the center of the playground Around equipment All equipment should be visible to the teacher 1/3 to ½ of the yard has equipment the rest is empty space for play Paths So children can ride wheeled vehicles Usually winds through the playground but far enough away from equipment Children should not wheel or walk through one area to get to another

Planning the Play Yard Fencing Safety Chain link See through fence at other activities Climb the fence Unattractive Wood fence Splinters Surfaces Grass Under equipment Bark nuggets Sand Tire shred inches depth Playground Surfaces

Planning the Play Yard Landscaping Pleasant surroundings Science area – children love to watch things grow Trees provide shade Consult a landscape architect to ensure the right plants are used Storage Shed Store riding toys Wading pools Balls Gardening tools Arrange so the kids can return items themselves

Planning the Play Yard Wheel toy paths Go in one direction Curves, no right angles Join the storage shed for easy storage Protected from play equipment Stationary Equipment Jungle gyms Slides Swings Tree houses Place in the different corners of the yard Images of playground equipment Images of playground equipment

Planning the Play Yard Sandbox Place in a shaded area Build a roof over the box Play next to a water source Cover the sandbox Water Water play is fun on a hot day Wading pools Empty pools at the end of the day Sprinkler Water plants, garden

Planning the Play Yard Animal Shelter Type of animal may be determined by zoning law Cages Protected from the weather video