2. Preparing the Environment9
Preparing the Environment

3. Objectives
Explain the value of planned indoor and outdoor space in a child care center.
Summarize factors that affect the organization of space in a center.
Name the basic activity areas in a center, along with the functions of each area.
Organize basic activity areas
of the classroom and outdoor
playground.

4. Tour a classroom
– ECD Preschool Classroom Tour.wmv
– A video tour of a preschool classroom

5. Value of Planned Space Well-planned space provides
a physically safe environment
areas that promote developmental growth
an abundance of materials
areas that are easy to supervise
pleasant space for both adults and children
children easy access to materials
comfortable work and play areas

6. Physical Space May be divided into seven main areas Entrance
Director’s office
Isolation area
Kitchen or kitchenette
Staff room
Bathrooms
Classroom or playroom

7. Indoor Environment The classroom or playroom should
be on the ground floor close to an exit
have a rectangular shape, allowing optimal supervision; at least 35 sf. per child
have walls with lead-free washable paint
include some type of audiovisual board
have carpeted flooring
have lightweight doors with low handles
continued

8. Indoor Environment include acoutstic material to absorb sound
have temperature range of 68 – 70 degrees F
have 40 – 60 percent humidity
place electrical outlets above children’s reach

9. Furniture
Classroom or playground furniture should be durable, washable, and stackable
Chairs
Tables
Storage units
Lockers and cubbies

10. Color Choices for Child Care Centers
The use of colors can affect how teachers and children feel about their classroom
Room should look good, feel spacious
Cool colors: blue, green, and purple
make a room appear larger
Warm colors: red, yellow, and orange
make a room seem smaller

11. Factors That Affect Space Organization
Space should define the scope and limits of activities
Licensing requirements
Program goals
Group size
Scale
Traffic patterns

12. Licensing Requirements
All states have their own licensing requirements for child care centers
Common requirements include
a minimum number of fire extinguishers
all exits must be clear
entrance door must open to the outside
a minimum number of square feet of space

13. Program Goals Based on children’s abilities, age, and skills
Stimulate growth and development
Positive self-concept
Independence
Problem-solving skills
Fine-motor coordination
Promote self-control
continued

14. Program Goals Language skills Prosocial behavior
Appreciation of cultural diversity

15. Group Size
Group size is an important factor to consider when arranging space
The more children there are, the more empty space is needed
Plan between one-third and one-half of the classroom for open space

16. Scale
The classroom environment must be scaled to the size of its occupants
Child-sized furniture
Bulletin boards
Toilets
Water fountains
Sinks
Pictures

17. Traffic Patterns
Arrangement of classroom center around the traffic pattern
The way people move through the classroom area
Arrange furniture to create useful traffic patterns
Program activities affect traffic patterns

18. Organizing Basic Activity Areas
Space at a child care classroom is divided into basic activity areas.
Provide the ideal environment for active learning
Each activity area is clearly defined, yet flexible
Arrange activity areas by function
Wet or dry
Active or quiet

19. Organizing Basic Activity Areas
Active
Quiet
Wet
Dry
Gross-motor
Music
Woodworking
Blockbuilding
Dramatic play
Small manipulative play
Library
Sleeping
Private space
Writing center
Technology area
Science
Sensory {sand, water}
Art
Eating

20. Organizing Basic Activity Areas
Blockbuilding
Area pg 220
Art
Area pg 221
Dramatic play
Sensory
Area pg
Woodworking
Area pg 222
Sleeping
Small
manipulative
Language
Area pg
Music
Area pg 223
Private
Space pg 223
Science
Area pg
Technology
Area pg 224
Eating
Area pg
Displaying a child’s work pg
Outdoor play environments pg

21. Activity Research
Which activity area were you assigned and what kind of activities take place there?
What kind of supplies might be needed in this area?
Which goal does this activity area support on page 217 in the textbook?

22. Examples
- Making room for play: The preschool room plan
- Indicators of a quality early learning environment

23. Design your own: Requirements:
Design a preschool classroom using graph paper, a ruler and a writing utensil
Use as much of the graph paper as possible. A good size guide is: 1 square = 1 foot
There must be one entry door and one doorway that goes to the kitchen area and restrooms
Include at least 8 activity areas in your room
Label all areas and furniture – pg. 225

24. Outdoor Play Environments
In outdoor areas,
the required number of sf. per child varies by state; usually from 75 to 200 sf. per child
a rectangular space is most functional
U- or L-shaped playgrounds are more difficult to supervise

25. Planning the Playground
Consider the following guidelines:
equipment should be far apart
all equipment should be visible
children should not have to walk through one area to get to another
between one-third and one-half of the playground should be used for play equipment
continued

26. Planning the Playground
Planning the playground involves
fencing
surfaces
landscaping
storage shed
wheeled toy paths
continued

27. Planning the Playground
stationary equipment: equipment that is set permanently in the ground for stability
sandbox
water
animal shelter

28. Glossary
acoustic material. Material used to deaden or absorb sounds. Carpets, drapes, bulletin boards, pillows, stuffed toys, and sand are examples.
audiovisual board. A smooth wall board that serves as a bulletin board, chalkboard, and movie screen.

29. Glossary
cool colors. Colors, such as blue and green, that make a room appear larger and create a feeling of openness.
cubbies. Top sections of lockers used to store finished artwork, library books, parent letters, and other valuable items.

30. Glossary
isolation area. Special room or space in the center for children who become ill or show signs of a communicable disease.
sensory table. Table in the sensory area that gives children the opportunity to experience the sensations related to water and sand. It also allows them practice in social situations. Also known as a water table or sand table.

31. Glossary
staff room. Room in a child care center provided for staff to spend work-related time away from the classroom.
stationary equipment. Permanently installed equipment in the playground, such as jungle gyms, slides, and tree houses.

32. Glossary
traffic pattern. The way in which people move through the classroom area, affecting its arrangement.
warm colors. Colors including red, yellow, and orange that make a room appear smaller.

33. Introducing Activity Areas
Children require an introduction to the activity areas in the classroom
What materials are in each area
Which activities happen in each area
Safety and cleanup rules
Learn the routine for using and replacing materials

34. Blockbuilding Area Blocks give children practice sorting grouping
comparing
arranging
make decisions
cooperating
role-playing

35. Art Area Place the art area near a water source
Groups or individuals can use the area
Use tables, chairs, easels, drying racks, and shelving units that are easy to clean and maintain
Label the materials shelves clearly

36. Dramatic Play Area Known as the home living or housekeeping area
For younger children, should be arranged to look like a real home
Stove, refrigerator, sink
Table and chairs
Other props, such as dolls, dress-up costumes, kitchen utensils, and cleaning tools

37. Sensory Area
The sensory table (water or sand table) is a key piece of equipment
Place sensory table near the water source
Items to provide should be rustproof
Shovels and spoons
Sand pails
Measuring cups
Funnels and strainers

38. Woodworking Area
Locate near the art area to decorate wood sculptures with paint
This area should be outside the line of traffic
Items to provide may include
safety goggles
simple tools
wood scraps
styrofoam pieces

39. Sleeping Area Most preschoolers rest or nap after lunch
Most states have licensing rules for children under age 5
Not all programs have separate sleeping areas
Flexible room arrangement is key
Allow sufficient space for sleeping
Check state regulations (2 ft. between cots)

40. Small Manipulative Area
Locate in a dry, quiet area of the playroom
Items in this area often include
table blocks
puzzles
plastic building pieces
parquetry blocks
stringing beads
sewing cards

41. Language Area Locate in the quietest part of the classroom
Items in this area should include
books and magazines
paper and markers
table and chairs
shelving

42. Music Area Provide space for moving and dancing
Items found in most music areas include
rhythm instruments
CDs and players
puppets and scarves
piano, if space permits
guitar or autoharp

43. Private Space Provide a space where children can be alone
Lofts are good options
The space should
be small
allow room for only one or two children
be visible to the teacher

44. Science Area Arrange the science area Most science areas contain
in the wet, active area of the classroom
near the light and water source
Most science areas contain
at least one table
a shelving unit
small caged pets
project materials

45. Technology Area Locate in the quiet, dry part of the classroom
Where you place the computers might affect how often they are used
Keep monitors visible throughout the classroom to
increase curiosity
facilitate supervision

46. Eating Area When space is available, provide a separate eating area
Locate it near the kitchen for
easy service
easy cleanup

47. Displaying Children’s Work
Display children’s work throughout the activity areas using
bulletin boards
wall hangings
clothesline
appliance boxes