A quality early learning and child care programs provide
safe, stimulating environments that are warm, comfortable and aesthetically
pleasing. Children are active learners who use the physical environment in a
direct, hands-on manner. The physical environment, as well as all the materials
and equipment are part of a child’s learning experience. The schedule, space,
interaction with others and daily routines all provide learning opportunities.
The learning environment should provide a rich assortment of materials and
equipment for children to develop socially, cognitively and physically. Most
toddlers are capable of resting on a cot. Not having cribs in the classroom
leaves more space for climbing equipment and other toys. Cots should have
removable sheets that are washed weekly. Cots should be labeled with children's
names and only used by one child per school year. Toddlers are very busy
creatures, and need safe places to climb, crawl and hide. A soft plays cape can
provide a challenging yet safe place for toddlers to explore their developing
gross motor abilities. Each child should have a place to put his personal
belongings such as a cubby, a coat hook, or plastic bin. Be sure to label each
cubby and place all personal belongings, such as extra clothes and diapers,
within it.
The materials and preschool equipment AUS needed must:
·
be available in a quantity and variety to occupy
all children
·
be consistent with the developmental capabilities
of children
·
offer many types of play choices, for blocks
of time, to provide different opportunities for children to experiment, explore
and learn
·
be accessible to children where they can
reach and use the materials by themselves with adaptations to furniture to meet
all children’s needs
·
be organized into particular interest centers
·
be arranged so quiet and active centers do
not interfere with one another
·
represent and encourage acceptance of
diversity (race, culture, age, abilities, gender) in all activity areas
·
be rotated and changed frequently based on
the children’s interests
·
be provided indoors and outdoors to broaden
children’s exploration and experiences
The physical environment will vary depending on the age
and number of children in the classroom, as well as the goals of programs and
specific activities in the classroom. The infant classroom, for example, will
designate the eating, sleeping, diapering, and play areas as primary for
activities. However, the most important space in which activities will be
performed is the play area. The play area of infants needs to be configured so
that they can grasp and reach age-appropriate toys or pull themselves up when
practicing standing or walking. Infants will need to be down on the floor
exploring their environments with toys to look at, listening to things around
them, feeling, chewing, pushing, pulling, stacking, rolling, turning,
squeezing, and shaking. To maximize infant supervision, it is best to have all
the activities in one room. This includes the sleeping area. Some researchers
have recommended a separate room for sleeping; others, however, have found that
sleep patterns are not adversely affected by having a sleeping area in the same
room as a play area. Having a cozy, warm, and homelike environment in the
classroom provides infants with a healthy social and emotional environment.
Before planning a list of preschool equipment AUS needed, be
sure to check your state's minimum standards.
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