Childcare Environment Setup

Importance of Environment

• As important as the care provided

Child-Sized Furnishings

• Promotes independence and capability
• Furniture considerations:
  • Child-sized tables and chairs (feet touch the floor)
  • Sink at child's level
  • Accessible storage for toys, manipulatives, and materials

Sense of Autonomy

• Child-sized spaces make children feel autonomous
• Spaces for adult-child interaction with appropriately sized furniture

Flow of Environment

• Entryway for smooth transitions (arrival and departure)
• Attractive features in long, straight hallways to encourage exploration:
  • Interesting lighting
  • Wall displays
  • Floor coverings

Room Arrangement

• Well-defined areas for specific activities
• Identifiable boundaries
• Label storage units for order
• Learning centers:
  • Science exploration center
  • Dramatic play corner
  • Sensory exploration
  • Quiet reading area
• Individual spaces for each child (personal cubbies)

Flexibility and Interest

• Make the environment flexible for changing needs
• Incorporate different levels, angles, and heights
• Use open-ended materials and unusual items to spark curiosity and exploration

Light Management

• Mix of natural and artificial light
• Shades for controlling natural light
• Task-appropriate lighting
• Mirrors reflect light, dark colors absorb light

Color in the Environment

• Easy and inexpensive way to change the environment
• Bright accent walls and patterns attract children
• Light colors make space feel larger, dark colors make it feel smaller
• Color additions through curtains, fabrics, pillows, and furniture
• Be thoughtful with color use to avoid overwhelming or disorienting children

Incorporate Texture

• Capture interest with different textures
• Use of fabric, furnishings, and materials
• Patterns on wall, ceiling, or floor
• Natural objects (stones, grass)

Soft Spaces

• Create areas for children to unwind and relax
• Use of comfortable furniture, pillows, books, and quiet activities

Evaluation and Implementation

• Implement strategies to transform the childcare environment into a quality early learning environment