DI4004

Environment

Elements

Description including differences between infants and toddlers

Potential benefits and/or concerns related to fostering healthy toddler development and learning

Ideas for improvements or enhancements

Questions for the Host Teacher

Information from the Host Teacher

Safe & Healthy

· Nonslip, nontoxic flooring

· Quality ventilation/Fresh air

· Natural light and lamps; recessed lights with dimmers (not fluorescent)

· Separate and safe diapering and toileting Area

· Child-sized hand-washing areas

· Separate food preparation area

· Clean and safe furnishings; non-toxic cleansers

· Adults can see children, and children can see the adults

· Smaller convenient storage spaces

Aesthetically Pleasing

· Soft, peaceful colors and sound absorbing furnishings

· Interesting musical sounds

· Variety of textures

· Natural light and lamps

· Children’s art, photos of children, and items from nature are arranged artfully and respectfully

· Spaces are not overly bright, confusing, and/or overwhelming to the senses

Comfortable, Comforting, and Cozy

· Comfortable place to greet and say goodbye

· Places where children can “see” themselves, their families, and their communities/cultures

· Places to be alone, quiet, and cozy with

adult and child rocking chairs, sofas, books and pillows, resting areas,

Child-Sized

· Arrangement, furniture, and equipment scaled so children can reach, sit, play, and work without asking for assistance

· Mirrors, shelves, photos, and pictures at children’s heights

· Cubbies and/or accessible areas for personal storage

Invites Play & Exploration

Age appropriate, open-ended materials, and opportunities to make choices, experiment, try out new ideas, and take safe risks in the following places:

· Book area

· Sensory area

· Art/messy area

· Blocks and building

· Dramatic play area

· Nature and science area

· Space that encourages movement — jumping, crawling, running freely without walkers, swings, or exercisers

· Climbing area

· Mirror area

Invites Engagement: Provocation:

Guide/provoke inspiration, imagination, and thought through:

· Photographs that build on and extend children’s interests and/or group experiences

· Books strategically placed that are relevant to children’s interests (such as a book describing construction sites near the blocks or books about taking care of babies near the dramatic play area)

· Items from nature collected outside — artfully and respectfully displayed

· Simple changes in displays — rearranging climbing areas; incorporating new colors and textures; and changing nature items

· A few new, safe items for children to simply explore

Adaptations and Considerations to Engage all Children

· Adaptations and modifications for individual children in the group

General: Is the environment: