Success in business requires planning and attention to every detail. A successful company president makes plans and plots strategies for every occurrence. Our business also requires careful planning and many strategies for involving every child. One of the biggest keys to success in child care is the environment. Careful planning and thoughtful consideration can make a child care environment less stressful, more productive and a happier place for children and for the company president - you!
Your first consideration in planning a successful environment must always be safety. Your child care environment should be check regularly for broken or dirty toys and equipment. Check for sharp edges as you rotate toys in and out of learning centers. Open the windows to bring in fresh air. Follow the required in the state statutes and regulations for a safe environment and, of course, wash your hands often.
Your second consideration is comfort. Adjust lighting and temperature for comfort when playing and napping. Notice your children and be aware of signs of discomfort. Imagine yourself in the child's place. How do you behave when you are uncomfortable? Do you get cranky and uncooperative? Remember, as an adult you have the option to leave an environment that makes you uncomfortable. Children who are in an uncomfortable environment are stuck and have no option but to act out their discomfort.
The third consideration is behavior guidance. Plan your environment with an eye to behavior because it can have a big effect. If running indoors is a problem in your space, take a close look at the layout of your furniture and equipment. Do you have a "runway" that invites running? Rearrange the furniture to break up the "runway" and the undesirable behavior will cease. Your schedule is also part of the environment that can be used in behavior guidance. Altering your routine can solve some simple discipline issues. For example, a child had begun biting and these incidents occurred after lunch. He stopped this behavior when nap was moved up to immediately after lunch. When you are not feeling very successful dealing with discipline issues stop and give careful consideration to the environment an schedule.
The fourth and most important consideration is learning. Plan you environment so lots of learning can take place. Experienced child care providers know that there are several areas or learning centers that are essential to successful learning environments. These include the following:
Quiet areas are small spaces big enough for one or two children to nestle in with a book or to talk. Being in a group can be overwhelming for some small children and a space, just their size, helps them to put things back in perspective. A space between the wall and the sofa or a large cardboard box is perfect. Place your quiet area away from block and play areas. If it is too noisy, it won't be used as designed.
Block play helps children explore spatial relationships and learn how the physical world works. Building and rebuilding offers opportunities to experiment with and test new concepts. Allow space for building, but try to contain the area with shelves or furniture to prevent blocks from drifting into areas designed for other purposes.
Dramatic play allows children the opportunity to try on a different role every day and to see how it feels. When a child plays a role, the world of adults becomes manageable and less mysterious. Observe the children and offer simple props to enhance play. Be prepared with paper and pencils when lunch boxes suddenly become briefcases.
Sand/Water play should be a part of daily activities. Children learn by using all of their senses. Touch is a particularly important method of discovering how the world works. When space is tight try using plastic boxes with lids placed on a shower curtain on the floor. Any spilled sand can be poured back into the box and put away. Try using different material such as rice, birdseed or beans. Scenting water with lemon juice or vanilla extract provides another pleasant opportunity for children to use their senses.
Art areas require a table and chairs, so materials may be spread out. Children learn best by handling materials and practicing the process of creating. Focus on this and not on producing identical products that look good on refrigerators. Store supplies where children can reach them. This can be a challenge in multi-age settings, but try. Keeping materials within children's reach shows your confidence in their ability to become independent. Art and messy activities should be located in a place where cleanup is easy and the children can help.
An area for large muscle (or gross motor) skill development should be big enough for children to move about when they practice dancing or physical games. All children from infants to school-agers need an opportunity to stretch and wiggle throughout the day. It clears the mind, releases stress and helps children focus when they turn to their next activity.
Never assume that your environment is fine just the way it is. It will always need tinkering and is a continuous work in progress. Successful child care providers observe the children in their care and make adaptations as children grow and their interests change. Include change in all your plans and you will have a successful environment.