Child Care Today ©2012

Chapter 12: Environments, Equipment, and Supplies

Chapter Summary

Children need a warm and engaging environment to grow and develop safely. State licensing laws and accreditation criteria are often used in designing indoor environments. Program services, including hours of operation, also help determine the size and variety of environmental spaces. All areas of development must be considered before designing space for children. Meeting basic care needs in a safe and sanitary manner is a high priority. Infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age environment needs differ. Adaptations should be planned for children with special needs. Each child needs personal storage space. Family-friendly environments and equipment encourage parent participation. Staff members also need a good working environment.

Use good judgment, knowledge of children, and creativity to make good equipment and supply choices that encourage learning. Programs must have adequate equipment and supplies available. All equipment and supplies should be listed on an inventory record. Careful thought about the safety, developmental appropriateness, and creative uses of toys will make for better purchases.

The classroom should include sensory environments that engage children without overwhelming them. Elements such as sound, color, lighting, patterns, and textures enhance the classroom and can affect child behavior.

Well-planned classrooms are divided into learning centers. Typical types of learning centers include an art center, sensory play area, woodworking area, block center, cooking center, dramatic play and puppetry center, language and relaxation area, music center, media station, manipulatives center, and large-movement area.

Outdoor play areas should have natural green space, trees, native flowers and shrubs, and natural elements such as dirt, sand, fresh air, wind, and water. Outdoor areas should be accessible to all program participants. Outdoor play areas may include climbing and sliding areas, hard surface areas, grassy areas, sensory-rich areas, art areas, and dramatic play areas. Outdoor safety requires constant staff supervision. Equipment and materials should be checked regularly.

ADA requirements for playgrounds include accessible routes, ramps, landings, and transfer systems, and considerations such as maneuvering space, knee clearance at tables, and reachable surfaces and storage.