Title: Identify ways to manage physical space to maintain a developmentally appropriate learning environment for each child.
Course: Early Childhood, Education, and Services I (19153-I) > Section: Providing a Positive, Safe, and Healthy Learning Environment

Identification should include

- results of research into the needs of children regarding safe, ergonomically and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor space, room arrangements, and equipment
- components of a diverse/multicultural learning environment
- how to adapt the learning environment to accommodate special needs
- identification of safety hazards inside and outside the childcare facility
- regulations concerning safety and prevention of illness and injury.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What criteria determine the parent’s choice of childcare program?
- How do parents rank the importance of specific criteria (e.g., physical space) as compared to other elements of a program (e.g., curriculum, cost, or convenience)?
- What is the relationship between a safe, healthy learning environment and successful childcare operation?
- What are professional, state, and local standards for a safe, healthy learning environment?
- How should child development environments be arranged?
- How can the learning environment be adapted to accommodate students with special needs?
- What types of equipment and materials should be included in each area (e.g., art area, science area) of the early childhood classroom?
- What types of rules for children encourage positive behavior?

Communication

- What criteria should be used to decide how to provide a safe, healthy learning environment?
- How can one communicate the standards for a safe, healthy learning environment to parents and children?

Leadership

- What skills do leaders need to manage physical space and to maintain a safe, healthy learning environment?
- What are potential consequences of failure to maintain a safe, healthy learning environment?

Management

- What resources are needed to meet the standards for physical space management?
- What steps can be taken to arrange or rearrange space to meet the standards?
- What factors should be considered regarding preparing, storing and maintaining equipment and materials in the early childcare center?
- What factors should be considered when developing a schedule or routine of activities?
- What role does budget play in determining what is used?
- How can childcare professionals identify resources available for funding to provide a safe and healthy learning environment?