Title: Evaluate learning centers that encourage a child’s interests, exploration, discovery, and development.
Course: Early Childhood, Education, and Services I (19153-I) > Section: Exploring Curricula Responsive to Children’s Needs

Evaluation should include whether learning centers group materials and equipment around common activities in areas that fit the unique interests, needs, and characteristics of the child population. Evaluation should also reflect available space and materials, budgetary constraints, the developmental levels of the children, and applicable licensing regulations.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What instructional goals might be served using learning centers?
- What criteria should be used to evaluate the effectiveness of learning centers?
- What factors might influence choices regarding learning centers?

Communication

- How can learning centers be used to improve the language skills of children?

Leadership

- How might learning centers reinforce the problem-solving/decision-making skills of children?
- How can learning centers provide for children’s exploration, discovery, and development?

Management

- What resources are needed to design and arrange learning centers in a classroom?
- What operational factors may limit the arrangement of learning centers?
- How can technology be used to assist classroom arrangement?