Video Tour of Head Start Preschool Classroom

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Goal

• 100% of the students in Child Care will meet or exceed the learning expectations measured by a score of 75% or better on daily performance assignments and assessments that are taken during the chapter.

Preparing the EnvironmentI CAN ….• Explain the value of planned indoor and outdoor

space• Name the basic activity areas in a center, along with

the functions of each area.• List criteria to consider when choosing playroom

furniture and color schemes• Summarize factors that affect the organization of

space in a center.• Organize basic activity areas of the classroom and

outdoor play yard

Preparing the Environment

• Well organized and developmentally appropriate classroom will help children to learn. Teacher’s Responsibility

• Arrangement will effect the quality of program and give direction for expected behavior.

Well Planned Classroom

• Provide choices• Provide interesting play

activities• Reduce behavior

problems• Encourage interaction• Allow for exploration• Attractive and inviting

• Nurturing environment• Provide space to play• Diversity in materials• Sufficient quantities• Place to be quiet• Place to talk• Place to move

Classroom Playroom

• Ground floor close to an exit

• Rectangular rooms work best for supervision

• 35 Square feet room per child

Classroom or playroom

Walls• Washable• Bulletin boards absorb

sound and provide space for artwork

• Chalkboards at child eye level

Floors

• Carpeting– Cushion– Colorful visually more

appealing

Classroom or Playroom

Windows• Eye –level• Screens• Must be able to open• Drapes or blinds• Valances• Pleated shades

Doors• Lightweight• Push out to open• Doorknobs should be low

Classroom or Playroom

Acoustics• Noise affects children’s

behavior• Acoustic materials

– Carpets– Drapes– Stuffed Toys– Sand– Bulletin Board– Acoustical tile for the ceiling

Temperature / Humidity• Comfortable environment• 68-70• 40-60% humidity normal

Classroom and Playroom

Electrical Outlets• Above children’s reach• Safety caps• Room arrangement is influenced by outlets• Do not use long electrical cords

Color Choices Color Appeals to our senses

Calm or stimulate

Cool colors

Make a room appear larger• Sense of openness• Children six and older prefer

– Blue– Green – violet

Warm ColorsMake a room appear smaller• Children under the age of six

prefer – Red– Yellow

– Orange

Color Choices

• Target Sheet: Psychological Impact of color• Target Sheet: Responses to color

Factors that affect space and organization

• Inspire children• Define the activity and limits• Space affects the use and care of equipment

Licensing Requirements

• Each state has their own requirements• Common requirements– Number of fire extinguishers– Entrance and exits marked – Minimum number of square feet

Organizing Basic Activity Areas

• Each activity area is a space of its own.• Arrange activity areas by function• Wet and dry should be placed away from each

other• Active and quiet placed away from each other• Hand-out Arranging Basic Activity Areas

Outdoor Play Area

• Outside square feet per child varies. Usually 75 to 200

• Rectangular best• U or L are more Difficult to supervise and

arrange

Planning the Play Yard

Empty Space• Well planned into areas• Usually in the center of the

playground• Around equipment• All equipment should be

visible to the teacher• 1/3 to ½ of the yard has

equipment the rest is empty space for play

Paths• So children can ride

wheeled vehicles• Usually winds through the

playground but far enough away from equipment

• Children should not wheel or walk through one area to get to another

Planning the Play Yard

Fencing• Safety• Chain link

• See through fence at other

activities• Climb the fence• Unattractive• Wood fence• Splinters

Surfaces• Grass• Under equipment• Bark nuggets• Sand• Tire shred• 10-12 inches depth

• Playground Surfaces

Planning the Play Yard

Landscaping• Pleasant surroundings• Science area – children love

to watch things grow• Trees provide shade• Consult a landscape

architect to ensure the right plants are used

Storage Shed• Store riding toys• Wading pools• Balls• Gardening tools• Arrange so the kids can

return items themselves

Planning the Play Yard

Wheel toy paths• Go in one direction• Curves, no right angles• Join the storage shed for

easy storage• Protected from play

equipment

Stationary Equipment• Jungle gyms• Slides• Swings• Tree houses• Place in the different

corners of the yard • Images of playground equip

ment

Planning the Play Yard

Sandbox• Place in a shaded area• Build a roof over the box• Play next to a water source• Cover the sandbox

Water• Water play is fun on a hot

day• Wading pools• Empty pools at the end of

the day• Sprinkler• Water plants, garden

Planning the Play Yard

Animal Shelter• Type of animal may be

determined by zoning law• Cages• Protected from the weather

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