SPACE TO GROW:
Creating a Child Care Environment for
Infants and Toddlers
Second Edition
An ideal infant setting supports:
• Security
• Caring
• Predictability
OBSERVATION:
The Key to Planning
• Observe your
resident experts
Does the environment meet children’s
needs?
• How do the children move?
• What captures their attention?
• How do they explore the surfaces?
• How do they explore the objects?
SPACE TO GROW:
Issues to consider
• Safety
• Child Size
• Health
• Flexibility
• Comfort
• Movement
• Convenience
• Choice
HEALTH & SAFETY
• Floors
– Keep bare floors dry & not
highly polished.
– Vacuum daily and spot clean
carpets.
– Different materials require
different types of care.
SANITIZE
• Is diaper area separate from food
preparation area. Does each area
have a separate sink?
• Wash toys with soap & water, rinse
with bleach solution & air-dry.
SAFETY MEASURES:
• Do diaper changing tables have a 3 inch
barrier?
• Are hazardous cleaning supplies locked and out
of reach?
• Are all electrical outlets covered?
What to Look for :
• Sharp edges
• Dangerous things for a child to put in their mouth
• Sand box that is left un covered at night
• Standing water in buckets or open containers
Benefits of a Safe Environment
• Caregivers can give care, not
be policemen.
• Caregivers don’t need to say,
“No.” as often.
• Caregivers and children smile
more!
COMFORT
• Comfortable environments help children feel
at home
• Comfortable environments help children feel
secure enough to explore and learn.
Louis Torelli
Open the windows for fresh air:
• Keep everyone’s
energy up.
• Keep room free
from unpleasant
odors.
Comfort
• Avoid use of air fresheners
• Change AC filters regularly
•
Avoid bare light bulbs
• Use natural light when possible
CONVENIENCE
– Saves caregivers’ time
– Saves caregivers’ energy
– Helps caregivers focus on the children
Organize Space
• An open middle area allows you to
observe the whole room at once.
• An open middle area enables the
children to see you.
Mini-Environments:
Create protected areas for play by using:
• Low Partitions
• Furniture
• Risers
Storage Space
• Create small storage spaces near activity areas.
• Store extra toys and equipment up high.
• Store supplies near diapering, feeding and
napping areas.
Convenience frees you
to focus on the
needs and interests
of the children.
Why is child size important?
• Children need to have control of
their environment.
• Child size helps the child learn selfhelp skills.
• Child size helps the child develop
motor skills.
Louis Torelli
CHILD SIZE
• Display pictures at the children’s eye level.
• Locate mirrors at floor level.
• Use child size shelves.
• Use child size equipment.
• Use child size furniture.
Child Size
• Climbing structures should be 2 feet or less for
children under 18 months.
• Slides and climbing structures are okay at 3
feet for children 18-36 months of age.
Different Level Surfaces:
• Children practice their motor skills.
• Children see things from different perspectives.
• Children learn to climb safely.
• Caregivers can see children eye to eye.
FLEXIBILITY
• Change as children grow & develop.
• Change as children’s interests fluctuate.
• Meet a range of developmental levels.
• Meet a range of abilities, including children with
special needs.
Flexible Equipment
• Tunnels
• Slides
• Risers
MOVEMENT
• Children are able to move around freely.
• Children are able to move around safely.
• Children are driven to move.
• Children do not necessarily need equipment to
help them move.
Meal Time
• Very young babies should be
held for feeding.
• Young toddlers develop social
skills by sitting together at a low
table, feet on the floor.
If a child cannot move:
• Bring the environment to the
child.
• Pick up the child and move
through the environment.
CHOICE
• Provide choices.
• Choices help children learn about who they
are and what they like.
• Spatial structure that offers choices in
different areas of the room allows children to
follow their own interests.
Make the choices stand out:
• Put just a few toys on a shelf.
• Use natural wood or light toned paint.
• Create soft, cozy area for resting & reading.
• Create areas where children can be alone
safely.
In Summary: Environments Should
Promote & Maximize:
• Health
• Child size
• Safety
• Flexibility
• Comfort
• Movement
• Convenience
• Choice