Title: Identify ways to manage physical space to maintain a developmentally appropriate learning environment.
Course: GRADS: Work Focus (19906) > Section: Training Professionals in Early Learning Environments

Identification should include

- results of research into the needs of children regarding safe, ergonomically and developmentally appropriate space, room arrangements, and equipment
- regulations concerning safety and prevention of illness and injury.

Process/Skill Questions

Thinking

- How do parents rank the importance of specific criteria (e.g., physical space, curriculum, cost, convenience)?
- What is the relationship between a safe, healthy learning environment and a successful childcare operation? What are professional, state, and local standards for a safe, healthy learning environment?

Communication

- What criteria should be used to decide how to provide a safe, healthy learning environment?
- What message does a cluttered, unclean facility send to parents and the public?

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?
- How can early care and learning environment centers aid young parents?

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?
- How can staff be involved in space planning?