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Learning environments are nurturing spaces that support the development of all young children. They include classrooms, play spaces, areas for caregiving routines, and outdoor areas. Learning environments are well-organized and managed settings. They offer developmentally appropriate schedules, lesson plans, and indoor and outdoor chances for choice, play, exploration, and experimentation. Learning environments include age-appropriate equipment, materials, and supplies. They integrate home cultures and are flexible to support the changing ages, interests, and characteristics of a group of children over time. In home-based programs, the learning environment includes the home, community, and group socialization spaces.
When creating annual professional development plans, make outdoor play and learning a priority. Find ideas for what to address when preparing for and implementing outdoor experiences for infants and toddlers.
Working together, program leaders, staff, and families can offer rich learning opportunities that support infant and toddler development and build a foundation for engaging with and learning from nature.
Review the reference materials used to develop Supporting Outdoor Play and Exploration for Infants and Toddlers, Technical Assistance Paper No. 14.
Find resources related to Supporting Outdoor Play and Exploration for Infants and Toddlers, Technical Assistance Paper No. 14.
Explore additional design considerations for infant and toddler outdoor play spaces. Suggestions for home-based programs are also provided.
Learn ways to address access to outdoor play spaces for infants and toddlers. Diapering and handwashing are also addressed.
Review appropriate ground covers for infant and toddler outdoor play spaces.
Find ideas for creating protected places for play and shade in infant and toddler outdoor play spaces.
Barriers and pathways define spaces for different experiences and direct the flow of traffic between them. Find ideas for creating protective barriers in infant and toddler outdoor play spaces.
Learn about creating gardens in outdoor play spaces for infants and toddlers. Find other considerations for selecting grass, trees, plants, and flowers.
HeadStart.gov
official website of the Administration for Children and Families
