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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.
By incorporating these 10 tips, you will create a beautiful and welcoming atmosphere for family and community members, and educators to enjoy their time outdoors and to be active participants in the play space.
When you learn and teach with Mother Nature at your side, you open the door to endless possibilities for children and for yourself.
With a few easy-to-find materials and willing volunteers, many settings and elements can be created to greatly improve children's spaces.
This tool helps to identify the strengths and needs of an existing play space and serves as a basis for setting priorities and planning enhancements and improvements.
Loose Parts on the Playground
The purpose of this toolkit is to provide inspiration, information, tips and resources for those who are—or who might be—interested in creating a Nature Club for Families.
This tool helps to identify the strengths and needs of an existing play space, and serves as a basis for setting priorities and planning enhancements and improvements.
This resource will teach home visitors, program staff, caregivers and other early childhood educators how to create a space that is welcoming and homelike for children.
Early Head Start teachers and home visitors may use this resource to set up spaces for families using community resources such as parks, gardens, and nearby schools.
The News You Can Use supports teachers, home visitors, and parents in providing quality care for infants and toddlers. Learn about planning for time spent outside with infants and toddlers in your program.
HeadStart.gov
official website of the Administration for Children and Families
