Assignment Task:
Overview: In the field of early childhood care and education, classroom layout has received an increasing amount of attention and emphasis. Not only does the classroom layout help to ensure the health and safety of children, it also serves to foster learning and development. Factors like the size and type of furniture, the design of the room, the amount of light, and the color of walls and decorations can impact learning. A room that is plain or boring might diminish enthusiasm and engagement, while a room that is cluttered or over stimulating might distract children.
Classroom layout can vary depending on the ages and needs of children (as well as budgetary concerns and constraints). Because children may spend the majority of their day in school or childcare, it is important to create a room that is safe, comfortable, warm, and inviting and that helps children to feel like they belong and are supported.
Instructions:
You will be creating classroom floor plan based on what you have learned about DAP and utilizing the Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) The floorplan you create should be based on the validated and recognized standards offered by an Environment Rating Scale (see below).
1. First, review the Environment Rating Scales, linked below. Choose an age group (infant to school-age) and one scale to keep in mind when designing your classroom floorplan. If you click on supplementary materials on the left-hand side of the website there is additional information to help you.
a. Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Revised
b. Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale, Revised
c. Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale, Revised
d. School-Age Care Environment Rating Scale
2. Create floor plan/layout on a poster board or large piece of paper i. You may want to start with a large rectangle to represent the perimeter of the classroom. ii. You can then add shapes within the larger rectangle to symbolize desks, tables, a reading area, a play kitchen, a blocks station, cribs, etc. - whatever you would like in your classroom!
A. Remember what is featured in your classroom will depend on whether you are designing the room for infants, toddlers, or preschoolers. Be creative! You can also play with the size and color of the shapes you use.
B. Make sure to label what is included in your classroom such as bathrooms, bookshelves, sinks, etc. Keep in mind, however, that you should use the guidelines from an Environmental Rating Scale when constructing your floorplan.
C. When your floorplan is complete take a picture to upload to the assignment link
3. Now that your classroom layout/floorplan is complete, write 2-para narrative, in which you address the following:
a. Indicate the approximate age group your classroom floorplan was intended for.
b. Identify which of the Environment Rating Scales you used in designing your classroom.
c. Explain why this rating scale was selected and how it was applicable to your classroom. Discuss why you designed the floorplan the way you did.