Opening a student care center or remodeling or operating an existing one demands a close look at the physical room arrangement at the center. Education studies reviewed by staff members of the Cornell University Extension show a center’s physical arrangement has a major impact on how the child views the care experience.
Room arrangement also concerns researchers at the Center for Early Childhood Professional Development, who link child behavior problems directly to the room configuration used in care centers.
1. Monitoring
Image Credit: Procare
Creating a room arrangement with open spaces incorporating line-of-sight views allows supervisors to monitor all areas of the room. An open floor plan also provides access for easy supervision. Placing tall furniture, such as bookcases, in the center of the room makes clear divisions for activity centers, but this arrangement also blocks staff views.
Open spaces also allow observation of student-made work from all parts of the room. Centers with art displays help children create a personal attachment to the center.
2. Movement Patterns
Image Credit: Caplanco
Furnishings help guide movement patterns through the Student Care center, but pathways need to be open to allow children the space to move freely without any risk of bruises or cuts. Organized movement activities at the center help develop motor skills and balance.
Make a formal layout of the floor plan to help evaluate the workability of the center’s movement patterns and the amount of space available for motion activities. Areas for center concern include doorways and open spaces near common areas, including bookcases and toy storage.
3. Floor Coverings
Image credit: Europine
Room arrangement incorporating practical floor coverings helps delineate imaginary rooms by the flooring patterns. Use of wall-to-wall carpeting or solid flooring avoids trip-and-fall injuries, but children also need cushions, pads, or mats for quiet and sleep time and seated activities.
Large floor pillows provide soft surfaces for children but also risk injury when left out during the day. Incorporating pillow storage in the center’s room design encourages staff to be diligent about removing the pillows when not in use.
4. Furnishings and Clutter
Image credit: Kaplanco
Student Care furnishings incorporating boxes and bookcases assist in storing center equipment and toys not in use during certain times of the day. Children should have access to toys throughout the day to explore texture and surfaces and experiment with movement, but unnecessary clutter can be dangerous.
Organizing center equipment requiring electric cords, glass bulbs, screens, and connection wires in one location along the walls also minimizes potential dangers. Room heaters and portable kitchen appliances also require convenient storage locations for staff use.
5. Activity and Quiet Areas
Image credit: Dreamstime
Organizing the room with permanent areas for learning centers, activities, and also quiet spaces for children gives the center staff room to move groups through the daily activities without relocating any large furnishings or disrupting other events happening in the center.
The permanent activity centres allow children to feel comfortable with the stable arrangements. Quiet areas require adequate light for reading and shielded areas for resting. Active areas need to incorporate climbing opportunities and a place to interact with other children.
Looking for a good plan design for your kindergarten? Our experts are ready to assist you!
Speak with The Experts
Planning to get started at your kindergarten but have no idea about it?
Childcare Center Renovation Singapore is a reliable company for renovation and interior design. They have about ten years of experience in this field and also have a good reputation from customers.
Call us now to get your desired kindergarten design ideas now!
