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.
Watch the Meaningful Makeover crew work with family child care providers to provide safe learning environments for mixed-aged groups. Learn to create a responsive and supportive learning environment and promote children’s social and emotional development.
Play is more than fun; it supports infant and toddler learning across domains. Discover strategies for effectively managing and scaffolding play and creating play-friendly activities and environments.
Explore ways to create spaces at home and in the center that support learning and development. Learn strategies to modify or enhance the learning environment to ensure full and effective participation.
Listen as we discuss the importance of inclusion and belonging in the preschool learning environment. Explore ways to create spaces in the home and classroom that support learning and development for preschoolers.
Through play, children learn about the world while practicing the skills that allow them to explore it. When we play with children, we provide learning environments that are rich with context and meaning. These joyful experiences help children learn!
Play supports infants’ and toddlers’ development. Learn how to incorporate more playful learning activities into your program. Examine techniques for creating play-friendly environments in centers and at home.
Research on the Go podcasts summarize the latest research and discuss implications and practical applications. This episode addresses how to create environments to build math skills with infants and toddlers.
This Research on the Go podcast focuses on learning environments that support children's creativity. It summarizes the latest research and discusses implications and practical applications.
In this tip sheet, learn about designing classroom and socialization environments for infants and toddlers. Find tips for buildings, facilities, and learning environments. Explore relevant standards and resources.
Outdoor play supports infant and toddler health, development, and learning. Explore strategies and standards for strengthening young children's connection to the outdoors while keeping them safe.