The physical environment of Head Start must conduct learning and reflect on different stages of child development. They should be welcoming, accessible, comfortable and safe for all children. Classrooms should have sufficient space, equipment, and storage to support developmentally appropriate curriculum. There should be room for movement with little disturbances to others working. Having storage well-located is needed for ease of circulation and to minimize disturbances. Everything that is for children should be child-accessible. This includes displays, built-in open shelving at child's height, or things on movable child-scale shelving units. The space should support these activities.
Quality of a Head Start center design can play an important role in attracting and retaining skilled staff who spend a lot of time there. It can also improve staff attitude, reduce stress, and ease workload. Conference space should be adequate for staff training and meetings.
The environment of the center affects the behavior and development of children and the adult caregivers. A pleasant environment influences the way caregivers react to children also have a positive effect on children who are receptive to their environment. An ideal environment is intriguing, rich, and challenging to children but is not over-stimulating. The center must have sufficient activity space, storage, and curriculum materials for all children, including those with disabilities.
Head Start centers should be cleaned frequently, so properly designed, well-located toilet and hand-washing facilities are essential. Lockable storage should contain all cleaning materials in each classroom, kitchen and laundry area. They should also include lots of space for storing and preparing food. The food should be nutritious meals and maintain the highest quality of food.
- Indoor and outdoor
- Quiet and active
- Individual and group
- Large and small motor activity
- Child and staff initiated activity
Quality of a Head Start center design can play an important role in attracting and retaining skilled staff who spend a lot of time there. It can also improve staff attitude, reduce stress, and ease workload. Conference space should be adequate for staff training and meetings.
The environment of the center affects the behavior and development of children and the adult caregivers. A pleasant environment influences the way caregivers react to children also have a positive effect on children who are receptive to their environment. An ideal environment is intriguing, rich, and challenging to children but is not over-stimulating. The center must have sufficient activity space, storage, and curriculum materials for all children, including those with disabilities.
Head Start centers should be cleaned frequently, so properly designed, well-located toilet and hand-washing facilities are essential. Lockable storage should contain all cleaning materials in each classroom, kitchen and laundry area. They should also include lots of space for storing and preparing food. The food should be nutritious meals and maintain the highest quality of food.