SECreaEffPhysEnviro4.5hrMHN

This face-to-face training, presented by MountainHeart, is for Facility and Center Providers of PK aged-children. This three-session module series will guide participants through the different areas of their physical space and how to adapt and change their environment to be organized, effective for learning and playing, welcoming to families, and child-centered. Participants will create a "before and after" presentation that will include at least 2 changes to their physical environment with explanations as proof of learning for this course. 

The Full Room Overview session will cover with participants what an environment is, how it impacts children, how values of teachers are reflected within it, and how children feel within the physical space. 

The Areas & Interest Centers session will guide participants through the different interest areas of a PK room, the importance of a quiet area, relevant materials, and material choices. This session will also go over the effectiveness of different areas using the ECERS rating scale, and why providers should also take their outdoor space into consideration. 

The Walls, Displays & Atmosphere session will emphasize the importance of children seeing themselves and their families reflected in the space, help participants understand the atmosphere they create, and encourage making changes to better reflect their personal values. 

4.2 Creates an environment that is predictable, promotes interaction and learning, and is responsive to the needs of all children
4.2 a. Plans, implements, and adapts a supportive learning environment that promotes children’s safety, positive interactions, and behaviors
4.3 Works to effectively promote social and emotional development and prevent challenging behaviors
4.3 b. Supports environmental arrangements that promote social and emotional development (i.e., a quiet space for children to calm down)
4.4 Establishes a learning environment within group settings that is well-organized and visually pleasing, and promotes reflection, extends learning, and encourages self-management and cooperation
4.4 a: Designs an environment to include:
personal space for each child to ensure his/her sense of belonging and security
both active and quiet spaces
 large muscle activity and movement spaces
adequate space for walkways, as well as gathering and work spaces
clear boundaries in the physical environment that help children know where centers begin and end
appropriate child-sized furniture
unobstructed views of all areas within the space
space for child selected grouping
space that is inviting to families
private meeting space
4.4 b. Maintains a space that is clean, organized, and free of clutter
4.4 c. Selects materials that foster discovery, inquiry, imagination, creativity, and actively support a variety of goals
4.4 d. Organizes and places materials within children’s reach to promote engagement and learning
4.4 e. Uses visual signs, including pictures and word labels, to define play areas and storage of materials
4.4 g. Selects and organizes child related displays that are relevant and visually appealing
4.4 h. Adds or removes materials available related to children’s interests, development, level of stimulation, and
curriculum content

Module 1: The Full Room Overview (what environment is, how it impacts children, how values of teachers are reflected within it, and how children feel within the physical space) 
Module 2: Areas & Interest Centers (the different interest areas of a PK room, the importance of a quiet area, and effectiveness of different areas using the ECERS rating scale) 
Module 3: Walls, Displays & Atmosphere (the importance of children seeing themselves and their families reflected in the space, the atmosphere you create, and making changes to better reflect your personal values) 

4.50