[Kylie]

good flow and minimal bulk will allow an environment to be welcoming and manageable

[nastaha]

Safe and Healthy Spaces, Support for Individual Learning Styles and Designate spaces for both structured and unstructured play to encourage social interaction, imagination, and problem-solving.

[Tierngo Tadege]

Important thing would be safety. Taking safety procoutions for children is really important because it helps with having one less thing to worry about while they learn and explore the world and people around them without getting hurt.

[Malcolm]

Truly, I believe the most important thing is to be around adults who are calm, speak well, and can put things into their proper context. I see so many adults and teachers who become far too upset over the smallest things. It’s the slippery slope fallacy, “If the child doesn’t do this then it must mean this and this and this will happen and things are going to get completely out of control in the classroom.” I also think a joyous environment that celebrates the beauty and dignity and strength of humanity and life improves everyone’s day. I understand the classrooms are small, the kids want to be with their parents, but the world of imaginary play is endless. There is no reason not to live in a world of the best things with children.

[Cat Ortiz]

i think one of the biggest things is to have an open welcoming space with plenty of learning aids at the childs hieght

[Haizhen Song]

Clean, comfortable and open learning environment filled with high-quality and purposeful learning materials.

[Theresa Anderson]

I think that in addition to a variety of interests, the centers need to accommodate both introverts and extroverts. And that centers can and should change depending on the interest of the children.

[Astrid]

To me, what is really important is the flow of the classroom and the space between quiet and loud activities. A saw a recent class completely rearrange and that impact that had on the kids was astounding and impactful to me. It really helped separate and guide the kids to where they felt comfortable in especially for the kids with auditory sensitivity.

[Kiona]

I think that having an art corner and reading corner is most important in a classroom. Play areas will be a majority of the class, but kids having a quiet place to focus or work independently is important for self regulation and breaks incase they get overwhelmed from socializing or bored with play.

[Kalista McCafferty]

I think it is extremely important to have a variety of activities available to children in an early learning setting. I think that not only does this allow children different opportunities for play but it encourages children to try new activities or toys that they might not have previously been interested in.

[LOAN]

there are several components that are especially important in creating a good early learning environment. These components contribute to a setting that fosters positive development and learning experiences for young children:

1. Safety

2. Engaging Materials

3. Responsive Caregivers

4. Clear Routines

5. Inclusive Practices

6. Child-Led Exploration

7. Flexible Spaces:

8. Outdoor Play Areas

9. Effective Communication

10. Professional Development

[enshu a]

I think the environment should be attractive, secure and well organized for the kids to feel welcome.

[Ariel Gross]

Soft zones and loud zones to meet the needs of kids with big feelings

[Molly]

A variety of activity spaces. Lots of age appropriate materials. Lots of age appropriate books and art materials.

[Taylor]

Safe, clean and inviting environments, create the best classroom spaces. I find age-appropriate decorations, as well as height appropriate furniture and toys are the most welcoming to young children.