As we mentioned different kinds of childcare, now is the time to consider which childcare-physical environment is best for your children. The physical environment is the most crucial part of the child’s care which plays a significant role. Research also describes that the physical environment substantially impacts children’s thinking ability, behaviour, health, and well-being, especially nature, exposure, and transportation.
“A rich and varied environment supports children’s learning and development. It gives them the confidence to explore and learn in a secure and safe, yet challenging, indoor and outdoor space.”
– Hodman, 2011
A well-maintained environment can strengthen the development and establishment of children’s growth by learning and knowing different skills. A favourable environment helps the children to grow and take part in activities and enhance their capabilities. The settings which are not well designed may affect the child’s care.
For example! A Music area near the educational institution is not good because this will be an interruption in children’s studies. A well-designed environment is where a child can grow physically, emotionally, and socially.
To understand the importance of play, we have to understand the importance of the environment. How can we define an environment? It is described as the “physical environment, surroundings, and a specific setting”
(Vickerius & Sandberg, 2006)
Components of the best environment:
The environment for childcare should be welcoming and positive for their well-being and health. So, a child can relax to explore and grow. The basic primary essential elements that have been proven successful in childcare are the following:
- Welcoming staff for children
- Interaction of child care specialist to children
- Interaction of one child to another child
- Opportunity for challenges
- Safe and comfortable
It is so important to have all the resources for the child’s needs and requirements.
Examples of the physical environment:
- Playground
- Areas management
- Toys and play equipment
- Indoors and outdoors spaces
The table may be limitless! But we need to make everything safe and comfortable that surrounds childcare.
Types of the physical environment:
There are many different kinds of physical environments that can shape a child’s growth and development. Some of them are defined below:
Outdoor environment:
This kind of environment is an essential part of childcare which helps the child to grow healthy. In this environment, a child explores different activities. We should build the Safest playgrounds, slides, other outdoor games, and toys. It is also necessary to have some shadow spaces from the protection of direct sunlight.
Indoor environment:
This environment is fundamental for a child’s care and growth. Children spend more and more time in their houses which are indoor spaces.
We should arrange ventilation because children must stay in their rooms with the appropriate ventilation. In winters, there should be a heater to warm the room, and in summers, there should be an air conditioner to cool the room.
Children don’t like the sounds and disturbance so you must think about it not to make any extra noise. Don’t place the noisy materials and equipment in/near the child’s room.