10 Sep You will respond taking on the role of the center’s director.

You will respond taking on the role of the center’s director. Respond to the following questions (and please remember to be professional with your constructive criticism):

1. Do you believe this arrangement is aligned with NAEYC Standard #9 requirements? Why or why not?

1. What did you like about the outdoor space?

1. What else should be included in the outdoor space? Why?

1. Is there anything you would like to change about the outdoor space?

Responses to peers may not be in the form of “I agree… good post”.  One or two sentence replies are not adequate.  Responses must go further in depth and must be supported with specific, personal experience, relevant textual connections, and/or alternate perspectives and questions.   100 word-replies would be an appropriate recommended guideline.  

PEERS POST:

The facility is designed so that staff can supervise all children by sight and sound.

The area I have created is fenced in and is a large open space, no crowding so we can have visuals at all areas.  The inside area is set-up into centers and all shelving and furniture are child sized and room is easy to actively supervise with no areas to hide and no “runways”. 

 The program has necessary furnishings, such as hand-washing sinks, child-size chairs and tables, and cots, cribs, beds, or sleeping pads.

            There are two child size bathrooms available with toilets in them, while a double sink is right in between both bathrooms on the outside.  There are 4 tables all child size and enough chairs for all the children, adults, and extra chairs.  Cots are stacked safely in a corner until needed for naptime and cleaned daily.    

 A variety of materials and equipment appropriate for children’s ages, skills and abilities is available and kept clean, safe, and in good repair.

The outdoor equipment is age appropriate and plentiful.  It is checked daily prior to the children’s arrival.  There are a variety of options and areas to engage children.  The sensory table provides children with hands-on opportunities to explore things such as sand, dirt, water, mud, leaves, snow, and so much more.  The oversized musical chimes will provide for musical engagement and whole-body muscle engagement.  There is an easel for art to be done outdoors and a flower garden that they can plant and take care of and watch as it grows.  There are blocks available for building, several balance beams, a seesaw for 4, and an exploratory table.  The exploratory table can contain anything that you wish to place in it for the children to explore and learn about.  Finally, there are also two separate climbers available with a variety of activities on each with macadam on this area. 

 Outdoor play areas have fences or natural barriers that prevent access to streets and other hazards.

            The entire area is fenced in with 4 foot high, chain link.  The area is far away from any streets and the fenced in area is then surrounded by a large field on all sides. 

 First-aid kits, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and other safety equipment are installed and available.

            Inside there is a fire extinguisher hanging in the classroom for easy accessibility.  There is a fire alarm by the classroom’s back door and a swinging half door containing the back exit accessibility from the children.  Door alarms are installed on both doors and kept locked.  There is a first aid kit in the classroom and a bookbag that goes to the playground also containing a first aid kit. 

Do you believe this arrangement is aligned with NAEYC Standard #9 requirements? Why or why not?

            I believe this arrangement aligns with NAEYC because in addressing each bullet point in standard #9, I have found that this program successfully aligns.  For example, meeting all the safety needs, accessibility, variety of materials provided, and so much more. 

What did you like about the outdoor space?

            What I liked about my outdoor space is that I have provided a variety of materials and activities with a great deal of space.

What else should be included in the outdoor space? Why?

            I would say including a playhouse with some dramatic play items would make a great addition to the outdoor space and provide yet more opportunities to use their imaginations, interact, problem-solve, and provide time and space to release energy and develop large and small motor skills and strength. 

Is there anything you would like to change about the outdoor space?

            The only thing I would change is adding a picnic table and stationary shade umbrella.  This may provide the children with a spot to sit if they want to relax or watch the others. 

-Jessica

NAEYC. (2015). NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. . Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position-statements/Position%20Statement%20EC%20Standards.pdfLinks to an external site.