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Play
Early childhood classrooms shall be slightly higher square footage per student than higher grades to allow for more room to move. There shall be a variety of areas for students to engage with in each classroom, as well as easy access to the outdoors where play equipment shall be age appropriate.
Square footage
Early learners spend more time than older students doing imaginative play, exploring with toys, and moving between different activities. This abundance of activities requires more square footage and more storage than older grades.
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Variety
Activity types in early learning include areas for independent reading, for messy art making, for group story time, dining, etc. Allow for a variety of activities to occur both within the classroom and adjacent shared collaborative areas, as well as outdoor spaces. Breakfast, lunch or snacks may be eaten within the classroom or outdoors. Appropriately sized furniture should be provided. Thoughtful use of color, adjustable lighting, natural daylighting when possible, and views of the outdoors should be provided.
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Outdoors
Provide shaded areas for young learners, to avoid equipment and surfaces from getting too hot. Shade is required for areas for eating meals or snacks.
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Size appropriate
Provide play equipment that is sized for younger learners, that is safe yet challenging to the 3-6 year age group. Where possible, provide close to the early childhood classrooms in order to minimize transition times.
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