Classroom Observations
In the classroom for the age group of 0-2, my initial reaction to the class was that, it was child friendly, organized, and was very, eye appealing. The room consisted of stroller, cribs, toys, changing tables, bouncers, mats, etc. The room was spaced out into centers that had specific topics and toys for each section. The room did have windows but the blinds were pulled. There two tables that were kids sized, that they do their crafts and eat on as well. When you first walk in to the room there is a section for the bouncy saucers, and walkers, to the left. Then they have a bathroom right next the saucer area. They have a section for blocks and building shapes. Next to that section they have a three cribs, for the infants. Near the cribs they have shelves with toys and books. Out of reach they had crayons, markers, and paint for the children to be abstract. Near the toy/book shelves they have the two kids sized tables, where they eat lunch or snack, and they do projects or crafts as well. Near the tables there was a sink and cabinets to fill bottles, diapers, wipes, etc. Then they also had a changing table near the cabinet. Surrounded by all the other things in the room there was a big color mat where the kids and teachers would sit around and learn, sing songs, practice colors, letters, and language. As far as the room arrangement being developmentally appropriate, I feel like the class was very open and inviting. Also safety is key in this young of a classroom, and they did have locked cover over the outlets and wires, that they children wouldn’t be able to get ahold of. They also posters and signs of what do to do in case of an emergency. They also posted NAEYC guidelines and other important documents for children and the childcare center. Since the room was so open I don’t feel like they didn’t have an appropriate area for the infants and toddlers who were starting to walk or crawl. There was no individual place for the child to get away and be alone, to be that is good and bad because you can see the child at all time and bad because the child may need some space even at young age, but of at an area where you can still monitor them. They did have a space in the middle of class for movement and other activities, but it wasn’t big enough for them to go practice their big motor skills as appropriate as they should. The toys that were in the class consisted of building blocks, a play area with a kitchen, with play kitchen utensils and food. The also had different toys with different textures. They also had toys that make noise and played music. They also had these little cars that convert to a push car where the children leaning how to walk can try to adjust by using this toy. This is developmentally appropriate because at this as they are curious about everything and they want to touch and put everything in their mouth.