Equipping Your Classroom
• The furnishings and equipment of each classroom provides the actual physical environment that showcases the most visible aspect of your program’s quality. Focus on creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for children.
• Classroom furniture and equipment must be designed for classroom use.
• Focus on quality and durability. Trying to get the most for the least amount of money without considering quality can be costly in the long run.
• Make sure that each classroom’s furniture is age appropriate and will inspire children’s creativity and learning.
o Toddlers love to climb on furniture so provide soft play furnishings that are designed to safely accommodate their climbing tendencies.
o The height and placement of shelving units should be low enough for teachers to see the children at all times.
o Homeliving furniture like stoves and sinks with no doors work best for toddlers and 2-year olds.
• Tables and chairs need to be carefully considered.
o Proper chair height is extremely important in facilitating the learning process. Are the child’s feet touching the floor?
o Choose color carefully. Will the selection still look fresh and current 10 years from now?
o Does the table height adjust? Are the chairs the correct height for the tables?
• A wall mounted mirror behind the changing table is engaging for the child and gives the caregiver a view of the classroom.
• Changing tables with steps can be a wonderful aid for teachers in toddler classrooms.
• Keep bulletin boards and marker boards with the child’s eye level in mind.
• Don’t forget smaller but necessary items like trash cans and clocks. As an aid for “move-in day,” label each trash can with a room number and then put things like tissues, stapler, small toys, etc. inside the trash can and deliver to the classrooms.
• Don’t over-equip classrooms. Plan so that the furniture and equipment can be easily placed for defining learning centers without becoming too crowded. Selections should blend and bring harmony to all classroom spaces.