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Preschool classrooms should be very special places that provide just the right mix of what children need in order to learn, grow, and develop at their own pace in their own special way.
High quality classrooms for young learners possess early childhood professionals who show respect and care; these classrooms have materials and daily activities that are developmentally appropriate and age appropriate.
The physical environment reflects diversity and is print rich. An effective early childhood classroom is an inviting interesting place where children are engaged in active learning.
The room is filled with materials to stimulate all the senses of the child- sand and water tables, a kitchen area, a large and small block area, an art area, an inviting science area, a manipulative area and space to move around.
In quality preschool classrooms children are moving around freely with an appropriate structure developed by an early childhood professional who understands child development enough to know three and four year olds learn through planned and purposeful play.
Also an effective early childhood professional establishes supportive relationships with the children in the classroom as well as with the families of the children.
There are many pre-kindergarten (ages 3 - 5) program settings for Pennsylvania's youngest children. Programs can be funded through federal, state, local or private funds and offer families a wide range of optins to meet their needs. Families will find pre-kindergarten offered in school districts, head Start centers, chid care facilities, Early Intervention agencies, and private nursery schools.
Environment
Sample Pre-kindergarten Classroom Designs
Well designed classroom environments can influence young chidlren's comfort and success in group settings. Strategically-placed furniture, equipment and materials enhance children's learning by providing hands-on, active learning experiences that respect and recognize children's need for care, for exploration and discovery, and for comfort.
View sample pre-kindergarten classrooms as a model for room arrangement. Practitioner's selection of materials and equipment will vary depending on the size of room, available resources and supplier.
Examples:
Sample Schedules for Pre-kindergarten Classrooms
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