Why Indoor Environments For Childcare Are Important

Childcare centres are a place where children feel safe and comfortable, where they can be easily supervised, and where they go to learn via a range of different methods. While many centres also offer a great outdoor learning space, it’s the indoor environment that’s used the majority of the time. As such, it’s imperative that this space offers everything a child needs for a quality learning experience.

Why Quality Indoor Spaces Are Essential

Just like adults, kid’s love organised spaces. They want to be able to move freely in their environment and at the same time, they need to know where everything is, and how to use the space. At childcare centres, play-based learning is a crucial part of the system and it’s important that the centres encompass all areas of development – from creative play through to mathematics and reading. They need an indoor space that provides stimulation and encourages them to embrace and develop their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social skills.

Children require a few things in early childhood education:

• A warm and loving atmosphere
• A sense of belonging
• Peers who support their learning
• Teachers who act as confidants and mentors

Crucially, they also require room to roam and play and a child’s wellbeing is dependent on them being in a comfortable, familiar space where they are happy and able to express themselves freely. They need to be able to explore a range of stimuli, including textures, sounds, smells, and colours. At a childcare centre, it’s imperative that the indoor space provides all of this, and more.

Areas That Should Be Included

If you’re looking for a childcare centre, such as a childcare centre in Fitzroy, some key aspects you might look for include:

• Dress-ups: Many centres include a corner for dress-ups, where children can let their imagination go wild. Whether they love dressing up as superheroes, or painting each other’s faces, the options for dress-ups allow children to express themselves freely.
• Quiet-time: Just like adults, children need their space. Areas that give them quiet time, where they can go and sit, read a book (or try) and even listen to music, are great to encourage children to relax.
• Art & Craft corner: An art and craft corner allows children to delve into their personality and preferences to create paintings, drawings, clay models, and much more. They can be as creative as they like, and even keep their works of art to take home to mum and dad.
• Play space: The most important thing to look for in an indoor space at a childcare centre is the play space. Depending on the age group, the play space may differ. There could be teddies and dolls for babies and toddlers, building blocks and balls for kindy-age, and so on. A great play space is imperative to good learning.

Indoor areas should also include plenty of facilities and furniture to suit children of all ages. If the centre you choose has a great indoor environment, your child is bound to thrive.