The Early Childhood Learning Environment 

The Texas PreK Guidelines provides guidance on the Learning Environment: Physical Arrangements, Activities, and Social Relationships

Physical Arrangement of Spaces: Promotes Positive Early Childhood Outcomes

Components of such an environment include the following:

• Need for protecting children's health and safety in the classroom
• Supporting the physiological needs for activity, sensory stimulation, outdoor experiences, rest, and nourishment
• Making sure a balance of active and restful movement throughout the daily schedule
• Classroom materials should reflect the children's culture and family background
• Understanding the classroom should meet the psychological safety, which includes the feeling of security, relaxation, and comfort, but not disengagement, frighten, worry or stress.

Elements to Consider in Setting Up the Environment

1. Traffic Patterns
2. Materials placed at children's level
3. Organizing storage
4. Having adequate equipment and supplies
5. Clearly Defined/Delineated Areas
6. Placement of Center is coordinated (noisy and quiet separation)
7. Small group and independent work areas
8. Large-Group Area