learning-env

Learning Environments

As a Training & Curriculum Specialist, you ensure that staff provide high-quality learning environments for school-age children. In this course you will learn how to create a program environment that promotes adult learning, as well as how to observe and provide feedback on the learning environment. You will also learn how to help staff select materials that are developmentally appropriate, and how to utilize the outdoor environment to enhance learning. Helping staff adapt the environment for all children and how to design effective schedules will also be addressed.

Learning Environments: An Introduction

Your program’s physical space is a component of curriculum that provides a foundation for teaching and learning. You have an important role in ensuring these environments are high quality and developmentally appropriate for the children who use the spaces. This lesson will focus on ensuring that staff members provide high-quality environments. You will also learn to observe and provide feedback on environments.

Creating an Environment that Supports Adult Learning

The overall goal of your program is to provide a home-like atmosphere that is warm, comfortable, and physically and psychologically safe. Spaces for adults—the front desk, staff areas, kitchens, etc.—are an important part of this environment. This lesson will focus on ways you can promote adult learning through your environment.

Helping Staff Extend the Learning Environment Outdoors

This lesson will help you support staff members as they include the outdoors as an extension of the learning environment. You will learn to ensure that the staff members have the knowledge and resources to effectively use the outdoors as an integral and rich learning environment across the curriculum.

Helping Staff Identify Materials that Meet Learning Goals

This lesson provides a brief overview of the materials that support development at different stages. It will help you demonstrate awareness of developmental ages and stages and work with staff to ensure developmentally appropriate materials are available in child-development and school-age programs.

Helping Staff Organize Time for Learning and Development

Organizing the learning day or time is just as important as organizing the physical environment. Staff members must know how to provide a balanced, well-designed, structured, and flexible schedule. This lesson will help you ensure that staff members design and implement effective schedules.

Helping Staff Create an Inclusive Learning Environment

Your job is to make sure staff members can meet the needs of all the children in their care, including children with identified disabilities. This lesson will focus on ensuring the learning environment is adapted so all children can participate fully.