Spaces fully implementing this practice are seen as open and accessible to the community, caregivers, and children. Spaces incorporate a variety of activities, styles of engagement and play, and developmentally-appropriate processes/procedures. They include areas for group activities, individual play or respite and help children explore and experiment, self-regulate, build self-esteem, cope, master challenges, and build positive relationships.
Policy
- Support planning that incorporates a diversity of activities from the beginning of the design process.
- State a clearly defined space and activity set-up and breakdown protocol in order to maintain diversity and integrity of activities, including instructions for rotation of toys, space dividers, and activity stations to ensure space diversity is maintained.
- Include a technology policy that guides terms of overall technology use by children and adults in the space (cell phone, Wi-Fi, etc.) and how technology is used within the space as part of program activities.
Practice
- Regularly encourage and promote linkage with local artists/artisans to provide décor/fixtures to inspire children to work with various materials.
- Use quick messages (e.g., signs, takeaway materials, etc.) to promote diverse play and suggest options for tailoring the activity to children’s interests.
- Use familiar materials to encourage play that can be used at home.
Physical Characteristics
- Space includes a larger space with small sections/zones for creative and/or restorative play.
- Space has varied, multi-sensory experiences (e.g., music, art, water, soil, etc.) to encourage creative and diverse play experiences. Children’s art is intentionally included in the space.
- The room is arranged to include a wide variety of age appropriate activities and loose parts for creative play.
- Activities encourage the use of a variety of toys that address multiple ages and developmental abilities (wheeled, stationary, movable, creative play, etc.).
- Space has caregiver-focused areas/activities (e.g., seating areas, water fountains, shade) to increase inter-generational use of space.
People
- Provide training and resources to staff on how to mentor users for optional space use to promote appropriate caregiver-child interaction.
- Provide opportunities for caregivers to learn about the appropriate use and accessibility of all space features.
- Staff and caregivers are able to play within the space.
- Provide staff with training and resources to engage children and caregivers in space activities and provides options to caregivers for fun and engaging play.
- Support staff through resources, policy, and procedures to allow children to initiate and develop play with found materials.
