Designing Early Learning Environments

This list contains resources to help educators design and adapt physical learning environments for young children.
Web Resources
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Classroom Environment
Source: Eastern Connecticut State University
This collection of videos and resources provides ideas and guidance on intentionally preparing the learning environment to help support healthy development.
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Creating a “Yes” Environment
Source: Community Playthings
This article by an experienced teacher explains that a classroom should be an environment where children are able to feel successful through opportunities to explore without the limitations of adult expectations.
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Creating Nurturing Environments for Infants and Toddlers
Source: Child Care Technical Assistance Network
This article provides information on best practices for creating infant and toddler environments. It can help those who are setting up an infant and toddler child care space for the first time and those working to enhance the current environment.
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Demonstration of Pyramid Model Practices: A Typical Day in a Preschool Classroom
Source: The Pyramid Model Consortium
This video provides an inside look into a preschool learning environment during a typical day. This classroom uses the pyramid model practices for social emotional learning.
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Early Childhood Environments: Designing Effective Classrooms
Source: IRIS Center
This free online professional development module, a DEC-recommended resource, offers information on how to set up effective inclusive early childhood classroom environments for young children.
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Learning Environments
Source: Head Start ECLKC
This collection of articles and videos from Head Start gives educators ideas on how to create and improve nurturing spaces that support the development of all young children.
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Preparing the Early Childhood Learning Environment
Source: Community Playthings
This short article provides guidance to teachers on how to set up the classroom environment to meet children’s needs for movement and sensory exploration.
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Preschool Learning Environments
Source: Virtual Lab School
This free online course helps teachers plan engaging interest areas and also addresses how indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to support learning. In this course, teachers learn how to select developmentally appropriate materials, and how to create a flexible, but predictable, classroom schedule.
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Video Playlist: Best Practices in Early Childhood Education
Source: Teaching Channel
This provides links to a video series focused on early literacy, dual language learners, science, math, social-emotional learning, and strategies for early childhood education.
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What Does a High-Quality Preschool Program Look Like?
Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
This article provides an overview of six areas for teachers to focus on to help children learn best.
About this resource
Setting(s) for which the article is intended:- Family Child Care
- Child Care Center
- Preschool Program
- Kindergarten
Intended audience(s):
- Teachers / Service providers
Age Levels (the age of the children to whom the article applies):