Please note that you must create an account to see the course.
Why it sparks inspiration
How can a child care program environment shape children's experiences? This course can help you understand the powerful role the environment plays in influencing behavior, promoting autonomy, and encouraging inclusion. It includes videos, classroom examples, and stories that showcase different ways to adapt spaces to meet children's needs and interests. Learn how to create environments that support educators, children, and families, ultimately enhancing the quality of care and learning!
“When we set the environment not only are we setting functional spaces and creating inviting areas, but we are also setting the expectation of how to engage in the environment. Children are given cues about how to move and treat the space.”
How it can inspire your practice
- Educators can learn how to create engaging and inclusive physical spaces using different materials and layouts.
To access the self-paced course:
- Visit the YMCA Ignite website and sign up for an account.
- After logging in, navigate to the "Self-Directed Courses" tab to browse the full catalog.
- Go to the "Child Care Resource & Referral" tab and find "The Impact of Environment in Child Care" course.
- Click “Enroll” and “Start” to begin.