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27.6: Key Environment Elements- Lighting and Comfort

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  • Page ID
    142390

    • Amanda Taintor
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    Lighting and Comfort

    An infant/toddler program should utilize a mixture of lighting. Incandescent lighting provides softer light and can be used to focus on areas of learning. Lamps, skylights and natural lighting from windows provide additional lighting options. If fire code allows drape fabric over bright lights to reduce their effect, especially in areas where infants are staring up at lights.

    infant environment room with large window creating natural light.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Natural lighting creates a warm comfortable environment (Image by Jenny Allen is used with permission)
    Overhead light
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Overhead light[1]
    a small shaded lamp on a table next to a crib.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Small Lamp[1]
    lamp with multiple shaded bulbs in tree like structure
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Lamp in Toddler Classroom [1]

    Comfort

    A comfortable environment everyone can enjoy contributes significantly to a program's quality. Arrange furnishings and equipment so that adults can comfortably observe, supervise, and interact with infants.[2]

    Although the focus of supportive learning environments for infants and toddlers is on the children, it is essential to create a physical space supportive of educators who spend much of their day on the floor interacting with infants. (The Ohio State University for the US Department of Defense’s Office of Family Policy/Children and Youth, 2021) When caregivers can sit comfortably on the floor, attention is spent engaging in responsive interactions with infants and toddlers rather than finding a comfortable position.[3]

    Reading are with large pillows propped to lean against.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Creating a comfortable space ([4])

    A comfortable environment where adults and children can relax encourages teachers to sit with infants and creates an atmosphere conveying emotional and physical safety to all. Offer places for children and adults to snuggle, like a glider or rocking chair or couch, where adults can hold children in their laps for comforting and quiet interactions.[1]

    Caregiver on floor sitting on large pillow with toddlers around reading books.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Caregiver finds a comfortable place to read with toddlers on the ground. ([1])

    Having 1 or 2 adult sized chairs in the room (e.g., a rocker or a sofa chair) can visually communicate to family members (who may be less comfortable in a kid-sized environment) that they are welcome. These adult chairs can serve as a space where family members can read a book to their child during pick-up or drop-off times, provide space for mothers to visit and nurse, and help build a home-like atmosphere in the room. Remember, children’s own homes are not all child sized. (The Ohio State University for the US Department of Defense’s Office of Family Policy/Children and Youth, 2021)

    children's table with 4 children's chairs and one adult sized chair
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Create a comfortable place for caregivers to join activities. [1]
    Adult size rocking chair
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): A comfortable space for caregivers and parents [6]
    male with infant in lap reading
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): A comfortable space for caregivers and parents ([1])

    [1] Image by Amanda Taintor is licensed CC BY-NC

    [2] California Department of Education (CDE Press). Development Foundations: Social-Emotional Development . Is used with permission

    [3] Office of Head Start and Office of the Administration for Children and Families. (n.d.). Health and Safety Screener: is in the public domain

    [4] Image by Amanda Taintor is licensed CC BY-NC

    [5] U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Administration for Children and Families. (n.d.). Nurturing Environments. is in the public domain.

    [6] Image by Kids Work Chicago Day Care is in the public domain

    This page titled 27.6: Key Environment Elements- Lighting and Comfort is shared under a mixed 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Amanda Taintor.