Infant and Toddler Interior Space Design Interventions
Earlier this year LISC released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a pilot year of our Infant and Toddler Interior Design Interventions program. This program is focused on making small, incremental changes to a space in an effort to improve the physical environment in ways that will support and bolster program quality. We received 14 strong applications from programs across the state. Choosing just two or three will be a challenge for sure. Many applicants described similar issues in their classrooms. Some of the top issues are highlighted below:
- Noise Pollution: One of the biggest concerns called out in the proposals was about noise, and how to reduce it in a classroom. Noise, or unwanted sound, can have a huge impact on the health and well-being of both children and staff and there are ways to mitigate it within the built environment. The Eco-Healthy Child Care Program through the Children’s Environmental Health Network created a Fact Sheet on noise pollution to help providers better understand the issue. Read the fact sheet here. And don’t forget to review our Child Care Center Design guide with its newly added section on acoustics. Click here to view our Child Care Center Design guide.
- Storage Solutions: Having enough easily accessible storage keeps classrooms better organized and helps them function more effectively. It also ensures the ability to frequently rotate materials and to provide enough space and varying opportunities to keep children engaged. Often centers do not have enough storage space, or quickly outgrow what they have. We hope to explore creative combinations of integrating new storage solutions in classrooms while helping programs make good choices about removing unwanted or unused materials from spaces.
- Incorporating Natural Elements: Many centers want to have a better connection between the exterior environment and the inside space. There are so many opportunities to bring nature inside – even in very seemingly small ways!
These are just a few of the themes that are emerging from our Infant and Toddler Interior Space work. We look forward to sharing more themes, ideas, challenges, and solutions that arise throughout this pilot year!
In This Issue
DEADLINE EXTENDED: Outdoor Play Interventions RFP Due Thursday, February 1st by 5pm!
URI Cooperative Extension – Free Seed Program for 2018
Friendly Reminder: Clear Those Exterior Drains!
Eliminating Germs – How to Properly Sanitize Your Child Care Center
Stay in Touch With Our Child Care Community at Large