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Guide
Guide

Indoor Space Used for Child Care

³Ô¹ÏÍø Family Child Care Learning Environments Lesson 2 Apply Indoor Space Used for Child Care
Guide
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ACTIVITY ID: 20361
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The Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale-Revised (FCCERS-R) includes several items that are important for a high-quality indoor environment in family child care homes. Based on the information below, write notes about how you currently meet the FCCERS-R indicators for indoor space. Are there any aspects of your indoor space that you want to change? Share your notes and ideas with your trainer, coach, or family child care administrator.

  1. FCCERS-R Indicator

    Ample indoor space for child care children, play materials, and furnishing

    • Children and adults can move freely around.
    • Space allows for many play materials to be accessible at one time.
    • There is space for equipment needed by children with disabilities.
    • There is a spacious open area for children to play.
    Why is this important?
    • The amount of space in the child care affects both the efficiency of the program—as a provider tries to meet the many routine care needs of children—and the number and types of play activities the children can engage in.
    • Insufficient space can lead to conflicts among children due to crowding, and it can create safety hazards from cluttered conditions.
    • Insufficient space can cause limitations in the program because materials easily become disorganized or must be minimized to fit the space.
  2. FCCERS-R Indicator

    Adequate lighting, ventilations, temperature control and sound-absorbing materials

    • Some direct natural lighting through windows, doors, or skylights
    • Natural light and ventilation that can be controlled as needed
    • There are adjustable curtains for a nap area.
    • Windows can be opened.
    • Ventilating fan can be used in bathroom.
    Why is this important?
    • When a room is too dark, it may be difficult to supervise visually—seeing babies breathing while they sleep or seeing what toddlers are putting in their mouths. Lack of light also makes it difficult for children to comfortably use materials that require close attention.
    • If a space is too cold or too warm, children and providers may become uncomfortable.
    • Noise levels that are too high could impede language development and create tension and over-excitement, preventing children from sustained involvement in constructive play and learning.
    • Natural light can be too bright at times, making sleep difficult or causing glare that can interfere with activities.
    • Odors from soiled diapers, the bathroom, or cleaning products could cause an unpleasant smell for providers and children.
  3. FCCERS-R Indicator

    Space generally in good repair with no major problems that endanger children or compromise care

    Why is this important?
    • The condition of the space affects the comfort, health, and safety, as well as the self-image, of the children and providers who spend many hours in the program daily. Space that is in poor repair or poorly maintained encourages rough and neglectful behavior toward the surroundings and materials, and it can also be depressing and dangerous.
  4. FCCERS-R Indicator

    Space for children accessible to all children and adults with disabilities

    • Doorways must be at least 32 inches wide.
    • Door handles must be operated with limited use of hands.
    • Entrance thresholds should be one-half inch or less, but if over a quarter inch, must be beveled to roll over easily.
    • Ramps and handrails must be included.
    • There must be access for wheelchairs and walkers.
    Why is this important?
    • Accessibility is legally required in all public facilities so that everyone can have equal opportunity to use the service. Please note that although children with disabilities should have accessibility and appropriate supports, not all family child care programs are required to meet these standards.
  5. FCCERS-R Indicator

    Floors, walls, and other built-in surfaces made of easy-to-clean materials where needed

    • There should be washable floors or floor coverings in eating and messy play areas.
    • Counters and cabinets should have easy-to-clean surfaces.
    Why is this important?
    • Because children are very vulnerable to infectious diseases, frequent washing and disinfecting of countertops and other built-in surfaces is needed to protect their health.
  • Observations & Notes