How to set up a 11by 18 daycare room?

Question

How to set up a 11by 18 daycare room?

Answer 1

How fun!  I love rearranging/setting up rooms.

How you do it really depends on the age of the children that are going to be in that room.  I'm going to assume it's preschool :-)

We like to see "centers" in the classroom.  

Library- book shelf, books on tape, soft seating, flannel board

Science- shelving with science tools and things to explore, a small table, by a window if possible.

Blocks/large group area...usually has a large carpet since group meets there.  Various blocks that are switched out, block play toys such as animals, vehicles, play people, etc.

Dramatic Play:  Kitchen set/home set...something that is not permanent and can be changed with the theme.

Sensory:  sand/water table.  I like to switch my sensory out but some programs are not allowed to do that...must have sand and water available at all times.

Fine Motor/Writing:  table, shelving units... alphabet toys, fine motor-hand strengthening and writing utensils, paper, etc.

Art center/easel: basic art supplies plus collage materials that are switched out often and new materials for specific techniques

Games/manipulatives:  

Computer

Try to keep the art center and sensory near the sink.

Try to keep the "loud areas" together and the "quiet areas" together.  For example...you don't want the library to be in between dramatic play and blocks.  :-)

Use the shelving and tables for your visual barriers.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Divide the room into sections. Try to make the space appropriate for each station, but without making others too small. Use rugs and shelves to help define the stations. I'd start in a corner and work your way out, alternating walls to do stations on. Do a reading center in the corner with some fluffy pillows or rugs, on one wall beside the reading center have a dress up area, on the other wall have a car/truck center, then blocks, drawing/art, etc.