P-ILE-01: Facilitate Division of Interest Areas

This measure refers to indoor environments that provide children with various interest areas for play as developmentally appropriate, allowing them to move easily from one area to another. It should also allow them to choose engaging activities involving art supplies, table games and puzzles, and other developmentally appropriate materials according to specific interest centers. For infants, indoor environments should include various stimulating learning opportunities like soft blocks, rattles, and push-and-pull toys that may change throughout the day.

Category: Category 4: Indoor and Outdoor Learning Environments Subcategory: Indoor Learning Environment

Examples

In this section you will find videos, images, and/or documents that can be used to better understand this measure. These examples can also be used in conversations between mentors, directors, and/or teachers to discuss how the program's current practices compare to these examples.

Division of Interest Areas

Photo Example

These photos show environments where materials are thoughtfully organized to encourage children’s independence and choice. The arrangement of these materials supports various interest areas, allowing children to engage in activities that appeal to them.

Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School-age

Practice Opportunities

These resources include tips, strategies, activities, or specific tools related to this measure that programs can put into practice.

Environments That Invite Learning

Publication

This tip sheet includes ideas for how to divide interest areas and the types of developmentally appropriate toys and materials to include in each one. This sheet also includes tips for keeping areas organized and refreshed with new materials.

Age(s): Infant, Toddler