Education begins the moment we see children as innately wise and capable beings.
– Vince Gorman

An online article on the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) website outlines the characteristics of high-quality infant care and education programs. The article explains, “While each room might look a little different, some factors stay the same for all high-quality environments. Here are things to look for:

A soothing environment. Babies can get overwhelmed easily, so caregivers make sure the lights aren’t too bright, the room isn’t too cluttered…

Defined areas. The room is divided into separate areas for sleeping, playing, eating, and changing diapers…

Secure open spaces (both indoors and outdoors). Babies need to move on firm surfaces without being in a device or carrier…

Personal touches. The room contains objects that are familiar to each child, like family photographs…

Simple, interesting materials. The toys and objects can be used in a variety of ways, like baskets and pails that babies use to dump and fill. There are different types of the same toy, like blocks or balls, in various sizes and made out of different materials…

Child-size furniture. Chairs, tables, and shelves are sturdy, safe, and the right size for babies so they can be more independent as they start crawling or walking…

Small physical challenges. Caregivers might put an interesting object just out of reach so that babies learn to coordinate their movements to stretch and grasp the object…

Diverse books. Caregivers read simple stories to children and provide them with sturdy board books. The books reflect the children’s cultures and families.

The Out of the Box Training, “Great Places to Be a Baby,” provides more ideas for creating nurturing environments, based on an article by beloved author, Jim Greenman.