Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Your Assignment Module Number and Heading: CHCCN305B Provide care for babies. Element 4 Provide and environment that provides security for babies/toddlers. Task 4 Key elements in an infant/toddler environment
Your Assignment Type: Standard Question
Currently Working in Childcare? Yes
Your knowledge: Beginner

Your Question?
For this task you need to make a poster or slide show (this can be printed) depicting the key elements of a quality physical environment for infants and toddlers. The key elements are:
~ Offer an abundance of sensory stimulation
~ Be safe for exploration
~ Support independence
~ Support mastery of major physical milestones

Points to consider for your environments/experiences:
~ Making babies feel secure
~ Incorporating natural materials
~ Allowing children choice
~ Soft and hard areas
~ Catering for non mobile babies and older movable babies
~ Having open (group interactive and spatial activities to move) and closed (having places to hide and quiet areas
~ Bringing things from outside to inside and opposite
~ Physical routine areas
~ Cultural diversity

What is your answer so far or What have you done so far as an attempt to solve this question?
I just wanted to check I am on the right track with my ideas for showing "cultural diversity", do you think a photo of toddlers playing African drums or dressed up in Mexican hats playing the maracas etc would fit in with this? I couldn't think of any other ideas that I could also find photo's of.

Description and Message:

Thank you for those ideas.
I'm finding it hard to find photo's of the baby/toddler rooms set up with those sorts of things in them, you see them more in the 3-5 year groups, I shall however keep searching!

Hi Castaway for photos regarding cultural diversity photos try pin interest.

Great idea, thanks LindyT

Hi Castaway,

The example given reflects on cultural heritage. While exposure to other cultures is important, a good place to start is with the cultures of the children in your care to make it more meaningful. Cultural diversity also encompasses age, ability, gender, family dynamics and local culture (who do you see in your neighbourhood?), and our Indigenous cultures. Examples would be pictures of different family units, familiar faces and places, pictures and artefacts representative of the cultural heritage of the children, pictures of the children with their friends in care. Incorporate music and family input for more ideas on diversity. Creating a class scrap book is a great way of incorporating this too.

I hope this has given you a few more ideas.

M:)

Thank you. I have already finished this unit and sent it in, but I really appreciate the help