I'm really stuck with this question, as I have to re-submit my assignment
Would really appreciate some help
Question:
As a child care worker you will be required to set up a variety of play environments for children.
a) List 5 checks you will perform when setting up an environment. (done)
b) Describe how you choose equipment that is suitable for the children you're working with.
My answer:
Selection of all equipment would need to be based on a set of pre-established criteria. The primary consideration is usefulness, - as will a specific piece of equipment meet the needs of this centre in a safe manner… Other criteria are versatility, suitability, durability, ease of maintenance, attractiveness and user preference.
The usefulness of a piece of children's equipment is the most important part, as it need to meet the developmental needs of the children and whether or not the equipment can be put to multiple uses by those children. Plus it has to be safe to use by the children.
Ease of maintenance should also be a consideration when choosing equipment. Sinks, toilets, and drinking fountains that must be cleaned daily and table tops that must be washed several times each day should be extremely simple to clean. The surfaces should be smooth and all areas easy to reach.
Outdoor equipment that must be repainted frequently should be designed so that it can be sanded and painted easily. Equipment that will rust or rot easily should not be purchased for outdoor use.
Also, the equipment should be well designed and aesthetically attractive. Most parents and teachers would like their children to appreciate beauty. An attractive environment also carries the subtle message that children, families, and staff who enter the setting are appreciate and that great care is taken to make their environments beautiful.
Told by teacher to re do it
And said: "There is another much more important criteria for selecting suitable equipment."Ummm, not sure what other criteria could be better?
c) Describe how you set up equipment safely.
My answer:
According to the National Quality Standards, the indoor environment is characterised by open spaces that provide children with opportunities to work on self-chosen and negotiated activities, both quiet and active learning situations, routines and small-group and whole-group experiences.
So I will need to make sure that the space is child-safe. Will need to store dangerous chemicals and medicines out of children's reach. Cover electrical outlets, and store dangerous or breakable objects up high. Fix, lock up, or discard anything that might be dangerous to children. And be sure all outdoor play areas are fenced in to keep children safe.
If the rooms in the centre are long with narrow spaces and have open hallways and long aisles in the classroom, that may encourage children running. So to keep it safe, will need to break up those long, narrow spaces by rearranging furniture, or add barriers to discourage runners.
Toys best to be placed on lower shelves to make it easy for children find toys they want. There should be enough toys and materials for children to play with at different ages and interests. So need to have plenty of paper to draw on; materials to sort, collect, trade, and share; dress-up clothes and props; puzzles and games; and well-maintained equipment to climb or ride on will keep children busy and interested. And of cause toys need to match the children's ages and abilities. Like for example, infants need toys that they can shake, drop, mouth, roll, and otherwise explore with their bodies. Toddlers need toys they can push, pull, grab, fill, dump, or yank without causing major damage. And since toddles only learning how to share it best to have several favourite toys to help prevent a lot of behaviour problems. Pre-schoolers need more complex materials that keep them interested for longer periods and challenge their new learning skills.
And this one got told to re do
Teacher said: "Please include information on such points as: layout; entrapment; protrusion; loose parts etc. "
Not sure where to get such information, as my answer I got from my study books they provided.
Really need help as I have no idea what to do
