The aim of this study is to present recommendations for the design of ECE
classrooms based on time children spent on activities and the structure of the
groups in the classrooms. The study focused on data collected for the NationalSurveyofEarlyCareandEducation (NSECE,) a large national study in
the United States. The analyses revealed that the majority children typically
spent up to one hour each day on each activity, including physical activity;
book reading, looking, and sharing; and singing/rhyming activities. Children spent one hour or more engaged in free-play activities at the majority
of the centers. Design recommendations based on the empirical literature are
detailed with a focus on images of activity areas in existing early childhood
education and care centers. Recommendations are also made for loft design ideas
to enhance children’s experiences with different activities in the environment.
Variation of these design elements encourages exploration
and movement within the space. Color, form, and light combine to enhance the
activity areas for children with sensory experiences and inspiration.
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