How to Create Learning Centers for Daycare and Preschool

Learning centers in a childcare program help to organize the environment and curriculum.These planned areas (small sections) provide a physical structure that helps children see all the possible play and learning activities available to them. Centers can be set up in a variety of ways to best accommodate the space. This individual (or small group) time allows children to explore new concepts through hands-on activities rather than guided instruction.

Setting up the Space

Plan on an open, unrestricted activity area. Caregivers are the architects of this space. The size of a learning center depends on the available space and topic needs. Most learning centers allow up to four to six children to play at one time.

But, learning centers for two can be fun as well. Plan to alter this flexible area in an ever-changing response to various needs and activities. This can be accomplished through the use of elements such as movable panels, fabric screens, furniture such as seating or shelving, and display racks. Requirements for activities occurring within this space will vary according to the age of the children.

Types of Centers

-Discovery, including sand and water play
-Art
-Music
-Large-muscle activity, movement
-Math
-Socio-dramatic make-believe and role-playing
-Reading/listening/storytelling
-Manipulatives, including small puzzles and finger toys
-Block building
-Science, including nature study

Keep Centers Safe and Healthy

It is wise to locate the open activity area with natural light from windows if possible. Natural light is healthy. Learning centers should have clear traffic patterns in and out so children don't needlessly run into each other. Adequate space should be provided so traffic flow does not interrupt play. Walls or partition patterns with offsets will allow more intimate areas for children without obstructing teachers' views to the activity area. Corner areas, which provide natural boundaries, can set apart an activity area. All materials should be made of nontoxic materials and safe for all children in your center.

Keep materials and toys in the learning centers clean and free from germs. Disinfect and wash toys on a regular basis, at least once a week. Put them through a dishwasher cycle or follow this washing-by-hand procedure. Place three containers of water on the counter. Fill the first one with warm soapy water to wash the toys. Fill the second one with clean water to rinse and the final container with a bleach and water solution to disinfect and sanitize the toys. Allow the toys to air dry. Keep spray bottles filled with a bleach and water solution for disinfecting large items and counter tops. Label these bottles and keep them out of children's reach.

Learning to Play Together

Devise a plan for children to know when a center is available to him. If each center has room for four children, place a box with four circles cut out in each. Give each child in the group a craft stick with his name written on it with a marker. When visiting a center, children must place their stick into a slot. When each slot is taken, this center is full. As the children move from center to center, they must take their stick and place it in the appropriate slot in the box. Allot a specific time, say 20-30 minutes, for participating in a center. Ring a bell and have the children move from center to center.

Remember that "play is learning" so the best learning centers for daycare and preschool are those that allow children to explore, create, communicate, interact, question, solve problems, think, reason and have fun with one another.