The modeling of a modern preschool curriculum is contextually conditioned and represents a complex process. Each kindergarten has its "own identity," its "DNA," just as children, preschool teachers and other participants in the educational process have their "own individual equations." Contextual learning is at the…

The aim of the research is to determine pre-service preschool teachers' views on creating learning environments in preschool classrooms. Qualitative research methods were used in the research. The study group was composed of 35 pre-service preschool teachers. In this study, a semi-structured interview form was chosen as data collection tool. The…

Quality design and appropriate space organization in preschool settings can support preschool children's educational activities. Although the relationship between the well-being and development of children and physical settings has been emphasized by many early childhood researchers, there is still a need for theoretical design guidelines that are…

A representative sample of current research investigating ecological variables in classrooms is reviewed in this paper. Empirically-based recommendations for classroom arrangement and suggested areas of research which might be beneficial to the development of prescriptive guidelines for preschool classrooms for handicapped children are provided.…

Uses careful observations in Reggio Emilia preschools, and three of Thelma Harm's environmental checklists and questions, to identify and analyze the strengths in Reggio Emilia's centers that can be used to assess classroom settings in the United States. Focuses on concepts and practices American teachers can use to improve the teaching-learning…

The purpose of this study is to examine the organization of play space and the effect which this organization has on children's productive and disruptive behavior in an indoor nursery setting. A second purpose was to develop a category system for recording the productive and disruptive behavior of young children in a free play situation. The…

A quality Head Start facility should provide a physical environment responsive both to the needs of the children and families served and to the needs of staff, volunteers, and community agencies that share space with Head Start. This manual is a tool for Head Start grantees and delegate agencies for assessing existing facilities, making…