The outdoor play area has both a hard surface for riding toys and a soft surface, like sand or grass, for playing. The center is homey, warm cheerful, and inviting. Enough caregivers are with the children so that individual attention can be given if needed. For example, an upset child can be held, talked to etc. You can see caregivers communicating effectively with children explaining in clear steps what they want the children to do, answering children s questions patiently, frequently kneeling down to the child s eye level when talking.
Children appear happy, comfortable, and relaxed laughing, smiling, involved in play.
Children enjoy one another smile at each other, hold hands, hug, help each other more than they fight or argue. Caregivers seem warm and affectionate with the children, smiling, cuddling, speaking pleasantly. Caregivers use children s first names or nicknames when talking to or about them. Caregivers do not refer to children by unpleasant names, such as smarty, brat, etc. Caregivers are seen working and playing with the children more than standing back and directing or ordering them around.