The safety and health of the child is of paramount importance in the early childhood center. Safety features such as fastened carpeting, scald-proof faucets, covered electrical outlets, and gates on stairways should be standard throughout the facility. A developmentally appropriate environment . It is important to provide differing environments to best meet the needs of children in different age groups. All children can benefit to a certain extent from observing other children, listening to music or conversation, touching different types of materials and surfaces, interacting with caregivers, and physically exploring a space.
Infants progress rapidly through physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development.
By the age of one, toddlers begin walking, talking, and interacting with others. Toddlers begin to master fine and gross motor skills, become toilet trained, and take a strong interest in the world around them. Some implications for design include providing spaces that permit both highly active and passive play, and learning centers that allow for engaged activity. But they often fear new places and develop separation anxiety from their primary caregivers. Discovery and play.