Page 10 - LESSION 15.pmd

Profile of an ECCE Centre

Some of the points to be kept in mind are:

• Will it retain children’s interest over time?
Notes
• Is it age appropriate?
• Can it be used in a number of different ways and by different ages?

• Does it reflect diverse cultures and families?

• Can it be used by children of all abilities?

• Is it sturdy, well-designed and built to last?

• Is it safe?
• Does it meet current safety standards?

• Is it easy to keep clean and maintain?

Let us discuss some of the important considerations in detail:
• Age-appropriateness: All the learning materials and equipment should be
relevant for the age group of the children for whom they are selected for
promoting their language, cognitive and socio-emotional development.

• Multiple Uses: Children can use sand, water or play dough in a variety of
ways, depending on their ability, past experience with the material and interest.
So, while choosing equipment and learning materials, it should be ensured
that the material has multipurpose use. For example, a wooden block can be
used as seats in outdoor space for merry-go-rounds or even as slide by joining
wooden stumps and planks. It gives children a sense of creativity and control
over their play and learning.
• Adequacy: Since the curriculum includes indoor/outdoor, individual/group
activities, so the learning materials and equipment should be adequate in
terms of quantity and proportion to ensure access to all children for all types
of activities planned in the curriculum.
• Variety: It is essential that there should be a large range and variety of
equipment and materials in the centre to suit the needs, abilities and interests
of all children. Materials that can be re-used and recycled like clay, blocks,
buttons, empty plastic container, empty cartons etc are a good choice.

• Safety: Equipment should be appropriate and safe to use by children. They
should be of low height and light with smooth edges/finishes. Finishes and
dyes should be non-toxic and meet all safety standards.
• Diversity and Flexibility: It is important to ensure that the equipment in an
ECCE centre reflects the community in which it is located. All the materials
and equipment should be selected with consideration to encourage

102 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION