Page 5 - LESSION 15.pmd

Profile of an ECCE Centre

(d) The floor should be..................... for the safety of young children at the
ECCE centre.

(e) Heat, light and proper ..................... impact the child’s health. Notes

15.2 INFRASTURUCTURE/PHYSICAL FACILITIES

Physical facilities in an ECCE centre include both outdoor as well as indoor
facilities. In this section, besides outdoor and indoor facilities, we shall also discuss
the importance of water and toilet facilities in an ECCE centre.

15.2.1 Outdoor Facilities

Outdoor play is an integral part of the natural activity of children. The elements
that make the outdoor space an engaging learning environment are sufficient
space, opportunities to explore, use of imagination and creativty. Besides, it allows
children to take risks within a safe and secure environment. Therefore, utilizing
the available outdoor space to its maximum and maintaining it properly for safety
and security of children becomes very important. The outdoor facilities include
playground, sandpit, grass covered area,etc.
a) Playgrounds: All playgrounds should incorporate three kinds of areas, which
can generally be categorised as open, quiet and active.
• Open area to run and play comprising of playground, lawn, concrete

paths (for cycling) and shed. But if we do not have enough space in the
centre premises, the teacher can take children to nearby park or open
ground, whenever possible.

• There should be quiet areas also like areas of low vegetation, trees,
landscaping, vegetable garden, sand area, etc.
• Active area includes swings, see-saw, jungle gyms, slides, rope ladders
etc..for development of gross motor skills in children. Low cost/waste
items like tyres can also be used to make swings. Provision for a small
grass covered area to play could promote the health of children.
b) Sandpit: The sandpit is generally considered an important part of outside
activity. Its size should be adequate for the number of children who will be
using it at any one given time. The sand should be filled to a suitable depth,
clean, washed and non-staining.

INTEXT QUESTIONS 15.2

State whether the following statements are true or false:

a) An ECCE centre should be welcoming to the children.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 97