Do you have a dedicated sensory room or space in your early learning environment? If you do, how have you approached it and what’s your rationale behind it? If you don’t, what’s been holding you back?
No matter where you’re at with your sensory room, we’ve put together this quick guide to give you some hints and ideas on creating a standout space.
The functionality of a space determines how children maximise opportunities to explore their environment and utilise their resources in a childcare centre. Ideally, spaces and furniture should be multi-functional to deliver the most benefit to both educators and children alike. Consideration for smooth transitions and children to easily maneuver from once space to another, easy supervision and visual connection to the physical environment are also important. STEP4 has some tips for creating functional learning spaces that flow.
As educators, we welcome the National Quality Standard’s recognition of the close connection between the physical environments in childcare centres and the quality of the education and care programs they provide. We know all too well how poorly designed learning spaces and ancillary areas (e.g. nappy change, bottle preparation, sleep rooms) hinder our work with the children and negatively affect our own wellbeing.
The National Quality Standard (NQS), Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and My Time, Our Place (MTOP) require educators to ensure children spend sufficient time with nature to connect with it, develop respect for it and, with their educators’ support, learn how to care for nature and its creatures.
Prue commenced her career as an early childhood educator before progressing to a centre Directors role. She later became an Area Manager supporting children, services and families throughout Sydney..
Prue has been working with STEP4 for almost 4 years now supporting services with their ongoing needs and requirements for resources, furniture and equipment as well as contributing her industry knowledge and design concepts to new centre startups. She loves the creative process of working with service owners, managers and educators to enable their vision come to life and create engaging and bespoke learning environments where children’s curiosity and engagement can be fostered. She loves sharing her passion and ideas and working collaboratively with industry leaders, educators and owners.
Mara Wakim (nee Evangelinos)
Mara Wakim has more than twelve years’ experience in the early childhood education sector.
Mara was appointed the General Manager of Succeed Consultancy in 2010, and in 2021 Mara became the Owner and CEO. She continues to work with clients to bring centres to life, right from the initial centre and business plan stages to creating successful centres for all stakeholders involved. The key to this success is a tailored approach and an understanding every centre and every client is unique.
Mara continues to grow Succeed Consultancy in the coming years and is passionate about working with centre owners and directors to deliver excellence in early childhood education.
Before joining Succeed, Mara has extensive experience in people and business management and consultancy across several sectors. Mara also holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management and Management.
Be notified when our next EarlyEd Talk is streaming
Join us for an EarlyEd Talk!
Have a topic suggestion?
We want to be bringing content that is valuable to everyone within the Early Years Industry. So if there is something you’d love us to focus on, Please let us know!
Be notified when our next EarlyEd Talk is streaming