Vermont Core Teaching Standards

Standard 3.

The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.

3.2 The teacher manages the learning environment to engage learners actively.

Evidence 1:

Photographs of indoor classroom learning environment, Photo's

Description:

My classroom learning environment is essential to the development of the children enrolled. The space and materials in my leaning environment setting are carefully chosen and arranged to appeal to the children. I choose furnishings, equipment, and materials that are age appropriate, stimulating, interesting and educational for the children.

Analysis/Reflection:

I feel that a child's learning environment should have certain elements to be, not only educational, but fun as well. Some key elements for my classroom are as follows:

A classroom that has a warm, homelike feeling with natural wall colors.
Materials and furnishings that allow for independent use.
An environment that encourages many different types of play simultaneously.
Enough materials for all the children to participate in play.
A play space that allows children to find and return materials independently such as (shelf labels, baskets, etc.).
An emergent curriculum and routine that is flexible so children can extend play or return to the activity if desired.
A learning environment that allows children to move about freely but discourages excessive running/horseplay.
Lastly, materials that reflect diversity and the differing abilities of families in our communities and beyond.

3.2

Evidence 2:

My Certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom, 2013 - present,Website

Description:

Certified Nature Explore Classrooms are dynamic, nature-based play and learning spaces that are in collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation. Certified Nature Explore Classrooms enhance the physical environment and add natural beauty to the surrounding area. Outdoor classrooms create outdoor play spaces that nurture children's sense of wonder and encourage rich authentic learning. It is based on research with field-testing conducted by the Dimensions Foundation in various settings serving children ages 6 weeks to 10 years.

Analysis/Reflection:

I have always been interested in nature, and in providing children with enriched outdoor learning experiences. While I was researching my Senior Seminar in Liberal Studies project (Benefits and Best Practices in the Intentional Use of a Natural Playscape on a Child's Development) I took my writing assignment one step further by designing and implementing a Nature Explore Certified Outdoor Classroom in my program. I am currently the first and only Certified Outdoor Classroom in the State of Vermont, and I am in my fourth year of recertification through the program. I now present workshops all over Vermont helping other early childhood educators increase their understanding of nature-based play spaces, and helping them add more natural play elements into their own spaces.

3.2

Evidence 3:

Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale, Assessment Form

Description:

The Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS) rating scale is designed to assess process quality in an early childhood program. This assessment is used in conjunction with the STARS (Step Ahead Recognition System) in determining how a program has been found to be of good, strong quality.

Analysis/Reflection:

Through the assessment of FCCERS I was able to have my program rated by an impartial assessor. This assessor spent approximately 2.5 hours in my program observing on 38 subject areas, such as space and furnishings, personal care and routine, listening and talking, activities, interaction, program structure, and parents and provider. I had my program assessed in December of 2013 and received a score of 6.9 out of a possible score of 7. I was extremely proud of achieving such a high score for my program. The FCCERS environment rating scale is a very important evaluation and assessment model to follow because it covers so many areas, such as the physical environment, basic care, curriculum, interaction, schedule and program structure, and parent and staff education. The scales are suitable for use in evaluating inclusive and culturally diverse programs as well. I learned from my self assessment that there were areas of improvement in my space and furnishings and program structure. In making a few minor adjustments and adding a few learning materials to my program I was able to achieve my goal of a high quality program.

3.2