Environments & Interactions that Support Each Young Child

Presenter: Camille Catlett ()

Message for Today: High quality early childhood environments and interactions support positive outcomes for each and every child

Universal Design for Learning

Building Inclusive Childcare Universal Design for Learning

http://www.northampton.edu/Early-Childhood-Education/Partnerships/Building-Inclusive-Child-Care.htm

The Universal Design of Early Education: Moving Forward for all Children

http://journal.naeyc.org/btj/200609/ConnPowersBTJ.pdf

Questions to Consider in UDL Observations in Early Childhood Environments

http://www.pakeys.org/uploadedContent/Docs/Higher%20Ed/CunconanLahr%20Kennedy%20Stifel%20Universal%20Design%20for%20Learning%20handout%202.pdf

Environments and Behavior

Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/

Practice Implementation Checklist: High Quality Environments http://challengingbehavior.fmhi.usf.edu/communities/trainers_docs/practice_environment.pdf

Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Development for Young Children http://www.challengingbehavior.org/

Using Choice and Preference to Promote Improved Behavior http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/briefs/handout15.pdf

Using Environmental Strategies to Promote Positive Social Interactions http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/briefs/handout6.pdf

Environments that Support Play

Play: The Heart of Development

http://fpg.unc.edu/presentations/play-heart-development

Use Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

·  Multiple Means of Representation

o  Kinesthetic

o  Visual

o  Auditory

·  Multiple Means of Engagement

o  Attention

o  Curiosity

o  Motivation

o  Interests

o  Preferences

·  Multiple Means of Expression

o  Gestures

o  Speaking

o  Singing

o  Pointing

o  Signing

o  Typing/texting

o  Drawing

o  Assistive technology

Do Your Environments Reflect Each Child?

To what extent do my environments and materials reflect each child, family, and community? / How much is this
currently happening?
Not yet / Somewhat / Consistently
I have learned about the unique characteristics of each child and family and work to authentically reflect them in ways that are genuine and positive
I use songs, games, music, and materials that reflect the cultures and languages of the children and families with whom I work
I ensure that each child can see authentic and positive images of people like him or herself and his/her family
What we eat and how we eat reflects knowledge of the dietary priorities the children and families (e.g., religious, cultural, and health considerations)
I provide materials in a variety of formats (from concrete to abstract) so I can adjust the level of difficulty up or down for each child

3

3

3

3

3