In the Beginning

In the beginning when you are first starting a brand new center there are so many things that you need. The list is incredibly long including equipment, materials, curriculum and assessments for the classrooms and individual students.

With equipment you have to decide what type of center you will have in order to decide what what equipment you will need. You have the basics of tables, chairs, shelves and such that is required for all.  The equipment that is thought of less is outdoor play equipment. What type and how big if you are going for structures. Or not having any and going towards a more natural play area with gardens and structures that are more naturally made. Bicycles, slides, swings, sand boxes and such are also types of equipment you have to decide on.  Whether you will have preschoolers only or will have infants and toddlers as well. Each age group has to have special equipment that will meet their age appropriate needs. High chairs, cribs, mats, cots, bottles, plates, bowels, sippy cups, regular drinking glasses, sensory tables are different for the different age groups, the height of the table and chairs varying on the size and age of the children. All these things matter and all vary depending on what you want in your center.

Materials are also something that depends on what type of center you want to run. If you are a Montessori School for example, there are specific materials that you would use versus a Bank Street School. Materials include all items that would be included in your math, science, writing, block, art, dramatic play, sensory and literacy areas. Things like paper, books, paints, light tables, magnifying glasses, dress up cloths, small and large blocks, puzzles and all types of toys. Children learn through their play so each item you choose must have meaning to what you are trying to teach them.

When looking at curriculum and assessments more decisions have to be made yet again. Teaching Strategies Gold, CLASS, ITERS, ECERS, Early Achievers, Ages & Stages, Developmental Continuum, ECEAP, Head start/ Early Head start, the list goes on and on. Which ones will you use and how will they work with the guidance techniques you will put into place. Many work well together while others not so much. There are different guidelines and rules for each.

Having a plan of what your overall goals and expectations are for your program will be important when deciding to have a center of your own. This is not something to enter into lightly. While you may have a love of teaching and being involved in the process of helping them grow, it is a tremendous weight that will be put upon your shoulders.