Make sure the building that houses the classroom is one that has satisfied its safety codes. The building should be in good structural condition, its paint should be lead free and its floors should be clear of trash and debris. Outlets should be plugged with safety covers.
Decorate the walls of the room with lead-free paint. Posters and other types of paper covering most likely will not pass fire codes. As a motif, use your school's mascot or symbol, or feature nursery rhyme characters or popular cartoon characters. The room should feel warm and inviting to everyone who enters.
Set up a wee waddler-sized table and chairs for meal times. The chairs should have armrests so that once you scoot them under the table, their occupants can't fall out of their seating. The table and chairs need to be placed away from other areas of the classroom. This space should be used only for eating.
Create centers for the wee waddlers. Centers are different areas of the room that focus on one particular theme or topic. You need a block and manipulatives center, a music center, a book center, an imaginative play center and an art center. The toys at each center should be age appropriate and should be frequently checked for damage. The toy shelves at each center should rest on the floor. Toys should be within easy reach of the toddlers.
Keep walkways clear and allow for easy access through the room when situating furniture. You need to be able to get your kids out the door in case of fire, tornado or other emergencies. Keep childproof locks on all cabinets and doors. Chemicals should be stored high and out of sight.