Spaces for Children explains that private spaces give young children a place to retreat and be alone, or a chance to explore away from direct adult supervision. Equipment for private spaces include cribs or cots for naps, a tunnel to climb through and personal storage cubbies.
Movement opportunities are important for physical and emotional development, explains Spaces for Children. An infant/toddler classroom should include a space for children to crawl and explore, including equipment such as a simple slide and steps, as well as a padded floor for exploration. In addition, a CD player and an assortment of scarves or wide ribbons facilitate movement through music.
Defined work spaces are where most toddler/infant equipment is needed. Work spaces should include an assortment of materials including blocks, manipulatives, art supplies, books, child-sized tables and chairs, a computer for toddlers, pillows and other soft objects, and a variety of storage shelves and containers to access the equipment.
Spaces for Children recommends that the majority of the flooring be carpet, with the exception of the classroom entryway, and eating, changing and messy play areas to allow children to crawl and explore on a soft surface. Anti-microbial, low-pile carpet is ideal for infant/toddler classrooms. Add tumbling mats or similar surfaces to provide a variety of floor surfaces for infants and toddlers to explore.
An infant/toddler classroom needs to have a specific changing area, with a secure changing table, as well as an accessible sink for handwashing. A child-sized sink for toddlers helps promote proper hygiene, and a separate sink should be used for food preparation, explains Spaces for Children. A rocking chair or glider for rocking children is a useful in feeding infants and when putting infants or toddlers down for a nap. Cabinets and storage containers with child-proof locks are needed to store any medications, cleaning supplies, or sharp objects in the classroom. Mirrors at child level provide opportunities for self exploration. Spaces for Children also recommends having fish and hanging plants, and displaying photographs of the children's families as additional classroom equipment.