Decide where to locate each center and how to separate it from the other centers. Locate centers for reading, quiet activities, construction and other activities that might be easily destroyed away from more boisterous centers and out of the flow of traffic. Each center should contain clean, comfortable child-sized furniture. Centers for quiet activities should contain soft furnishings such as rugs and beanbag chairs.
Materials in each center should be accessible to all the children and stored near the respective play area. Each center should contain a variety of clean materials in sufficient quantities for two to three children to use the center simultaneously. New materials should be introduced to each center periodically but the old materials should be available if requested. Materials should represent diverse cultures and abilities.
Minimize noise with sound-absorbing materials. Teachers should be able to control the temperature, ventilation and light. Walls should be painted in soft colors, possibly with bright accents. Paint can be used to demarcate the different areas. The children's 2- and 3-dimensional artwork should decorate the walls at eye level. The schedule should be posted but flexible, indicate when naps and lunch are held, and contain substantial time for child-directed play and at least one indoor and one outdoor activity each day, weather permitting.
Outdoor areas should be well padded and organized so activities do not interfere with each other. The outdoor areas should also offer easy access to drinking water, bathroom facilities and storage, and provide protection from the weather.