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42  TOPIC 3 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS
This area should provide comfortable adult seating for people working with small children. Child-sized chairs and tables for toddlers to sit and feed themselves and a low level sink for washing can be placed in this area. However, the diaper changing area cannot be near the eating and food preparation area.
(i) Sleeping Area
This area provides a quiet space for infants and toddlers to rest or nap if they are sleepy. It should be located away from the active play area. Cribs, cots, soft mattresses, non-toxic covers and pillows provide infant and toddlers with a safe and comfortable sleeping surface. The sleeping room should have low glass windows to allow adults or caregivers to see napping infants and toddlers while they are with other children in the main indoor room.
(j) Diapering and Toileting Space
Diaper-changing areas should not be located near food preparation areas, and neither should it be used for temporary placement of food or utensils. It should be conveniently located and be built with nonporous material without cracks that are difficult to clean or sanitise. The diaper-changing table should be positioned to allow caregivers to maintain constant sight of toddlers or infants. The design of the table should enable easy cleaning and sanitising after use.
(k) Outdoor Space
Like the indoor space, the outdoor area or yard provides infants and toddlers with comfortable, intimate spaces, a variety of choices and freedom to explore. This space offers safe, appropriate challenges for toddlers and infants. Large inviting stable equipment such as small climbers, swing and slides are enjoyable for peer interaction. Outdoor space is also a space for toddlers to use riding toys, build and manipulate objects.
SELF-CHECK 3.1
1. Define infant and toddler space. Compare your definition with those of your course mates.
2. State the importance of providing infant and toddler space for basic motor skills and sensory experiences.
3. List the essential spaces that should be provided for infants and toddlers at early childhood settings.
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