QR1 Environment Requirements

Quality Rating 1: Environment

Requirements

Let’s look at the requirements for Developmentally Appropriate Learning and Practice: Environment: DAP 1.1.

Since the Maryland EXCELS System receives licensing information electronically, no further action or documentation is required if your program meets these licensing requirements.

Review the requirements for your program type:

Child Care Center

DAP 1.1: Environment

Children of all abilities are provided with opportunities to interact with their peers in a developmentally appropriate environment that offers a balance of child-initiated and teacher-directed activities.

Family Child Care

DAP 1.1: Environment

Children of all abilities are provided with opportunities to interact with their peers in a developmentally appropriate environment that offers a balance of child-initiated and teacher-directed activities.

School-Age Only

DAP 1.1: Environment

Children of all abilities are provided with opportunities to interact with their peers in a developmentally appropriate environment that offers a balance of child-initiated and teacher-directed activities.

Key Terms

Developmentally appropriate environment:

A place that is carefully planned to meet the needs of the children who use the space. A developmentally appropriate environment takes into account the children’s developmental levels, ages, interests, cultures, skills, and abilities.

Child-initiated and teacher-directed activities:

Child-initiated activities allow children to select and explore a variety of activities provided by adults; teacher-directed activities are led by adults most often to teach new skills or introduce new experiences.