Quality Rating 5: Learning Materials

Selection and Use of Materials Statement

Take a moment to look around the environment you created for the children in your program. Notice the materials you selected for the children to use as they play, work, explore, and learn.

If you were a visitor entering your setting for the first time, what would draw your attention? Do you notice places for activity and other quieter spaces? Are indoor and outdoor spaces available for use? Do the environment and the materials tell you something about the children and adults who occupy the spaces every day – their interests, cultures, or languages?

Many elements go into a quality program for children. Some are obvious and you notice them right away. Others are more subtle but just as important. But each element shows the care and planning that goes into providing quality care and meaningful learning experiences for children.

This section guides you through reviewing, revising, or creating a statement that describes how your program uses the environment and selects materials to support children’s learning. It helps you meet the requirements for Developmentally Appropriate Learning and Practice: Learning Materials: DAP 2.5.

Select the Requirements tab to learn about what to include in your statement.