Child Development Centers are a wonderful way for youngsters to learn and grow. These learning and development centers can also be decorated to create a positive growth environment.

I have been a lead teacher in a development center. One of the main aspects of its success was the overall decorating theme as well as individualized classrooms. The coordination of colors, accents, and accessories brought about an exciting day to day operation not only for the children, but also for parents and staff. A development center should be inviting and filled with warm colors. This page will give you some basic ideas to think about when planning for the decor.

When I think of a development or learning center, colors should be soothing yet create an atmosphere that will enhance a positive environment. Each age group will represent unique growing patterns and should have their own identity. If you have a center that ranges in a wide variety of ages, consider doing a theme base center. Each room could be decorated in an individual theme. There are a couple of options when using paint colors. Browse through the color section to read about bold, pastels, and more tones and shades. Keep the center simple yet inviting to all age groups. Here are a few ideas that may help in doing different rooms.

1. Name each of the different rooms depending on your theme. An idea for this is use different flowers to name each child development room. Blend in perennial and annual names.



2. Coordinate rooms in colors that will compliment each other. This can be done in primary colors, a series of pastels, or go in soft neutrals. If you use neutral colors, you can brighten up the room with accents and accessories.



3. Rooms should be set up to make children feel comfortable, yet an environment that will enhance the mind and body.



4. An idea is to have the rooms set up that will separate different parts of the day. Thoughts on this are a play area, rest area, creative area, and other essential areas that will stimulate children.



5. Music is the universal language. Play a variety of music throughout the day. Soft music is wonderful for rest time, creative play can have some classical or jazz music. Play time can be more upbeat, and meal time could have different theme music weekly or monthly. Music should be played at all age levels, including infancy. Introduce different instruments and also nature sounds. Little ones can identify with rain, animals, and even thunderstorms. Many youngsters fear thunder, and this is a great way to work with them through some common fears.



6. Remember to keep in mind both fine motor and gross motor skills. Have an area whether it is in the play area or creative area to allow children to develop both of these skills.



7. Even if you work in an infant room, create an individual space for each child. This is so important in a younster's growth and development.



8. Too much educational material will overload children, and remember the rule to keep it simple and keep it real.

There are many different ways you could set up a room. When planning for a commercial or residential development or learning center, create short term and long term goals.

The center doesn't have to be expensive or fancy. Your number one goal when decorating a center is to make an atmosphere of excitement, adventure, yet soothing. Whether you decide on primary or softer colors, make sure you balance each room using complimentary shades and tones with the furniture, and other materials.

You can create any theme you want but always keep in mind the ages involved. When planning the decor, have the staff and parents involved if possible. Think about the town, city and geographic location you are in, can you incorporate ideas that relate to the community or region? Whatever your colors, theme, and other decorating thoughts may be, a development or learning center should be a happy place to bring each individual.