The manner in which a learning environment is set up, plays a very important role in ensuring the optimal development of each child. At K.I.D.S. Inc. we utilize the play zone model of room design. The play zone model has proved to be very effective in an emergent curriculum environment. The various play zones are designed so that each child has the opportunity to enhance acquired skills as well as learn new skills.

The play zones are set up so that the play components are: active, voluntary, pleasurable, fun and always meaningful to the child. Play is both symbolic and episodic. Symbolic play is spontaneous and allows the child to try out different roles, discover, and find them selves. Episodic play allows for child to change the play as their interests and goals change.

There are four main play zones at K.I.D.S. Inc. Three zones are indoor zones and one zone is outdoors: Both preschool rooms contain the three indoor zones, set up in a way to best suit those children’s needs.

Our School Age program faces additional challenges in room design and set up as it is a roll away program and space can change from day to day. The school age staff rise to tackle this unique challenge daily by ensuring that each zone is represented within the confines of their given space.

The play zones are set up in such a way to provide cues to children about what kind of play is expected. Each zone accommodates complementary learning centres that promote the transfer of learning from one centre to another.

The four major play zones are:
The Creative Discovery Zone
The Concept Learning Zone
The Role Play Zone
The Outdoor Play Zone

The Creative Discovery Zone includes: The Science Discovery Centre, The Creative Arts Centre and The Unit Blocks/Block Centre.

The Science Discovery Centre includes sensory materials such as sand and/ or water play, play dough and natural artifacts such as shells, rocks, plants, wood and grasses. There is usually a display table for exploring these natural materials. The function of this area is to encourage exploration, discovery, problem solving and creative play.

The Creative Discovery Centre consists of tables, shelves and a variety of art supplies including 3-D art materials such as wood, cardboard, fabric, and buttons. It can also include a woodworking area, a paint easel, paint brushes, markers, paper, glue crayons and pencil crayons. This area encourages children to create, explore, experiment and explore. Children develop fine motor skills, pre-writing skills and cutting.

The Unit Blocks/Blocks Centre is part of a larger block area that includes related materials such as mobilo, lego toys and magnetic shapes. The block centre provides play opportunities in all developmental domains.

The Concept Learning Zone includes: The Quiet Thinking Centre; which is comprised of the Library or Book Nook and a Puzzles and Manipulatives shelf. Children need time to engage in solitary play and have a quiet spot to relax during their busy days. Space is dedicated to individual play and learning in this zone.

The Library Centre at K.I.D.S. Inc. includes books that are related to the curriculum. There are adult sized sofas and chairs and child sized furniture as well. There are usually pillows, blankets, snuggle toys and puppets for the children to use as well. The library enables children to develop language and pre-reading skills.

The Role Play Zone (Also known as the Social or Interactive Play Zone) This zone includes the Active Role Play Zone and The Daily Living Centre. The purpose of this zone is to encourage children to engage in symbolic thinking by using props for pretend, to build and construct with, as well as practice roles. Socio-dramatic play is the main focus. Children work through conflicts and try on different roles through play – acting. This zone also includes an open area for movement and music experiences. The Daily Living Centre includes child – sized appliances and dishes as well as dolls and dress up clothes.

The Outdoor Play Zone consists of various play surfaces and areas designed to invite particular kinds of play. K.I.D.S. Inc.’s outdoor play zone provides areas for active role – play, private areas for solitary play, loose parts materials, vehicle trails, landscaped areas, open grassy areas and a play house. We also have a climber for gross motor play, a sandbox, water feature and paint easels.

Come in and look around K.I.D.S. Inc. preschool playrooms to see the zones, centres and the signs highlighting the areas.