Designing Infant Rooms That Encourage Autonomy, Exploration, and Discovery: Moving from Bunching Up Babies to Tiny Destinations
July 9, 2026; 1 PM- 2:45 PM
Cost: General: $79 / Members: $54
Infant learning is shaped by the environments we create. This session explores how thoughtfully designed infant rooms can support autonomy, movement, and discovery. Participants will examine how restrictive equipment can limit development and consider alternatives that promote active exploration. Through examples and guided reflection, participants will learn how to design “tiny destinations” that offer meaningful visual, sensory, and physical experiences tailored to each child’s developmental level. Emphasis will be placed on creating flexible environments that evolve as infants grow and develop.
Learner Objectives:
As a result of participating in this event, attendees will be able to:
- Describe how the use of restrictive infant equipment (e.g., swings, walkers, seats) can impact motor development and contribute to developmental concerns such as “Container Baby Syndrome.”
- Identify developmental differences among infants in a shared environment, including variations in mobility and independence (e.g., dependent movement, rolling, scooting, crawling, pulling up).
- Recognize key features of an infant classroom environment that support autonomy, exploration, and developmentally appropriate visual, sensory, and physical experiences.
CEUs: 1.5 Contact Hours/ 0.2 CEUs
Note: Recording available but CEUs only offered in live session.
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