Making Space Matter

What is Making Space Matter?

Space matters! The physical characteristics of an early learning program shape the daily lives of children, staff, parents, caregivers and the broader community. Quality space supports children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development – not only keeping them safe, but giving them the room to discover and relate to the world, which is critical for healthy growth. These early positive experiences take deep root in young kids and create the foundation for resilient, healthy adults who have a symbiotic relationship with their community and surroundings. Conversely, negative experiences with space can exacerbate existing trauma or can even be traumatic themselves. This is an equity issue: children in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities or from families with lower incomes are likely to face greater barriers to accessing quality facilities and stand to benefit most from across-the-board standards that create healthy, safe, stimulating and nurturing environments.  

The body of research on how space affects children’s development and wellbeing is robust. For more than 40 years architects, educators, community developers and children’s champions have culled the research, written books, articles and guides. Comprehensive space assessment tools have been developed by government agencies and private entities. Looking at all this, the path forward is very clear. We know what children need. We know what teachers need. We know what communities need. There are pockets of promise and examples of excellence across the nation in providing the kind of facilities that kids deserve. We have been trapped by a culture of low expectations for our spaces and thus for our children. But it doesn’t have to be this way.