High-quality classroom environments are a critical foundation for center-based and home-based early childhood programs. They provide engaging focal points that enrich teacher-child interactions and inspire children’s independent play and exploration.
The Circle Infant & Toddler Classroom Environment Checklist (CEC) helps professionals document the presence and quality of toys, materials, books, other essential classroom features, and general classroom arrangement. Early childhood professionals can use the information from the tool to set goals to improve classroom environments, track progress over time, and provide a direction for coaching or technical assistance.
Online Classroom Environment Checklist (Infant and Toddler CEC)
The online Infant and Toddler CEC provides a digital interface for recording observations of the classroom environment and materials. A reporting feature allows specialists to share checklist results across time. Photographic examples of high-quality infant and toddler classrooms are included for each item on the checklist. View the How-To Guide below to get started using the tool!
Paper-Pencil Tools
The paper-pencil form is available to all users. It can be used by coaches and specialists when conducting observations as it provides space to record specific evidence for each item.
High-Quality Classroom Examples
These photographs are examples of high-quality implementation of each item on the CEC. They can help guide the setting up developmentally appropriate infant and toddler classrooms.