Competence is important to kids. That sense of “I can do it” fuels the child’s drive to explore and succeed as, says Jim Greenman in the Article, Design for competence: How Competent can I Be? Greenman also recommends that early care and education environments support competence through the following ways:
- appropriate expectations
- appropriate scale
- clear organization the child understands
- a variety of things to do and places to do them
In the article: Design for Competence: How Competent Can I Be? Greenman wrote: ” The best way to evaluate and then design the environment for competencies is simply to track a child as she goes about his or her way.”
A quick competence check list:
- Child size styrofoam or dixie cups along with a child size water pitcher is available for the children to get their own drink when they are thirsty
- Children are able to go to the restroom with very little assistance
- Children help to set the table, serve themselves and are involved in clean-up
- Children choose their own materials during a free choice time
- Children dress themselves, hang up their own coats and take care of their personal belongings
Creating an environment that promotes competence is a sure way to boost a child’s confidence level and create a sense of belonging in the classroom. Most of all… Create an “I can” environment!
The Child Care Business Owner Institute 
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