The environment that children spend most of their time in is very important. First, it must be clean, safe and hazard free. In a family child care home, special attention is required when children of varying ages will share the same space. Environment not only refers to the physical space but also refers to how it is organized and set up for optimal learning. Both indoor and outdoor play areas should be inviting to the various ages of the children. Town Square encourages you to provide a home-like environment that makes children feel comfortable and welcomed, whether this is in your whole house or in a specific area of your home. The DCFS licensing requirements state you must have at least 5 interest areas with corresponding materials available to children at all times. So make your environment a statement of what you want for children in your home.