This brief from FirstSchool proposes that an optimal indoor and outdoor environment for children should be designed to support the development and maintenence of positive relationships and partnerships throughout the school community; maximize children's learning opportunities; and promote and maintain health and wellness for all members of the school community.

Research suggests that play, particularly up through 3^rd grade, has become less prevalant in classrooms. Authors Abbie Lieberman and Shayna Cook argue that with greater knowledge of child development and appropriate practices, principals would be more likely to understand that scaffolded play can and does lead to learning. In this brief, they conclude that principals who know best practices in early education would be better able to support developmentally appropriate teaching.