Investigating the Impact of Environmental Quality in Educational Settings on the Behaviors and Emotions of Children with an Emphasis on Preschools

The Influence of Environment on Child Development: The environment in which a child grows and nurtures plays a significant role in their physical, mental, and creative well-being. Preschools are recognized as one of the most important aspects of every child's life, and it is essential for them to have a conducive environment that not only provides a space for growth but also instills a sense of security and tranquility. In this regard, the present study aims to examine the physical quality of educational spaces with an emphasis on preschools and analyze the priorities and preferences of children in this area. The research methodology in this study is descriptive-survey, and the population includes 119 children aged 3 to 6 years (both girls and boys) in Gorgan. The Cochran formula was used to estimate the sample size, and the data were prepared for final analysis using SPSS. The results of the Mann-Whitney test indicate that only in the ranking of natural elements, the 3-4 year age group differs significantly from the 5-6 year age group, with the 5-6 year age group having a higher average compared to the 3-4 year age group. Additionally, children at different age levels show significant differences in the richness of activities in indoor and outdoor environments. Based on the results obtained, the importance of creating and improving educational spaces, especially in preschool environments, for the healthy development and future impact of children is clearly evident.