DOUBLE TAP TO ZOOM WITH PHONE OR TABLET Launch the Process of Transforming an Environment Whether inspired by this book, a study tour, rating scale, or images you’ve seen online, beginning to change your environment shouldn’t be about some decorating ideas or a quick fix. Be clear about the ideas, purpose, and values underpinning any changes you want to make. Significant transfor- mation requires observing and listening, and careful thinking and rethink- ing, ideally through a process that gathers the perspectives and investment of others. Whether you do this work in isolation as a staff member or with the support of an outside consultant or volunteer, it is important to work with clear values and priorities. We offer in this book a protocol for launching this transformation process and a set of examples from different settings. B e fo r e Refugee and Immigrant Family Center (RIF), Sound Child Care Solutions, Seattle, WA Af te r When this center came under new management, their first task was to begin to transform the classrooms. With support from a design consultation, a color pallet was chosen to soften the room and tie together different elements, such as the wall colors, bulletin boards, and rugs. Neutral wicker chairs were chosen, not only to replace the disarray of primary-colored plastic ones, but to reflect an aspect of furnishings found in many of the Asian countries their families come from. Added curtains, beads, and paper globe lights contribute to the new cozy, homelike feeling. Each of these new design elements were put into a book for the incoming teachers and families, helping them understand why these changes better serve the children. When the program’s budget got replenished, their next goal was to de-clutter and replace many of the learning materials on the shelves. 30  [   Chapter 1 COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL