The prepared environment allows the child to develop without constant assistance and supervision from an adult.

All the furniture and work materials are sized right for children, giving the child full freedom to move-about and explore. This also allows the child to be more active and the Director / Teacher more passive. The environment does not contain unnecessary objects that hinder his development, nor does it contain materials that are broken or incomplete. The work-material is kept out on the shelves and may be used by the child whenever he/she desires. Because the materials are always stored in the same place, the child can always locate them. It is part of the child’s work-cycle to return used material to its designated place in the classroom, so that others may use it. As part of the Practical Life activities, the children learn to keep their environment in order and generally clean and tidy. This also fulfills the child’s innate Sensitive Period for Order.

One of the main duties of the Montessori teacher is to keep the prepared environment in perfect, orderly condition.