Successful Solutions Professional Development LLC
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(Unit 1) Topic 3: Life on the Playground

Playground Q & A​

Let’s continue by addressing some common questions about playgrounds at licensed child care facilities. ​

​Topic 3 Page 3

Click here to take notes.

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How much time outside do the children in my care need? ​
The older the child, the more outdoor time is required. Infants may need only a few brief forays out into the sunshine. Outdoor play for infants includes riding in a carriage or stroller; however, infants should also be offered opportunities for gross motor play outdoors. Toddlers and young preschoolers should spend at least 15 minutes playing outside in the morning and afternoon. School-age children need longer periods of outdoor playtime, especially after a full day of school.

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How do I know if the outdoor space is big enough?
The outdoor play area should contain a minimum of 75 usable square feet per child using the play area at any one time. If the center uses a rotational schedule of outdoor play periods so that only a portion of the child population uses the play area at one time, you may reduce the size of the children’s play area correspondingly.

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What constitutes “inclement weather” for outdoor play?
​​Cold, mud, and puddles are not excuses to keep children indoors. The National Weather Service identifies weather that poses a significant health risk as wind chill at or below 15°F and heat index at or above 90°F. You may be able to get the children outside briefly, when there is a break in the weather. Be sure to keep your schedule flexible.

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What do I do if a child gets hurt outside? 
Playground injuries are the leading cause of injury to children in childcare and to children ages 5 to 14 in schools. Because of this, educators need to be prepared to handle common emergencies and injuries that will occur on the playground. You will need to have access to a first aid kit while outside and will want to check that kit frequently. Follow protocol for administering first aid just as you would indoors. For more information on that, you can refer to your director or licensor. ​

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Some parents and guardians do not dress their children appropriately for outdoor play during cold times of the year. What should I do? ​
Let your parents know that it is important to send their children to the center with suitable outdoor gear. Make this known on your monthly newsletter and/or your parent board as the weather starts to turn. Always have stock of extra clean clothes in your classroom in case a child does come dressed inappropriately to your classroom (i.e. jackets, gloves, hats, etc.). You will need to launder after each use.  ​

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What types of equipment does the playground need to have? 
​There are no specific requirements for what play structures you should have on your playground. However, you should provide a variety of age-appropriate play equipment for climbing, pulling, pushing, riding and balancing activities. ​

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Does the outdoor area need to be fenced?
You should fence the outdoor play area to:
  • Prevent unauthorized people from entering, and
  • Prevent children from escaping and having access to hazardous areas​
At a minimum fences and gates should:  
  • Be safe and maintained in good repair, and
  • Be designed to discourage climbing and prevent entrapment.
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  • "Be Careful! I Might Kick You!", Teacher Tom, March 23, 2017
  • 30 Classic Games for Outdoor Play, Jenny Williams
  • Games to engage kids in safe and healthy play
  • 8 Active Games for Kids, Care.com
  • Making Indoor Recess Work, PLAYWORKS for every kid​
  • Friendship Park: A Playground For Children With Disabilities
  • Universal Design in the Playground of Inclusion​
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(Unit 1) Topic 3: Life on the Playground * Navigation Menu
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Successful Solutions Training in Child Development

Address: PO Box 727, Burley, WA 98322-0727  * www.mycdaclass.com
Copyright 2018.  Successful Solutions Professional Development LLC.  
All Rights Reserved. Updated May 8, 2018

Successful Solutions Professional Development LLC BBB Business Review
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Saturday & Sunday     9  am – 8  pm
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(360) 602-0960 

Email

info@mycdaclass.com
  • Terms of Use for Online Courses
Registrations that are submitted after enrollment hours will be processed the next morning.  You will receive an email with your log-in information to access the course within an hour after we open the next business day.
  • Unit 1 Home Page
    • About Us
    • About the Trainers
    • Blog
    • CDA Credentialing Process
    • CDA Success Stories
    • Course Synopsis
    • Technical Requirements
    • Terms of Use
    • What is a CDA?
  • Enroll Now
    • Washington STARS
  • Student Log-In
  • Contact
  • CDA Virtual Classroom
    • Unit 1
    • Unit 2
    • Unit 3
    • Unit 4
    • Unit 5
    • Unit 6
    • Unit 7
    • Unit 8