What To Do And Not To Do When Playing Outside At A Daycare Facility?

Outdoor play in early care and education (ECE) programs can have numerous benefits for children’s healthy development, but it also comes with risks of illness and injury. ECE providers can help keep children safe while they learn by providing a safe environment. Outdoor play encourages gross motor development, challenges children to become appraisers of risk, and helps develop cognitive and social skills.

To keep children safe outdoors, caregivers should provide opportunities for healthy, outdoor physical activity in child care. Outdoor play areas should be surrounded by a fence or border to ensure children stay within the designated area. Outdoor play should always be supervised.

Never leave children alone outside, teach them not to play near the street, and instruct them to ask for help if toys roll into the street or driveway. It is important to talk to children about the risks and dangers they may face when playing outdoors, as it improves their immunity and concentration.

Childcare centers should also monitor temperature and weather conditions to prevent injuries. Look out for things in the play area that can trip children, such as tree stumps or rocks. If outdoor play includes riding tricycles or riding tricycles, monitor air quality.

In summary, outdoor play in early care and education programs is essential for children’s development, but it also comes with risks of illness and injury. Caregivers should ensure that children have access to active play in nature and outdoors, and that outdoor play spaces are supervised and surrounded by a fence or border.


📹 Active Supervision Keeps Kids Safe

The first responsibility of child care teachers is child safety which is achieved through active supervision. Explore how to build …


When participating in outdoor activity what precautions are necessary?

Labor Day is a popular time for outdoor activities, and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) emphasizes the importance of staying safe during these activities. To stay safe, it is recommended to take plenty of water, wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, take breaks in the shade, carry a fully charged mobile phone, inform someone about your destination and expected return time, wear loose, lightweight clothing, and sturdy shoes with traction, follow all posted safety rules, and bring extra food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a multi-purpose tool, and a whistle.

How do you create a safe outdoor environment in childcare?
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How do you create a safe outdoor environment in childcare?

Outdoor safety tips for child care include never leaving children alone outside, teaching them not to play near the street, ensuring they ask for help if toys roll into the street or driveway, regularly checking the outdoor play area, removing trash, sharp branches, tools, lawn equipment, and animal feces, and setting up a safe outdoor environment.

To ensure children’s safety, it is essential to keep outdoor play areas fenced, especially near streets, parking lots, ponds, wells, or railroad tracks. Electrical appliances should be surrounded with fences to prevent children from reaching them, and gas grills should be removed. Keep gates closed and install childproof latches, and lock storage sheds, barns, and garages to prevent children from accessing them.

What is outdoor play examples?

Outdoor play is a natural way for children to engage in physical activity, benefiting their health and well-being. It encourages physical activity, burns energy, and helps prevent illnesses in adulthood. Outdoor play also provides children with space and freedom, encouraging more expansive movement, leading to good physical exercise and preventing obesity. Parents should allow children space and freedom to play outdoors, encouraging traditional activities like skipping. Outdoor play provides children with fun and benefits for their overall well-being.

How to manage outdoor play?
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How to manage outdoor play?

Outdoor play is a great opportunity for children to explore the outdoors, but it can also present safety challenges. To ensure children stay safe while playing outside, it is essential to always supervise them and be by their side when appropriate. This is especially important when children are playing around water. If children are playing on a structure like a playground, show them how to safely use the equipment before they play or test it yourself.

Teach children not to run out into the street or driveway, as many children play in their backyards, which means a neighborhood street is not too far away. Show them that if a ball or object goes into the street, they need to stay in the yard and get an adult to help them, even if they don’t see any cars around.

If it’s raining or you hear thunder, it’s best for everyone to go inside during a storm. Children should wear proper safety equipment, such as helmets for biking or skateboarding, and follow water safety rules when swimming.

Keep children protected from the sun by following sun safety tips to ensure they stay safe under the sun’s powerful rays. Stay hydrated and take breaks on warm days, as running around on a hot, sunny day can exhaust our bodies quickly.

Avoid touching unfamiliar plants or objects until you learn more about them. Show children how to safely interact with others, even if they are playing at home. By following these safety tips, children can enjoy outdoor play while learning new things and ensuring their safety.

What effect does playing outdoors have on a child's development?
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What effect does playing outdoors have on a child’s development?

Outdoor play and nature exploration can lead to physical and mental health benefits for children and teens. Physically, outdoor play improves motor development, lowers obesity rates and myopia risk, and helps make vitamin D. It also promotes curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, leading to improved learning outcomes. Research shows that children who spend time in nature have less anger, aggression, and impulse control, which can be beneficial when normal routines change.

Mentally, children with nature exposure experience lower stress and depression, increased focus, and reduced symptoms of ADHD. It is important to dress appropriately for the weather and use hand sanitizer during and after outdoor activities. Community leaders should ensure safe outdoor play spaces for all children, as getting outdoors and moving our bodies is beneficial for everyone.

What does Montessori say about outdoor play?
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What does Montessori say about outdoor play?

Outdoor physical activity is crucial for children’s development and can help establish lifelong habits. Montessori education prioritizes outdoor physical activity, providing students with daily opportunities to move and engage in free play on outdoor equipment. This approach teaches students about body care and provides hands-on learning experiences, such as gardening, botany, and zoology. Outdoor education can significantly enhance learning for Montessori students, as the outdoors are considered an extension of the classroom.

Applications of outdoor education can also help students develop an appreciation for nature. Spending time outside and learning about the elements of nature can help students develop a lifelong connection with nature. By observing the colors, sounds, sights, and textures of nature, students can develop a love for the outdoors and appreciate its contributions to everyday life. Overall, outdoor education is an extension of the Montessori classroom, enhancing students’ learning experiences and fostering a love for the outdoors.

What are the safety precautions for playgrounds?
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What are the safety precautions for playgrounds?

Playground safety is a crucial aspect of children’s development, as it helps prevent injuries and accidents. Parents should ensure that playgrounds are safe and secure for their children, as they are naturally curious and adventurous. This includes avoiding pushing, shoving, rough play, running on wet surfaces, climbing on equipment not meant for climbing, wearing loose clothing or accessories, and playing on broken or damaged equipment.

Common causes of playground injuries include falls from equipment, collisions with other children, entrapment in equipment, and inadequate supervision. By promoting playground safety and creating a nurturing environment, parents can minimize the risk of severe injuries and teach valuable life skills about risk assessment and precautions.

Understanding these common causes of playground injuries can help parents take appropriate measures to minimize risks and ensure a safe play environment for their children. By following these guidelines, parents can create a secure and enjoyable playground experience for their children, fostering a sense of responsibility and teaching valuable life skills.

How to set up an outdoor environment in childcare?
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How to set up an outdoor environment in childcare?

Outdoor classroom day is a program designed to promote outdoor learning and play in children’s homes and early childhood settings. It encourages children to create their own outdoor play experiences, store equipment at their level, and ensure safety by involving them in setting rules. The day also encourages children to choose activities that interest them and provide spaces for children to play together.

Additional resources include service approval videos, transcripts, and information on low-cost and sustainable ways to enhance the physical environment, risky play, children’s wellbeing, and the benefits of a forest-based yard. The program also emphasizes the importance of staying safe during the summer and incorporating gardening into daily activities.

What is outdoor play in childcare?

Outdoor activities provide children with the opportunity to explore their environment, appreciate nature, and engage in physical activity. These experiences facilitate the development of fine and gross motor skills, challenge physical limitations, and encourage a hands-on approach to learning. It is imperative that outdoor time be incorporated into the daily programs of all children, including infants.

What are the disadvantages of outdoor games?
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What are the disadvantages of outdoor games?

Outdoor games are weather-dependent and have a higher risk of injury due to their physical nature and potential environmental hazards. Indoor games, on the other hand, are weather-independent and can be played year-round. They are convenient and accessible, often played at home or at a local facility, and typically have a lower risk of injury compared to outdoor games due to the controlled environment.


📹 Owning and operating a Childcare Center Q&A

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What To Do And Not To Do When Playing Outside At A Daycare Facility
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Rae Fairbanks Mosher

I’m a mother, teacher, and writer who has found immense joy in the journey of motherhood. Through my blog, I share my experiences, lessons, and reflections on balancing life as a parent and a professional. My passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom as I write about the challenges and blessings of raising children. Join me as I explore the beautiful chaos of motherhood and share insights that inspire and uplift.

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2 comments

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  • I love this! I think states are going to have to rethink the landscape of ratios if the issues with staffing continues. In NC they’re now discussing allowing home providers the option to offer pre-k programs. Still doesn’t put a dent in the problem of quality and space. I’m also curious about how you offer diapers and wipes-do you build this into your monthly rate? How were you able to anticipate the amount needed each week when you first started? Finally, I’m still in the home but my hope is to do a full Summer program for all students enrolled. That way teachers can keep up with their own group and ages don’t have to be blended in every event. Just a thought that I hope helps, as you have provided me with so much information and motivation over the last few years!

  • I love your blogs as I mentioned before I have been subscribed to your website since you were doing home daycare. As I said I worked in the childcare field for 20yrs both in center daycare & as a private nanny. In the daycares I’ve worked in the parents always provided the diapers/wipes. I just wanted to know? you provide them. I think it would be more cost effective if the parents provided the diapers/ wipes. Just curious.

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