Outdoor Space
- Outdoor play equipment should provide a range of challenges for the ages served. It must be safe for all ages and inspected regularly. Metal slides should be avoided.
- Climbing equipment and swings need to have appropriate surfacing material in their fall zones (e.g. – organic loose fill such as wood chips, sand, pea stone, shredded rubber, etc) and have sufficient clearance between pieces of equipment.
- You may want to provide several age appropriate riding vehicles for the children to use.
- Adequate shade will increase the children’s comfort level and amount of time you can spend outside.
- Outdoor space for infants and toddlers requires interesting places for crawling, a variety of safe surfaces, and be protected from active play of older children.
- You may want to consult with the following resources regarding outdoor play equipment:
- State licensing regulations
- The US Consumer Product Safety Commission
- The American Society for Testing and Materials
- The International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association
There are numerous vendors that sell equipment and materials for early childhood programs. You can research this information on-line.
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