Creating and Enriching Quality and Safe Outdoor Environments - Vol 41 - Part 3

Oct 15, 2026

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Creating and Enriching Quality and Safe Outdoor Environments examines how early childhood educators and programs can design outdoor spaces that are both stimulating and safe. It outlines why outdoor environments matter for physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth, noting that outdoor play supports learning, discovery, communication, and stress reduction. The article also presents safety standards and a practical framework for building quality outdoor environments, supported by examples and research evidence.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Creating and Enriching Quality and Safe Outdoor Environments

Dimensions of Early Childhood

Our Discussion

Outdoor Play

Creating and Enriching Quality and Safe Outdoor Environments Can teachers of young children create stimulating and enriching out- Heather Olsen door environments that are also safe? This article will give you lots of excellent suggestions. I was asked to be part ofa playground planning committee a few years ago for an early childhood program, called Play Everyday Child Care. Play Everyday Child Care is a non-profit organization, operating under policies set by an independent board of directors. The center’s fee-scaling program is supported by a local United Way. Play Everyday Child Care is located in a middle class community of 9,800 community members. The program was licensed for 140 children ages birth through five years and the program is open from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m., five days a week, throughout the year. The planning committee had a diverse mix of staff including the center director, one teacher from every classroom, two support staff members, one parent who hada child with cerebral palsy, a board member, and myself (the independent consultant) . When I arrived to the first meeting, it was obvious that each person was truly excited about the future of Play Everyday Child Care. The first statement of the planning meeting was from the director who proceeded to tell the committee that the new building proposal for the center was passed fora projected $3 million. Then, the director said,“I asked you all here today so we could design the playground.”My response-“Does the program have a budget for the playground?” The director replied,“No. Honestly, we haven’t discussed the playground up until today.” As can be interpreted from the playground planning committee, fortunately, outdoor spaces in early childhood programs play an important role in the daily schedule. In fact, the outdoor environment plays a vital role for young children as the space can help in the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of all children. Unfortunately, the outdoor space is often the last area that is discussed or planned into curriculum. The opening story is too often familiar with early child Dimensions of Early Childhood Our Discussion Myself: “Do you believe that when children are at your program from 6 am to 6 pm, they are learning?” Committee Members: “Yes” Myself: “Does staff strive for a quality and safe environment when the children are here during the 12 hours you are open?”Committee Members: “Yes” Myself: “How much time is allocated for children to be outside?” Committee Members: “3 ½ hours” Myself: “Applause to the staff because that is about 30% of the day. Does the program believe children are learning when they are outside?” Committee Members: “Yes” Myself: “Does the program want to provide a quality and safe outdoor environment?” Committee Members: “Yes” Myself: “Since the program has a $3 million building project approved and the program spends 30% of time each day outside…and, the committee agreed that children learn outside….and the committee believes the outdoor playground is part of the program, then Iam projecting a $900,000 outdoor classroom.” Committee Members: (a long silent pause) Director: “We just don’t have that kind of money to put in the playground. But, we definitely want a playground.” Myself: “How about this group places the term “playground” on the shelf and uses the phrase “planning for a quality and safe outdoor learning environment?” Committee Members: “Great!” hood programs. The outdoor space is an after-thought. Play Everyday Child Care had spent close to three years planning and seeking approval for the new building and location, but did not even discuss the outdoor space. Vol 41, No 3, 2013 11 Creating and Enriching Quality and Safe Outdoor Environments This article highlights early childhood outdoor safety standards and presents a framework for creating quality and SAFE™ outdoor environments in early childhood programs that support ch

FAQs

Why are outdoor environments important in early childhood programs?

Outdoor spaces play a vital role in children’s physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development, offering opportunities for developmentally appropriate practice.

How much time is allocated for children to be outside in the discussion?

The committee members report 3 ½ hours outside, described as about 30% of the program day.

What does the article emphasize about quality outdoor play?

Quality outdoor play spaces should be intriguing and appropriate, inviting children to discover and learn while engaging in play that supports communication and exploration.

Oct 15, 2026

Upload by dhado