Outdoor Play and Safety

"Outdoor Play and Safety for Children in ECE

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Being active and playing outdoors are an important part of childhood. Playing outside can have many benefits for children’s healthy development and can help them develop healthy bodies and healthy minds. Outdoor time provides opportunities for children in early care and education (ECE) programs to enjoy the outdoors, but spending time outside can also introduce illness and injury, dangers associated with water, and exposure to the sun and heat. ECE providers can help to keep children safe while they learn and stay active outside.

Benefits of Outdoor Play in ECE Settings

Healthy Bodies

Outdoor play is a great way to get children to move and stay physically active, which protects their health in childhood and throughout life. For ECE programs, going outside can mean having more space to jump, run, climb, and have fun. Children learn through free play and need opportunities to take risks, test their limits, and learn new skills. Being physically active by playing outdoors and in nature can help children develop strong bodies and meet important developmental milestones for movement and physical development. Time spent in bright sunlight can also reduce nearsightedness.

Healthy Minds

Moving and staying active are important for having a healthy brain. Playing and exploring the outdoors can give children new experiences. When the weather is not too cold or too hot, ECE programs can take children to the playground or on walks to look at new sights and experience new sounds. Being outdoors often enables children to try different games and practice skills that help them meet milestones in learning, language, and emotions. Studies show that time spent playing outside can help children by improving their grades, attention spans, and behavior.

Ways to Keep Children Safe and Healthy While Playing Outside

Playing outside comes with many benefits, but it also comes with possible risks from exposure to sun, heat, and bugs, and from health and safety hazards associated with playgrounds and water play. By properly planning outside playtime, ECE providers can promote ways to stay healthy and safe outdoors.."
Outdoor Play