Child Care Center Playgrounds
This guide ssists with the planning of an early childhood facilities outdoor space to achieve a successful natural environment for young children. This guide suggests equipment and materials that support a range of activities that children can enjoy outdoors.
Introduction
First and foremost in considering your playground, make sure that you become familiar with which regulations govern playground design and use. Ideally your playground project should be pursued in conjunction with a design professional who is familiar with child care design, safety standards and local regulatory codes. If you choose to not work with a professional it will be your responsibility to obtain copies of all applicable codes and regulations, speak with relevant officials and ensure all necessary standards are met. For more information on selecting a professional to help you with your project, please refer to the Fast Facts Tip Sheet on Selecting a Design Professional located at the back of this guide.
In addition to understanding state child care licensing regulations for outdoor playgrounds, you must also become familiar with any state or local fire or building codes that relate to how you design and equip your playground space. Also, if you are aspiring to achieve accreditation for your center through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) make sure that you understand the guidelines set out in those standards for children’s outdoor play areas.
At the end of this guide you will find a list of national organizations with guidelines governing the development of children’s playgrounds and playground safety. Please note in particular the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Handbook for Public Safety. It is also important to become familiar with the new rules regarding play areas for special needs children developed by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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