Keeping Children Safe Outdoors |

Health & Safety in Early Childhood Education, Learning Environment, Outdoor Play, Professional Development

Keeping Children Safe Outdoors

Playing outside supports large motor development, self-discovery, creativity and imagination. Because we know how important this developmental area is, we as caregivers, need to make sure it is safe for the children to explore. Read more about keeping children safe outdoors, specifically in your early childhood program.

4 young children playing on playground equipment

Planning and Preparing for Outdoor Play

Make the plan and preparation necessary before children go outdoors. Whether you have a traditional playground or a natural play space, preparing and planning is the first step in keeping children safe.

Check Falls Zone areas
Create surfacing for falls
Allow access to shade
Check over your toys and equipment for broken or items needed to be repaired.
Check the surface of the play area. Remember metal can get hot or cold depending on the temperature.
Provide access to water for the children.
Make sure your First Aid Kit is Accessible and transportable to take with you. Using a Back-Pack, Butt-Pack, or something you can sling over your shoulder is a great transportable First Aid Kit and don’t forget the disposable ice packs.

Active Supervision for Keeping Children Safe Outdoors

Active supervision outdoors allows us to provide the safety of the children, while engaging fully in their exploration. Supervision of fall zones, and safety hazards prevent possible injury and accidents from occuring. Adults supervising the playground should be strategically placed where there are fall zones, or risky play opportunities. This allows for some “gotcha” moments.

Risky Play… Is O.K.

The integration of loose parts, or open-ended, unstructured materials, into play environments, has been associated with positive social behaviors, creativity, and improved problem-solving, confidence, and resilience.

Providing Risky Play is encouraged, but should be prepared. Look for possible areas where you can prevent unnecessary injury. You can add additional fall surfaces on really high levels, and add more supervision for the “just in case” scenario.

accident report form for child care centers

Outdoor play is so beneficial for children, and as the weather gets warmer and outdoor play times get longer, the opportunities increase for children. We can create the safest environment by being intentional in our planning, preparation, and supervision while children are busy investigating the world around them.

READ Connecting Themes and Curriculum to Outdoor Learning

For more on outdoor play and safety, check out these great professional development opportunities:

Kathy Banks, EdD. Early Childhood Education

Kathy Banks, Professional Development Lead for brightwheel, has 36 years of early childhood education experience. She has held various positions, including teacher, director, multi-site director, Head Start director, CCR&R, and QRIS Director. She currently adjuncts at several colleges and universities and continues to support and inspire educators through training and practical strategies. Kathy has her Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education and is a nationally certified Family and Consumer Science Developmental Educator. Her experience and education make her a scholarly expert in child development and the realities and challenges of teaching and directing every day.