PROGRAM PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT * 2 HOURS * LEVEL 2
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Lighting and Shade
Access to sun and shade is beneficial to children while they play outdoors. Light exposure of the skin to sunlight promotes the production of vitamin D that growing children require for bone development and immune system health.
Exposure to sun is needed, but children must be protected from excessive exposure.
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Slides, Swings and Climbing Equipment
There needs to be sufficient space around swings, slides, etc., for children and adults to move around safely on the play area.
All climbing, swinging, and sliding equipment should be secured to the ground and stable. Concrete footings and anchors for this equipment must not be visible.
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Swings generally require more space than is available in many child care center outdoor play areas.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines recommend that you have a minimum distance of twice the height from the pivot point to the protective surfacing (both in front of and in back of the swings). If the distance from the ground to the pivot point measures 6 feet, the use zone for swings would be 12 feet in front of the swing and 12 feet to the rear.
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Riding toys can provide much enjoyment for children. However, because of their high center of gravity and speed, they often cause injuries in young children. Wheels with spokes can potentially cause entrapment injuries.
Wearing helmets when children are learning to use riding toys or wheeled equipment teaches children the practice of wearing helmets while using any riding toy or wheeled equipment.
Children should remove their helmets when they are no longer using a riding toy or wheeled equipment because helmets can be a potential strangulation hazard if they are worn for other activities (such as playing on playground equipment, climbing trees, etc.) and/or worn incorrectly.
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Guardrails are designed to protect against falls from elevated surfaces, but do not discourage climbing or protect against climbing through or under. Protective barriers protect against all three and provide greater protection. Guardrails are not recommended to use for infant and toddlers; protective barriers should be used instead.
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New Enrollments Set-Up
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