Outdoor play is essential to healthy development for young children.  Licensing and quality improvement standards are being established all over the country to ensure that children have access to adequate amounts of time and appropriate spaces for outdoor exploration.

Research from a variety of sources shows that outdoor play can produce these benefits:

• Better physical health
• Strengthened gross motor skills
• Reduced obesity
• Improved attention
• Stronger immune system
• Reduced stress
• Enhanced self-regulation
• Stronger connections to nature

With summer approaching, it is important to remind ourselves of the importance of not only providing enhanced outdoor play experiences but doing so safely. Maintaining safety depends greatly on careful and attentive supervision, which is part of your daily practice. However, it is important to reflect on the environment and our planned activities to ensure we are prepared for circumstances that accompany summer play.

In this issue of the CCEI newsletter, we will explore ways to keep children safe, while promoting the healthy benefits of outdoor play.

For the article Keeping Children Safe from the Heat and Sun, CLICK HERE

For the article Keeping Children Safe near Water, CLICK HERE

For the article Keeping Children Safe While Gardening, CLICK HERE

For the article Keeping Children Safe on Walks and Field Trips, CLICK HERE