Outdoor Play Policy

 

When children are outdoors, they like to run, jump, climb, and use all the large muscles in their bodies. They need space to work out and let off steam. They can race around, breathe the fresh air, look at the clouds, or catch a ball or a bug. They not only satisfy their physical need for large muscle activity but also develop a sense of wonder about the miracles that take place in nature. What better place to be than inside the park, where we have ample areas and materials to practice and teach developmental/age appropriate gross motor skills.

Please be aware that outdoor play is a vital part of our curriculum, as well as a requirement to meet the NAEYC Accreditation Criteria for Health Standards and comply with the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale.

During the school year, we will provide outdoor activities on a daily basis weather permitting.

According to the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale it states, “Weather permitting means that children should go outside almost every day, unless there is active precipitation or public announcements that advise people to remain indoors. In addition to the weather permitting guidelines specified above, dangerous weather conditions that could potentially be harmful to children will also be acceptable reasons for not going outside, such as threat of severe weather (ex. hurricanes, tornadoes, thunder storms).”

 

Classroom Clothing

Families are required to provide a complete, extra set of clothing (including shirt, pants, underwear, and socks) in case of accidents. A set of clothing that is appropriate for the time of year should be supplied to your child’s classroom at each change of season. All clothing must be labeled with your child’s name.

Appropriate attire is essential for children to fully participate in all facets of our program. Families are encouraged to dress their child(ren), so they will not be inhibited from participating in active play inside and outside of the classroom.

 

Outdoor Play

To better protect your child(ren), we request that families comply with the criteria listed below:

During winter season and cold weather is present, we request that children’s clothing be dry and layered for warmth. Children should have mittens, scarves, and hats in addition to warm coats. We prefer that children wear mittens because they are easier for them to manage than gloves. Though some children’s coats may have hoods, hats are warmer, especially for outdoor play. Outdoor play in the snow will be determined based on the temperature outside. Please provide proper clothing and footwear (snow pants and waterproof boots). All items should be labeled.

During warm weather, we request that you send your child(ren) to school with sun‐ protective clothing, such as a hat. Please apply sunscreen or sun block with UVA and UVB protection of SPF 15 or higher. It is important to stay hydrated when active outside in warm weather you may provide a sealed labeled water bottle daily.

We also ask that parents monitor the weather reports in order to provide their child(ren) with a waterproof poncho, when there is expected rainfall.

 

Footwear

We also request that your child(ren) only wear closed toe shoes while in our care. We ask families to comply with this request for the safety of your child(ren) in an effort to prevent injuries that may otherwise occur when wearing shoes that do not provide proper toe protection. During rainy days you may send your child to school in rain boots. You may also send in an extra pair of shoes if you’d like your child to change inside the classroom. When your child(ren) has Gym/Special, please adhere to our school’s policy and wear sneakers.

Parents should ensure that their child(ren) are dressed for the elements prior to sending them to school each morning. With your support and cooperation, we can work together to provide a safe and engaging environment for the children.

 

 

 

Warm Weather Outdoor Play Reminder

During warm weather, we request that you send your child(ren) to school with sun‐ protective clothing, such as a hat. Please apply sunscreen or sun block with UVA and UVB protection of SPF 15 or higher. It is important to stay hydrated when active outside in warm weather you may provide a sealed labeled water bottle daily.

We also ask that parents monitor the weather reports in order to provide their child(ren) with a waterproof poncho, when there is expected rainfall.

Parents should ensure that their child(ren) are dressed for the elements prior to sending them to school each morning. With your support and cooperation we can work together to provide a safe and engaging environment for the children.

 

  

Winter Season Outdoor Play/Cold & Rain Weather Requirements

Dear Parent(s),

Please be aware that outdoor play is a vital part of our curriculum, as well as a requirement to meet the NAEYC Accreditation Criteria for Health Standards and comply with the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale. During the school year, we will provide an estimated 15 to 30 minutes of outdoor activities on a daily basis weather permitting.

In the winter, we ask that families send appropriate clothing for outdoor play boots, warm jacket, hat, and mittens.

We also ask that parents monitor the weather reports in order to provide their child(ren) with a waterproof poncho, when there is expected rainfall.

Please label all of your child’s clothing. The children do not always recognize their hats, mittens, jackets, boots, etc. when the seasons have just changed. We prefer that children wear mittens because they are easier for them to manage than gloves.

Parents should ensure that their child(ren) are dressed for the elements prior to sending them to school each morning. With your support and cooperation, we can work together to provide a safe and engaging environment for the children.

 

Juego al aire libre 

 

Queridas familias,

 

Cuando los niños están al aire libre, les gusta correr, saltar, trepar y usar todos los grandes músculos de sus cuerpos. Necesitan espacio para trabajar y liberarse. Pueden correr alrededor, respirar el aire fresco, mirar las nubes una pelota. No sólo satisfacen su necesidad física para la actividad de los músculos grandes pero también desarrollan un sentido sobre los milagros que ocurren en la naturaleza. Dentro del parque tenemos áreas amplias y materiales para practicar y enseñar habilidades de motor grueso que son apropiadas para su desarrollo y edad.

Por favor tenga en cuenta que el juego al aire libre es una parte vital de nuestro plan de estudios, así como un requisito para cumplir con los Criterios de Acreditación de Health Standards de NAEYC.

Durante el año escolar, proveeremos actividades al aire libre diariamente si el tiempo lo permite.

De acuerdo con La Evaluación del Ambiente declara: "El permitir el tiempo significa que los niños deben salir afuera casi todos los días, a menos que haya una precipitación activa o anuncios públicos que aconsejen a las personas que permanezcan en el interior. Además de las directrices meteorológicas permitidas anteriormente, las condiciones meteorológicas peligrosas que podrían ser perjudiciales para los niños también serán razones aceptables para no salir afuera, como la amenaza de mal tiempo (por ejemplo, huracanes, tornados, tormentas).

 

 Juego al aire en tiempos cálidos