10. Outdoor Space

Question 1

Outdoor Space

Answer 1

~ outdoor space must be large enough to keep children from getting hurt by colliding into one another or being hit when children are using equipment, such as swings
~ outdoor play areas must be clean and free of litter, nails, glass, and other hazards
~ child care personnel must be able to clearly see all children at all times
~ there must be shade available in the outdoor play space, which may be provided by trees, buildings, or structures
~ metal and dark-colored surfaces may not be utilized in direct sunlight if children come into direct contact with them because of how hot they become

Question 2

Exceptions and Conditions

Answer 2

~ programs that are designated as urban child care facilities may substitute indoor play space for outdoor play space if there is no outdoor play area available; however, the indoor play space must include additional square footage, appropriate air ventilation, and developmentally appropriate equipment
~ the additional indoor play space must allow for 45 square feet of usable space per child for 25% of the licensed capacity of the program
~ indoor recreational facilities and evening child care programs are not required to provide outdoor play space as long as there is an indoor play area that promotes gross motor skill development

Question 3

Outdoor Play Areas

Answer 3

~ outdoor play areas must be fenced or walled to prevent children from accessing water hazards, traffic areas, and other dangerous spaces
~ the fencing must be a minimum of four feet in height and remain at ground level. The fencing must be continuous and have no gaps larger than 3 ½ inches so children do not exit the space
~ the fence must be free from erosion and buildup to prevent access by children or animals
~ outdoor play areas must have two exits with at least one being remote from the building, except for programs with outdoor play areas approved prior to this regulation being implemented

Question 4

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Answer 4

School-age child care programs may request permission from the licensing authority to operate under an exception to usable outdoor space. For example, the program may have limited green space, but there is a gymnasium available for use to accommodate gross motor activity.

Question 5

Because of the age of the children, school-age child care programs may operate without a fence if all of the following are met:

Answer 5

• An additional staff person beyond the staff-to-child ratio is present at all times during outdoor activities
• The outdoor play area is bordered by a road or street open to travel by the public with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour (mph) or less, or a road or street with a speed limit of 35 mph or less and the playground is a minimum of 30 feet from the edge of the road
• It is approved by the licensing authority to operate without a fence