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Examining correlates of outdoor play in childcare centres

Madison Predy1, Nick Holt1, Valerie Carson2

  • 1Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.

Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne De Sante Publique
|September 17, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Childcare centres offer less outdoor play in winter. Interventions are needed to increase children's outdoor time, especially during colder months, focusing on educator training and play areas.

Area of Science:

  • Child Health
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Childcare centres are crucial settings for promoting outdoor play in young children.
  • Outdoor play is essential for physical, cognitive, and social development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess average outdoor play duration and frequency for toddlers and preschoolers in childcare.
  • To compare outdoor play between winter and non-winter months.
  • To identify factors associated with outdoor play duration and frequency.

Main Methods:

  • 240 childcare directors in Alberta, Canada, completed a questionnaire on outdoor play.
  • Data were analyzed using chi-squared tests and logistic regression.
  • Centres were classified based on meeting best practices for outdoor play duration and frequency.

Main Results:

  • More centres met best practices for outdoor play duration and frequency in non-winter months compared to winter for both age groups.
  • Outdoor play correlates varied by age and season.
  • Educator certification, professional development, and play areas were consistent correlates.

Conclusions:

  • Outdoor play in childcare varies significantly by season, with less time observed in winter.
  • Interventions to boost outdoor play are recommended, particularly for northern childcare centres during winter.
  • Focusing on educator qualifications and quality of play spaces may enhance outdoor play opportunities.
Abstract

Keywords:
Child day care centresChild, preschoolMotor activityPlay and playthings

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