ABSTRACT

Early Childhood educators help foster and build a strong foundation during the early stage of a child's development. Teachers support the child's development in multiple ways. When provided with enriched outdoor play equipment and materials, teachers can incorporate and plan outdoor activities that foster children's development. Through various activities and interactions, outdoor play equipment will enhance motor, social, emotional, and cognitive skills. It will also promote responsibility and conflict resolution skills that will transcend from the playground to their classroom, home, and community. Grant funds will help support creating a developmentally appropriate outdoor play environment that will foster the development of children. Outdoor play is an extension of the classroom and provides lots of learning and development opportunities. However, outdoor play tends to be an overlooked part of educational services. Outdoor play equipment can help foster children's development goals. Equipment and materials include a river stone, clappers, balls, scooter boards, tricycles, play tunnels, mini trampoline, mini climbing wall, sandbox, art easels, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, and magnifying glass.