Space and Design

• Is there an unobstructed view of the children at all times?
• Is there easy access to and from the indoor space used by the program?
• Is there easy access to restrooms?
• Is there a drinking fountain?
• Is there a water spigot for attaching a hose?
• Is there age-appropriate equipment for climbing, swinging, and building?
• Is there a storage shed?
• Are there soft materials like sawdust, sand, or bark under swings, slides, and climbers?
• Are there sunny and shady areas?
• Are there paved or hard surfaces for riding, chalk, etc.?
• Is there a covered area for use in wet weather?
• Is there a place to be alone or with one or two other children?
• Is there open, grassy space for running, kicking, throwing, etc.?
• Is there an area for digging?

Safety

• Is the area free from litter?
• Are any materials or equipment damaged?
• Do you see rust, splinters, or cracks in any equipment?
• Are there obvious hazards (s-hooks on swings, sharp edges, places to pinch fingers)?
• Are there large rocks or roots that may trip children?
• Are there protective surfaces under climbers, swings, and slides?

Spaces for Learning

(Note: Indoor activities are extended into outdoor areas. However, it may not be possible to set up the outdoor area with every indoor interest area (e.g., kitchen), and that’s OK.)

• Is there a sand or water area?
• Is there a space for sitting and reading books?
• Are there dramatic play materials (e.g., picnic props)?
• Are there blocks?
• Are there props for imaginative play (tubes, boxes, ramps)?
• Are there wheeled toys?
• Are there objects for throwing (balls, beanbags)?
• Are there sand and water toys?
• Are there materials for art or writing?
• Are there opportunities for music (bells, cymbals, materials that make noise when struck, radio for dancing)?
• Are there tools for exploration (binoculars, magnifying glasses, thermometers)?
• Are there tools or objects for building or exploring simple machines (pulleys, ramps, blocks, pipes)?
• Are there plants?
• Are children encouraged to take care of plants?
• Are there opportunities to take walks?