Article

Research shows young children are spending less time outdoors engaging in active play and exploring the natural world. This trend has significant adverse effects on young children's health and development.

Domestic violence can have long-term effects on children and families. Learn ways Head Start programs help families overcome the stress and trauma of domestic violence to heal and thrive.

Explore four benefits of outdoor play and exploration for infants and toddlers: improved health; strengthened development and learning; connection to nature; and extended curriculum.

Learn about the health benefits infants and toddlers gain from spending time outdoors.

Find out how spending time outdoors supports infants' and toddlers' Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) outcomes.

Positive experiences with nature help infants and toddlers develop an appreciation for the natural world.

Learn about ELOF knowledge and skills infants and toddlers develop through a curriculum's outdoor experiences.

Find out what makes good outdoor play spaces for infants and toddlers and explore guidelines for designing them.

Safety concerns often interfere with infants' and toddlers' active participation in outdoor play. Learn how to balance outdoor play with safety, outdoor policies, and other safety practices and procedures.

Review options for infant and toddler outdoor play and exploration when programs have limited outdoor play space, lack of outdoor play space, or few safe places to go.