Going Outside Improves Children's Health
Learn about the health benefits infants and toddlers gain from spending time outdoors.
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Learning Environments
Learning environments are nurturing spaces that support the development of all young children. They include classrooms, play spaces, areas for caregiving routines, and outdoor areas. Learning environments are well-organized and managed settings. They offer developmentally appropriate schedules, lesson plans, and indoor and outdoor chances for choice, play, exploration, and experimentation. Learning environments include age-appropriate equipment, materials, and supplies. They integrate home cultures and are flexible to support the changing ages, interests, and characteristics of a group of children over time. In home-based programs, the learning environment includes the home, community, and group socialization spaces.
Going Outside Strengthens Children's Development and Learning
Find out how spending time outdoors supports infants' and toddlers' Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) outcomes.
Going Outside Builds Children's Connection to Nature
Positive experiences with nature help infants and toddlers develop an appreciation for the natural world.
Going Outside Extends Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers
Learn about ELOF knowledge and skills infants and toddlers develop through a curriculum's outdoor experiences.
Considerations for Creating Safe and Stimulating Outdoor Play Spaces
Find out what makes good outdoor play spaces for infants and toddlers and explore guidelines for designing them.
A Closer Look at Safety Considerations
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.
When Availability of Outdoor Play Space Is an Issue
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.
Strategies for Maximizing Outdoor Learning Opportunities for Infants and Toddlers
Programs serving infants and toddlers should consider ways to facilitate and strengthen adult engagement with outdoor play and exploration.
Create a Program Culture that Supports Outdoor Play and Exploration
One way to build support for infant and toddler outdoor play and exploration is to develop a philosophy statement describing the program's beliefs. Learn about a process for developing the statement.
Identify and Grow "Outdoor-Friendly" Staff
Learn how to identify infant and toddler staff who are excited about or willing to increase their comfort with outdoor play. Find strategies for addressing adult discomfort or inexperience with the outdoors.
