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Page 1: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Outdoor Learning Environments and

Risk Management

2011 Birth To Three InstituteBethann Smith

Kansas I/T and Education Manager

Page 2: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

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Outcomes

Become knowledgeable of children’s abilities, linking domains with outdoor environments.Gain knowledge of Safety Recommendations for children ages 6 months to 4 years. Be aware of outdoor environment hazards to reduce the severity of life & debilitating injuries.

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Outdoor Time - Reduced

• Emphasis on academic learning has led to changes in some programs.

• Research indicates that removing outdoor play may actually undermine intended achievement-oriented outcomes.

• Play enhances attention, memory, self-regulation, and overall academic achievement throughout childhood .

• (Castelli, et. al., 2007; Pellegrini, & Bohn, 2005).

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Page 4: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Physical Play

Research studies have determined that play contributes to cognitive, perceptual and language development.

It has been long understood by educators and developmental scientists that motor play contributes to healthy physical development.

Page 5: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Quality Outdoor Learning Space

Quality outdoor environments must be challenging to promote children learning.

The highest predictor of increased physical activity level in young children is the quality of the program they are enrolled in.

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Page 6: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Infant and Toddlers

An important intellectual accomplishment of the first 2 years of life is learning about cause and effect.

As babies develop they differentiate between actions & consequences and intentionally make things occur.

Motor play contributes to this thinking.

Infants solve problems by using “tools” to achieve their goals.

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Moving and Thinking

Young children’s motor development is a powerful predictor of cognitive abilities in the elementary years (Piek, et. al., 2008). Movement is tied to processing speed and memory.

Why? Movement facilitates the development of new connections (synapses) among brain cells & the overall organization of the brain.

(Gabbard, 1998; Rakison, & Woodward, 2008).

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Page 8: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Selection of Motor Play Equipment

Researchers believe…Equipment should be chosen to carry out specific activities that meet motor learning goals.

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Page 9: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

MovementMore parts of the brain are activated when children are moving.Activates the part that allows the processing of visual information (visual association cortex).Develops the ability to accurately interpret information being received by different senses at the same time.Promotes the ability to coordinate the different regions responsible for sensory-based learning.

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Page 10: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Moving & Social-Emotional Development

Toddlers are;• Becoming more expressive.• Learning about others…feelings,

temperament and abilities.• Beginning making friends.• Beginning acceptance or rejection by

peers.• Beginning to see conflicts.• Beginning verbally expressing feelings.

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Page 11: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Children with Disabilities

Adults should model motor behaviors for children.

More complex movements may require direct guidance and instruction particularly for children with disabilities.

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Page 12: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Equipment Used by Several Children

Enhances social development of children with intellectual disabilities, and visual impairments.

…Rocking boats, swings, tubes children can crawl through.

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Page 13: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Age of Children

Younger children require more attentive supervision and assistance on how to use equipment.

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Page 14: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Travel Patterns

Children’s brains are focused on emerging or refining motor skills

May not be focused on safety (running in front of a swing) .

Balance…going up is easier than coming down.

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Page 15: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Public Playground Risk Management

Very few states have regulations that are law.Goal is to reduce life-threatening and debilitating injuries.Reduce lawsuits.Identify non-compliant or damaged playground environment.Show good intent to the public.

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Page 16: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

General Playground Considerations

Toddlers 6 months to 24 monthsPreschoolers 24 months to 5 yearsSchool Agers 5 years to12 years

NO hope of having injury-free play areas!Knowledge & application improve safety!

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Page 17: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Playground Injury Overview

More than 220,000 US, children 2 to 12 years are injured annually

76% occur on Public Playgrounds45% on school sites10% in commercial daycare31% on park sites

24% on Residential Playgrounds

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Playground Injuries

79% of Injuries are FALLS68% to surface10% to other parts of the equipment1% to unknown reasons

11% of injuries are Caused by Impact8% Impact with stationary equipment3% Impact with moving equipment10% Miscellaneous causes

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Page 19: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Causes of Death & Debilitating Injuries

Cause of death in order;

1. Entanglement (clothing, strings or ropes).

2. Falls to hard underlying surfaces.3. Head and neck entrapment in

equipment openings.4. Impact by tipped or loose

equipment, or moving swings.19

Page 20: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Priority 1 Hazard

Safety Goal -Reduce the number & severity of life threatening & debilitating injuries.

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Risks and Hazards

Risk is a challenge that involves a choice by the user

Hazard is something unknown, hidden, unforeseen, or unexpected

Children are not expected to be aware of hazards….

That is Our Job!!!21

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Factors for Injuries

Improper use of equipment and poor supervision - 44% of injuriesPoor maintenance of surfaces or equipmentInappropriate designs -71%Equipment installation issues – 6%Site planning issues

Drainage Swing location

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Playground Supervisors Must

Understand the basics of playground safety.Be aware not all equipment is appropriate for children of all ages.Realize younger children require more attentive supervision.Know what the posted signage at the entrances of the playground says.

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Page 24: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

General Playground Considerations

Age SeparationSeparate areas should be provided for all ages of children.

Site LinesPlaygrounds for different age groups should be visible from younger children's area.

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Page 25: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Site Selection Considerations

Travel PatternsVehicular traffic,

Lakes – ponds - streams

Cliffs - drop-offs - contaminated areas

Site well drained - no standing water

Sun Exposure and ShadingLocate in shaded areas or provide man-made shelters

Provide warning labels about potential burn25

Page 26: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Not Recommended

For Any Age…

Swinging Gates or DoorsTrapeze BarsMultiple Occupancy SwingsSwinging Exercise Rings

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Page 27: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Not Recommended

Under 2 yearsBalance Beams

Log Rolls

Horizontal Ladders

Track Rides

Parallel Bars

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Page 28: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

PlatformsNo higher than 32” from the ground.

Stepped Platforms –Maximum height between platforms of 7”If space between platforms is less than 7”, infill should be used to reduce the space to < 3”

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Page 29: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Access to Equipment

Easiest to most difficult egress

1. Ramps/Slope < 1 to 8; Width 19”2. Straight stairways – Slope ≤ 35 degrees3. Step ladders – used with 15 months and

older

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Playground Considerations

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Page 31: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Guardrails and Barriers

Guardrails Not recommended for ToddlersBarriers must be a minimum of 24” high

Used on all elevated walking surfaces above 18”, however do not apply if the barrier would interfere with the intended use of the equipment such as climbing equipment.Fall height of layered platforms should be 7” or less

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Playground Considerations

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Page 33: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Playground Surfacing Considerations

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Page 34: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Critical Height

Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur.

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Page 35: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Surfaces (Unitary or Loose Fill)Materials should not be used over hard surfaces.

Acceptable Unacceptable Rubber Matting GrassSand DirtShredded Wood Products Water

ConcreteAsphaltGravel

Refer to manufacturer for equipment requirements.35

Page 36: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Play Equipment “Use Zone”

Area beneath and immediately adjacent to a play structure.

Must meet criteria for;Critical Height in relation to the fall height of the equipment.Placement under and around play equipment.Use zone must have an accessible route of travel per ADA/ABA.

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Page 37: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Labels and Signs

Label Warnings

Informs….

Alerts…

Educate…

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Page 38: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

What is Wrong with this Playground?

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Page 39: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

To and Fro Arch Belt Swings

2 to 5 Years

5 to 12 Years

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Page 40: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Maintenance

Manufacture must provide the owner/operator with clear and concise inspection, maintenance, and repair instructions

When…How…What…Repair…

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Page 41: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Records of Maintenance

Owner/operators shall establish and maintain detailed records of;

Installation, inspection, maintenance and repair of equipment.

Maintenance of keeping play area surfaces from extraneous materials that could cause injury, infection or disease.

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Page 42: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Next Steps

Contact Resource and Referral in your areas to locate a certified National Playground Safety inspector (NPSI).

Listen and correct what is broken in a timely manner according to standards.

Utilize all persons (staff, volunteers, parents) to check to make sure playgrounds are safe at all times.

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Page 43: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Questions or Comments

Ah-ha momentsOh-oh’s moments

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Page 44: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Resources

NPSI Certification Course for Playground Safety Inspectors Manual, October, 2009.Annual Book of ASTM, www.astm.org.Public Playground Safety Handbook, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Publication #325, April 2009. Synopsis of Safety Recommendations for Toddlers, US Consumer Products Safety Commission, Handbook for Public Playground Safety. 1304. 21(b)(1)(iii )

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Page 45: Outdoor Learning Environments and Risk Management · 2011-05-23 · Approximation of the maximum fall height from which a life-threatening head injury would not be expected to occur

Kansas ECE - TTA Office

Bethann Smith, ECE Manager

[email protected]

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