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Daycare Playground Safety Guide 2026: Outdoor Play

Complete guide to playground safety at daycare in 2026. What to look for in outdoor play areas.

DRT
DaycarePath Research Team
Safety Specialists
December 27, 2025
1 min read
Daycare Playground Safety Guide 2026: Outdoor Play

Outdoor play is essential but must be safe. Know what to look for in playground areas.

Safety Features

| Feature | Standard | |---------|----------| | Soft surfacing | Rubber, mulch, sand | | Age-appropriate equipment | Sized for children | | Fenced area | Secure boundaries | | No hazards | Checked regularly | | Supervision | Active watching |

Equipment Safety

| Check | What to Look For | |-------|------------------| | Spacing | No entrapment risks | | Condition | Well-maintained | | Height | Age-appropriate | | Surfacing | Adequate fall zones |

Supervision

| Practice | Standard | |----------|----------| | Active supervision | Not sitting, watching | | Proper ratios | Enough adults | | Positioning | Can see all children | | Engagement | Playing with children |

Resources

Last updated: December 2025

#playground safety#outdoor play#safety standards#equipment
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