If you’re establishing a daycare for the first time, you likely want to install a playground for the kids in your care. A great playground can make all the difference between frustrated, bored kids and happy, entertained ones. However, before you buy the first structure you see, there are a few things to consider. This article provides essential information you need to know before investing in playground equipment that your kids will love.
Table of Contents
Safety Must Come First
You already knew this, of course, but no article on playground equipment in a daycare would be complete without a section on safety. You’re charged with the care of very young children, and the reality is that some equipment simply is not safe. It’s not just whether the structure itself meets safety standards, either. Children can become ill from toxic chemicals in plastic pieces of equipment, burned on uncovered metal, and harmed by improperly installed structures.
For this reason, you’ll want to cover all of your bases with any play equipment you choose. Look for a commercial playground company that puts safety first. The materials should be durable, so they don’t break during play. The structure should be installed properly, so posts and poles don’t come apart during rough activity. And the quality of the material should not be toxic to children, so daily contact doesn’t become a concern.
Equipment Can Be Chosen By Age
It’s also important that you choose equipment for the age range of your kids. Smaller children may push themselves to climb to heights that aren’t appropriate for them. They may want to swing on swing sets that allow for too much power, so they end up falling off. Of course, if the equipment is not challenging enough, then you’ll end up with little kids who don’t even engage with the structure at all.
The goal is to find the right level of challenge in your playground equipment, so kids are eager to push themselves when they go out to play. But you can also feel confident they won’t harm themselves on structures that are too tall or slides that are too slick. Sit down and consider what age ranges you cater to. If you have a large range, you might want to purchase two structures, one for little kids and one for older, more capable children.
Inclusivity Is Crucial to Development
Speaking of capability, inclusivity is a huge part of today’s playgrounds. There was a time when children with differing abilities had to sit on the sidelines while their able-bodied peers left them behind. This split often creates a divide that carries into adulthood, with less capable children becoming increasingly invisible in the society that fails to offer accommodations for their needs. A daycare can create a positive change in this arena by ensuring the playground equipment is inclusive.
Today, you can find play structures that allow children with slower development or disabilities to play alongside their peers. There are swings that accommodate children in wheelchairs and platforms of varying heights and sizes. These both nurture confidence in kids with developmental struggles and disabilities and encourage able-bodied children to include those children. In this way, daycares can be breeding grounds for empathetic and inclusive adults.
You Can Save Money with Durable Materials
Of course, you likely can’t afford to run a nonprofit daycare. You need to bring in some revenue so that you can keep helping working parents. But when it comes to cutting costs up front, be careful not to go for the first cheap play structure you find. Poorly constructed playground equipment may fall apart and break down in only a few years. This will leave you with expensive maintenance and repair bills that add up quickly.
Instead, opt for a structure that’s built to last, designed and constructed by a company with a reputation for durability. These structures will both delight and challenge your kids and save you money in the long run. They utilize materials that can withstand weather of all kinds, and they’re bolted together in ways that ensure they’ll stay together. So your most energetic kids can run, jump, and tear across the platforms and bars without putting a dent in them.
Space Is Essential to Play
Finally, and perhaps the easiest issue to overlook, consider how much space you have. Many daycares prioritize indoor space without realizing how valuable time outside is for kids. Today, kids spend less time outside than ever, and this reality has been linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and poor physical health for kids. Many kids also have trouble focusing and paying attention. Time outside can change that.
When choosing your play structure, don’t forget to factor in how it will sit within its surroundings. Also ensure there’s plenty of time to run and play freely. A natural playground setting can improve the mental and physical well-being of your charges. They can enjoy the physical movement and take in the benefits of exposure to the flora and fauna. A natural, open playground can augment the joys and benefits of playing outside.
In the end, there are several factors to consider when choosing a playground for your daycare. You want to make sure your children have equipment suitable for their ages and abilities. At the same time, you’ll need to choose structures that encourage kids to play together and include each other. Also create enough space in nature for the children to benefit from fresh air and plant life. And, of course, insist that your playground is an investment in your financial future and the future of your kids’ total wellness.
