Play the Head Start Way
Staff can use this information to plan and carry out open ended, joyful play activities with children enrolled in Head Start programs.
Outdoor Play
Outdoor play involves children engaging in physical activities and exploration in outdoor environments. These resources highlight the importance of playing outside and its impact on children's growth and development. Find strategies for creating safe and stimulating outdoor spaces to maximize children’s learning.
Learn how to incorporate interaction and connection to the natural world through nature-based learning.
Growing Physical Skills Through Outdoor Learning and Play
Outdoor play boosts children’s health and wellness and supports their learning and development. Learn how the outdoors provide a wonderful environment for growing preschoolers’ physical skills.
Outdoor Learning Environments for Preschool-aged Children
Spending time outdoors supports children's physical and mental well-being. This webinar explores how adults can use outdoor environments as a tool for supporting children’s learning and development.
Building Social and Emotional Development Outdoors
Find out how adults can use outdoor environments create ideal conditions for children ages 3 to 5 to develop and build social and emotional skills.
Using the Natural World to Support Children’s Development
Find out what research says about using nature as a tool to support children's development across learning domains. Discover strategies for creating time and space for nature play in your learning environment.
Outdoor Experiences for Infants and Toddlers
Outdoor play supports infant and toddler health, development, and learning. Explore strategies and standards for strengthening young children's connection to the outdoors while keeping them safe.
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.
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.
Benefits of Outdoor Play and Exploration
Explore four benefits of outdoor play and exploration for infants and toddlers: improved health; strengthened development and learning; connection to nature; and extended curriculum.
Supporting Outdoor Play and Exploration for Infants and Toddlers
Learn about benefits of outdoor time for infants and toddlers. Find suggestions for creating outdoor play spaces, safety considerations, and strategies and policies to support quality infant-toddler programming.