Standard 9: NAEYC Accreditation Criteria for Physical Environment Standard

The following chart presents the accreditation criteria for this topic area. Each criterion provides specific details to guide program plans, policies and practices. The criteria are numbered (01, 02, 03, etc.) within their topic area. Each criterion within each program standard is identified by its relevant age group (or groups). Many criteria are identified as "universal" (U), meaning that all classrooms and programs pursuing NAEYC Accreditation must address these criteria. These aspects of quality should be seen in any programs or classrooms serving birth through kindergarten, though they may look somewhat different in practice depending on the children's age.

Age Groups:
U = universal
I = infant
T = toddlers/twos
P = preschool
K = kindergarten

9.B.
Outdoor Environmental Design

9.B.01
U I T P K
Outdoor play areas, designed with equipment that is age and developmentally appropriate and that is located in clearly defined spaces with semiprivate areas where children can play alone or with a friend, accommodate
• motor experiences such as running, climbing, balancing, riding, jumping, crawling, scooting or swinging.
• activities such as dramatic play, block building, manipulative play, or art activities.
• exploration of the natural environment, including a variety of natural and manufactured surfaces, and areas with natural materials such as nonpoisonous plants, shrubs, and trees.
• The program makes adaptations so children with disabilities can fully participate in the outdoor curriculum and activities.

9.B.02
U I T P K
Program staff provide an outdoor play area that is protected by fences or by natural barriers to prevent access to streets and to avoid other dangers, such as pits, water hazards, or wells.

9.B.03
U I T P K
The outdoor play area is arranged so that staff can supervise children by sight and sound.

9.B.04
U I T P K
The program provides at least 75 square feet of outside play space for each child playing outside at any one time. The total amount of required play space is based on a maximum of one-third of the total center enrollment being outside at one time.

9.B.05
U   I   T   P   K
Sandboxes that are part of a program facility are constructed to allow for drainage, are covered when not in use, and are cleaned of foreign matter on a regular basis. Staff replace sand as often as necessary to keep the sand clean.

9.B.06
U   I   T   P   K
The outdoor play area protects children from

• injury from falls (resilient surfacing should extend six feet beyond the limits of stationary equipment).
• catch points, sharp points, and protruding hardware.
• entrapment (openings should measure less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches).
• tripping hazards.
• excessive wind and direct sunlight.

9.B.07
U   I   T   P   K
The findings of an assessment by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector are documented and available on-site. The assessment documents

• that play equipment is safe, protecting against death or permanently disabling injury for children from two years through kindergarten.
• that, through remedial action, the program has corrected any unsafe conditions, where applicable.
• that an inspection and maintenance program has been established and is performed on a regular basis to ensure ongoing safety.
• that the outdoor play area accommodates abilities, needs, and interests of each age group the program serves.

This criterion is an Emerging Practice