Weather Guidelines for Outdoor Play

When considering outdoor vs indoor gross motor play, the following guidelines should be followed. Please remember that outdoor play (whether a walk or going to the playground) is not only encouraged but required by the state whenever possible.

1. The first option for gross motor time is always outdoors.
2. If it is less than 25 degrees F, accounting for wind chill, the children should stay inside.
3. If it is over 95 degrees F, accounting for humidity, the children should stay inside.
4. If it is actively raining, the children should stay inside.
5. If there are air quality alerts and/or high pollen counts, the children may need to stay inside if members of the group are sensitive (i.e. asthmatics).

If staff believe that one or more of the above conditions are met, they should request approval from Administration (i.e. Director or Assistant Director) to stay inside.

Furthermore, if staff would like to extend or omit gross motor time before or after the daily schedule by more than a few minutes it requires approval from Administration (i.e. Director or Assistant Director). This is true for both indoor and outdoor time during preschool/head start hours in order to ensure the center remains in compliance with head start and keystone STARS. Additional gross motor time in the afternoons does not need approval (i.e. after snack during extended care), but there must be a clear means to answer the doorbell for pickups by classroom staff.

Additional information related to gross motor play policies can be found in the family handbook.

Temperature guidelines are loosely based on this chart.