Staff can use this information to plan and carry out open ended, joyful play activities with children enrolled in Head Start programs.

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.

Programs serving infants and toddlers should consider ways to facilitate and strengthen adult engagement with outdoor play and exploration.

Find out what makes good outdoor play spaces for infants and toddlers and explore guidelines for designing them.

Explore four benefits of outdoor play and exploration for infants and toddlers: improved health; strengthened development and learning; connection to nature; and extended curriculum.

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.

Research shows young children are spending less time outdoors engaging in active play and exploring the natural world. This trend has significant adverse effects on young children's health and development.

The News You Can Use supports teachers, home visitors, and parents in providing quality care for infants and toddlers. Learn about planning for time spent outside with infants and toddlers in your program. 

Learn how to use the natural world as a learning tool to improve outcomes for young children in your center.

Nature play is important for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, families, staff, and communities. Watch this video series, and apply the resources to plan successful nature-based activities.