“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” – Kay Redfield Jamison
Photo description for accessibility: Four children are sitting on the turf, three of the children are sitting upright while one child lies on their stomach. They are all looking at the camera and some are smiling.
New playground turf was recently installed in the Early Learning playground, that benefits children in our Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), as well as children in our Early Learning program.
Getting new turf installed was essential for the Early Learning program, as the old grass was becoming muddy and very difficult to keep up with—especially because the children play on it multiple times throughout the day, rain or shine.
Outdoor play is crucial to child development, and often times allow children who have or are suffering from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), to de-stress. Being outdoors can have a profound effect on a child’s psychological health, and can positively impact a child’s sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous systems.
Playing outdoors releases natural chemicals in the brain, called endorphins, and offers children a way to learn and express themselves. Children who spend as little as 20 minutes outside a day, can reduce stress-related hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, and can increase their attention span, alertness and motivation.
Photo description for accessibility: Blessing Landscaping worker kneeling on the ground installing turf while five children watch him through a chain-link fence.
Our Early Learning program provides children with outdoor playtime multiple times through the day, so that the children can de-stress, get out the wiggles, and interact with other children in a way that is conducive, safe and low-stress.