Early Childhood Outdoors

A Literature Review Related to the Design of Childcare Environments

Abstract

A search was conducted of existing empirical literature relating to the developmental impact of the outdoor physical environment on children under five. Of the 203 items identified initially, 43 were selected as relevant for further review. The significance of the outdoor environment inchild development was reaffirmed by several authors. The bi-factor approach to research on the relationship between environment and development suggests that a small number of environmental factors have a "global" impact on many areas of development, whereas the majority of factors affect a single aspect of development. Through a review of the literature relating to the behavioral approach to design, environmental qualities and specifications are defined that support particular developmental behaviors. The issue of safety is considered. Design guidelines that stem from the behavioral approach and provide a framework for planning play spaces are also discussed. The critical adult role in the child's play environment and the need for teacher training in the effective use of play environments for child development are stressed. Although the research-based literature isvery sparse, the crucial roles of diverse outdoor environments and the adults that work with children in them are strongly re-affirmed. However, before the field can advance further, we need more truly facilitating environmentshat are worthy of in depth study from which reliable guidelines can be developed.