To prevent injury, programs shall not: Allow children to play on equipment or structures that require energy absorptive material pursuant to (h) above when the energy absorptive material is compacted and unable to be loosened, such as when frozen.
The licensing coordinator observed multiple children using the swings when the energy absorptive material below the swings was frozen. Corrective action: The playground we use is a public-school space used by children during the school day, during which playground equipment may be used. To meet the newly worded childcare licensing regulations, the program will update procedures to ensure that during the after-school program’s outdoor time, children will not use swings or other equipment that requires energy-absorptive surfacing when the ground is frozen or compacted. Staff will assess playground surface conditions prior to outdoor play and restrict access to applicable equipment as needed.