The Value and Role of Outdoor Play: Analyzing Early Learning and Childcare Websites
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| Title: | The Value and Role of Outdoor Play: Analyzing Early Learning and Childcare Websites |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Tammie Hachey-Bell, Beverlie Dietze, Deidre Craig, Linda O’Donoghue |
| Source: | International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education. 2026 13(1):90-99. |
| Availability: | North American Association for Environmnental Education. 1725 DeSales Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-419-0412; Web site: https://naturalstart.org/research |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 10 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Early Childhood Education Preschool Education |
| Descriptors: | Play, Physical Environment, Educational Environment, Foreign Countries, Web Sites, Early Childhood Education, Preschools, Child Care Centers, Educational Policy, School Activities, Content Analysis |
| Geographic Terms: | Canada |
| ISSN: | 2331-0464 |
| Abstract: | In an era characterized by rapidly advancing technology and an increasingly urbanized lifestyle, the role of outdoor play for and with children, families, and early learning and childcare programs has gained substantial attention. This research is a preliminary investigation into if and how early learning and childcare programs identify outdoor play on their websites. This information provides insight into determining how outdoor play is positioned within early learning and childcare centers (ELCs). Data were collected from 125 Early Learning and Childcare websites across five Canadian provinces. Following Bernard Berelson's (1952) content analysis process, the researchers identified and categorized if and how outdoor play was communicated on ELCs websites. The results suggest three types of communication categories used on websites related to outdoor play: explicit mention of outdoor play, no mention of outdoor play, and general mention of outdoor play. The website reviews suggest that early ELC programs should better highlight the benefits of outdoor play and how they incorporate it into daily activities. Despite the growing evidence on the importance of outdoor play for children's wholistic development, the early learning field needs to communicate and make visible the critical need for children, families, and communities to engage in increased outdoor pedagogy. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1506142 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | In an era characterized by rapidly advancing technology and an increasingly urbanized lifestyle, the role of outdoor play for and with children, families, and early learning and childcare programs has gained substantial attention. This research is a preliminary investigation into if and how early learning and childcare programs identify outdoor play on their websites. This information provides insight into determining how outdoor play is positioned within early learning and childcare centers (ELCs). Data were collected from 125 Early Learning and Childcare websites across five Canadian provinces. Following Bernard Berelson's (1952) content analysis process, the researchers identified and categorized if and how outdoor play was communicated on ELCs websites. The results suggest three types of communication categories used on websites related to outdoor play: explicit mention of outdoor play, no mention of outdoor play, and general mention of outdoor play. The website reviews suggest that early ELC programs should better highlight the benefits of outdoor play and how they incorporate it into daily activities. Despite the growing evidence on the importance of outdoor play for children's wholistic development, the early learning field needs to communicate and make visible the critical need for children, families, and communities to engage in increased outdoor pedagogy. |
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| ISSN: | 2331-0464 |
