Playground Inspections Casey Fowler Jennifer Cobb Casey Roehrich

Intasc Standard Standard #3: Learning Environments. The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.

Rationale To document our understanding of Standard #3, Learning Environments, we selected to include our Playground Inspection Project because this assignment demonstrates our ability view two different sites, inspect them and their surrounding areas, then compare the twos’ similarities and differences to then report upon our findings and how each site met or did not meet state requirements. These requirements are vital to the environment the students and children will be exposed to on a regular basis.

Facilities Kids Zone Child Care The Goddard School 2140 Greenfield Ave Noblesville, IN 46060 Registered Ministry 2291 Greenfield Ave Noblesville, IN 46060 Daycare Facility

Surfacing Kids Zone Child Care The Goddard School Rubber mat-like material meant to absorb water and impact No immediate grass Well maintained, no debris, non-deteriorating Adequate surfacing under and around all equipment The Goddard School Rubber turf material Grass outlining playground, children can access Well maintained, some debris, non-deteriorating Adequate surfacing under and around all equipment Both facilities are lacking proper drainage; causing standing water after large amounts of rain

General Hazards Kids Zone Child Care The Goddard School Both facilities have met proper safety standards: No sharp points, corners or edges Equipment is not damaged No hazardous protrusions Equipment does not pose a risk for entanglement No trip, slip, or fall hazards No environmental waste hazards near immediate area There is no use of lead paint There are no safety signs posted at either facility.

Security of hardware Kids Zone Child Care The Goddard School Both facilities have maintained proper maintenance of playground equipment: No loose fastening devices nor worn connections Pivotal points on the equipment are not worn There are no user modifications made to the equipment Entire area is clean, litter free, and well kept

Durability Kids Zone Child Care The Goddard School Both facilities' equipment has stood durable: No evidence of rust or rotting cracks Equipment is not broken or damaged There are no missing sections Fences are in great shape Benches and signs are not damaged or worn All equipment is securely anchored

General Information Kids Zone Child Care 1 large playground Ages: 1yr-8yrs Maintained: By staff Rules: Discussed Phones, water fountains, and restrooms indoors Is handicap accessible, with supervision No immediate shelter from the sun The Goddard School 2 age divided playgrounds Ages: infant-3yrs and 4yrs-10yrs Maintained: By staff Rules: Discussed Phones, water fountains, and restrooms indoors Is not handicap accessible No immediate shelter from the sun

General Information Kids Zone Child Care Has lighting; not allowed to be used after 6pm though Plenty of open area for kids to play around equipment Safe area; away from street Children can be seen through fencing All equipment is properly spaced The Goddard School No outdoor lighting Plenty of open area for kids to play around equipment Safe area; away from street Children cannot be seen through fence, unless on top of equipment All equipment is properly spaced

reflection After having visited both sites we were able to get a feel on how each playground was different and how their location affected their conditions. Seeing how our two playground sites were being well maintained we noted that their locations were extremely similar (right across the street from each other even). They were both playgrounds for daycares so their condition needed to be well maintained in order for the facilities to be up to standards and pass inspections. When working with children, their safety is most important, having a safe environment for them to interact within is vital to their social, physical, and mental growth.

References Kids Zone Child Care; 2140 Greenfield Ave, Noblesville, IN 46060. Contact: Sara Dugger; Site Director. 317-773-4650 The Goddard School; 2291 Greenfield Ave, Noblesville, IN 46060. Contact: Tracey Murry; Site Director. 317-770-7225