Check the walkway from the classroom to the playground for cracks or other dangers. Raised sidewalks should be repaired. Prickly plants near the walkway should be removed.
Remove, cover or fence access to any bodies of water near the play area. Ensure children do not have access to these areas. Water can kill a child in seconds, so avoid any potential situations by placing the play area away from these hazards.
Ensure roadways are inaccessible. If the children must use a roadway to gain access to the play area, use crossing guards and crossing lanes. Avoiding use of roadways completely is the best method for avoiding playground injury.
Check the location of the play structures. Ensure there is at least 6 feet of empty space around each play structure. This 6 foot rule is especially important in front of slides or swings.
Check the height of the equipment. The equipment should not be too high. Six feet is the desired maximum height for preschool playground equipment. Higher equipment reduces the effectiveness of ground cover to prevent injuries during falls.
Examine the equipment for sharp edges or hardware. Use a screwdriver to tighten all screws. Hammer in all nails, and remove any equipment that cannot be repaired. Use sanders for wooden equipment to avoid splinters, and make sure all plastic equipment is free of chipping.
Choose a soft material for a ground cover. Use wood chips, plastic matting or foam for the base of the playground. Rubber tiles are also effective ground covers. Create the ground cover to extend to a depth of 12 inches. Gravel or dirt is not a viable option as preschoolers may eat these materials.
Extend the ground cover 6 feet outside the perimeter of the play surface. Children run and jump, sometimes from heights. Safety depends on foresight, and covering the ground beyond the natural playing area ensures all possible scenarios will be considered.
Rake or distribute ground cover evenly. Rake wood chips daily to prevent mounds, leading to tripping hazards. Clear paths to and from the play area to prevent slipping on ground cover which may have been spread to the path area.
Provide constant supervision on the playground. Stand in different areas when creating the playground to observe potential blind spots or hazardous areas.
Create a communication system in the case of emergencies. Adults can carry walkie talkies or have access to telephone communication in case an incident occurs while children are using the playground.
Train staff in playground supervision during the construction phase of the playground. Instruct staff to move constantly around the playground to observe all children at all times.