Fri Sep 20 14:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Nature-Based Playgrounds Boost Toddler Activity, But Funding Remains a Barrier: New Study

**Baton Rouge, Louisiana** – A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals the potential of nature-based elements to enhance toddler physical activity in early childhood education (ECE) centers, but highlights significant financial and staffing challenges. Researchers from Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Louisiana State University conducted a mixed-methods study, including a pilot program and interviews with ECE directors.

The pilot program incorporated cost-effective nature-based elements, such as a tire garden, tree cookies, and a nature table, into the outdoor play areas of two ECE centers. While these elements were deemed feasible and acceptable by both toddlers and teachers, the study found that toddlers already spent a significant amount of time in physical activity outdoors, making it difficult to detect a significant increase in activity levels.

**”Toddlers were already quite active,”** said Dr. Colleen Kracht, lead author of the study. “They spent most of their outdoor time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, which is good news, but also meant the intervention’s impact was less noticeable.”

The study also uncovered major barriers to implementing these changes:

* **Financial constraints:** Most directors expressed a desire for larger-scale modifications to their outdoor environments, requiring significant investment beyond the pilot program’s budget.
* **Teacher turnover:** ECE centers face challenges hiring and retaining qualified staff, particularly for the toddler age group, making it difficult to implement and maintain new programs.

**”This highlights the need for greater infrastructure, financial, and training support for ECE centers,”** Dr. Kracht said. **”We need to make it easier for them to create safe, engaging outdoor environments that encourage active play.”**

The study also identified potential facilitators:

* **GoNAPSACC program:** A regional initiative providing evidence-based curriculum and funding for outdoor play upgrades proved successful and sparked enthusiasm among participating directors.
* **Parent involvement:** The study suggested that enlisting parent volunteers could help reduce the cost and workload associated with implementing nature-based elements.

The researchers recommend future studies focus on:

* **Policy and systems changes:** Implementing policies and systems that prioritize outdoor time and support ECE centers in creating optimal environments for active play.
* **Community partnerships:** Collaborating with agriculture departments and continuing education programs to provide resources and training for ECE staff.
* **Measuring cognitive and language development:** Exploring the potential impact of nature-based play on cognitive and language skills in toddlers.

While the pilot program’s effectiveness in boosting physical activity was limited by existing high activity levels, the study provides valuable insights into the potential of nature-based play and the need for comprehensive support for ECE centers.

**”We need to continue exploring ways to create vibrant, natural outdoor spaces for our youngest learners,”** Dr. Kracht said. **”These spaces can not only promote physical activity but also nurture their cognitive development and foster a love for the natural world.”**

Read More