At The Children’s Place, we support children’s physical development and well-being through stimulating and equally challenging activities both indoors and outdoors. Our programming includes at least 2 hours of outdoor play daily, weather permitting and we extend all learning opportunities to our rich outdoor environments. If you have ever been to one of our centres, I’m sure that you have seen our fantastic playgrounds that are designed specifically for each individual age group’s developmental needs and learning goals.
The City of Ottawa declares that, “Child care is an important setting for promoting physical activity and healthy eating in young children. The first five years of a child’s life are a critical time in their growth and development when many lifelong healthy eating and active living habits are being formed. With many children under five spending most of their day in care, child care providers have great influence on children’s daily routines, eating behaviours and participation in physical activity. In Ontario, one in five (21%) children ages two to five years-old are considered overweight or obese. Promoting healthy eating and physical activity in child care environments is an important strategy in the prevention of these trends.”
Here are a few ideas and resources that highlight outdoor activities in the area. Get active and get outdoors this year!!!
City of Ottawa- Spring in the City http://ottawa.ca/en/spring-city
Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust- Outdoor Nature Events http://mmlt.ca/
