Variations in Staff Viewpoints regarding Children’s Outdoor Play in Japanese ECEC Playgrounds

Abstract

This study aimed to reveal variations in Japanese early childhood education and care (ECEC) centers' practices and thoughts regarding outdoor play and relationship between the two. A questionnaire was distributed and the answers from 1,659 centers were analyzed. First, it was revealed that the frequency and perceived importance of practice in outdoor environments are different between centers. Some outdoor practices are thought to be important in many centers while others are not. Second, a confirmatory factor analysis showed that centers varied in their practices and the perceived importance of direct or indirect guidance for children in outdoor play although indirect guidance was rated highly in many centers. This means that the varied thinking about outdoor play in Japanese centers can be seen in how they teach physical activities or make use of playgrounds. Third, it was revealed that thoughts about fostering children's build strength and acquire athletic skills vary between centers and centers focusing on such things had high scores in direct guidance while centers focusing on children's wonder or interests had low ones. In conclusion, we can consider ECEC's outdoor play practices and perception together and what centers value is important in discussing the quality of outdoor environments for children's development.

Early Childhood Practitioners’ Perceptions of Children’s Risky Play Based on Childhood and Present Practice: A Questionnaire Survey in Japan

“…Despite these similarities, environments differ among centers, and outdoor spaces are not always available; in response, some centers use nearby parks or public spaces as their playgrounds. Similarly, although kindergartens and integrated centers often have playgrounds attached, ECEC practitioners have expressed their dissatisfaction with the adequacy of these outdoor spaces (Tsujitani & Miyata, 2017). Based on these reports, there appear to be no clear standards regarding particular types of play and playground equipment in Japan, and the ECEC guidelines do not mention risky play.…”

“…Based on these reports, there appear to be no clear standards regarding particular types of play and playground equipment in Japan, and the ECEC guidelines do not mention risky play. Some ECEC centers do not provide children an environment with opportunities for risky play, such as high items that enable climbing, jumping, hanging/dangling, or balancing (Tsujitani et al, 2019).…”

“…Strategies are necessary for safety management, but such restrictions in minimally challenging environments can limit the possibilities of children's physical development and thrill activation (Smith, 1998). Practitioners also tend to be concerned about climate or other environmental factors that can make play dangerous such as slippery equipment after a rain (Tsujitani & Miyata, 2017). In addition, outdoor environments in urban areas are often inadequate for children's play because it can be difficult to supervise free play (Imai et al, 2022), as mentioned previously, and more restrictions tend to be set in children's play in urban areas.…”