Assessing the potential play value of vegetation in the outdoor environments of NAEYC-accredited preschool programs in Tucson, Arizona

Abstract

Vegetation has the potential to support all domains of early childhood development when carefully selected, yet it is infrequently used as a deliberate learning element in outdoor play environments for young children. The purpose of this study was to measure vegetation value in the context of developmentally appropriate early childhood education by assessing existing vegetation and interviewing educators at thirteen nationally accredited preschools in Tucson, Arizona. Results indicated low vegetation density and diversity compared to presence and quality of built elements, both indoors and out. While potential of existing vegetation was high, many educators reported few values of vegetation and rarely regarded it as a tool in their stated environmental curriculum. Furthermore, the values of structure for climbing and refuge for dramatic play appeared infrequently despite their importance in cited literature.