	After School Programming and Services

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ASP-PS 7: Outdoor Environment

The outdoor environment meets the needs of children and youth, and allows them to be independent and creative.

Note: Programs that do not have their own outdoor space may demonstrate that they access other outdoor spaces (e.g., neighborhood parks or school playgrounds) to implement these standards. However, they should also be prepared to demonstrate that the spaces they use meet the safety-related requirements specified in APS-AM 1.02, APS-PS 9.02, and APS-PS 9.05.

If the program does not have access to an outdoor space, or if the activities offered do not require outdoor space, the program should request an NA. Please see the After School Guidelines for more information.

Environmental safety is addressed in ASP-AM 1 and ASP-PS 9.

ASP-PS 7.01

The outdoor space is suitable for a wide variety of activities.

Interpretation: Examples of ways to demonstrate implementation of this standard include, but are not limited to:

There is an open area where children and youth can run, jump, and play;
There is a large field area, for structured sports activities such as kickball;
There is a hard surface for basketball, rollerblading, and bike riding;
There is a protected area for quiet play and socializing; and
If the program has a small outdoor space, the time children and youth spend outdoors is staggered so that so that they are not crowded during outdoor activities.

ASP-PS 7.02

Children and youth have frequent, regular opportunities to participate in outdoor activities while at the program.

Interpretation: Examples of ways to demonstrate implementation of this standard include, but are not limited to:

Children and youth have opportunities for unstructured outdoor recreation and play;
Children and youth have opportunities to go outdoors to participate in structured sports and other physical fitness activities;
Children and youth have a chance to be outdoors for at least 30 minutes out of every three hour block of time at the program;
When weather permits, children and youth can go outdoors often;
In some situations, all children and youth may go outdoors, and in other situations, outdoor time can be offered as an open-ended choice; and
An indoor space is available for large-motor activities when the weather is bad (e.g., extreme cold, heat, or smog alert).

ASP-PS 7.03

Children and youth can easily access a variety of outdoor equipment and games.

Interpretation: Examples of ways to demonstrate implementation of this standard include, but are not limited to:

Storage areas are kept open so that children and youth may select equipment for their activities; and
Outdoor games and sports equipment are stored close to the activity space, or moved near the activity space during the time children and will be using it.

ASP-PS 7.04

Permanent playground equipment is suitable for the ages, sizes, and abilities of children and youth.

Interpretation: Examples of ways to demonstrate implementation of this standard include, but are not limited to:

Equipment offers various levels of challenge;
Older children have access to more challenging equipment; and
Younger children can reach most of the climbing structures.

Note: See ASP-PS 13.07 for more information about meeting the needs of children and youth with special needs.

NA The program does not have permanent playground equipment.

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	PURPOSE: Children and youth who participate in After School Programs gain the personal and social abilities and attitudes needed to form positive identities, boost self-esteem, build skills, navigate challenging situations, avoid negative behaviors, assume leadership roles, embrace diversity, and establish healthy connections with others in the community.

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	COMMUNITY The area where the program is located (i.e., the neighborhood, city, town, or county). The term may also refer to a group of people who are defined by and/or share a common culture, values, norms, language, race, religion, ethnicity, age, occupation, political status, tribal affiliation, interest in particular problems or outcomes, or other common bonds. Often, many smaller communities coexist within a city or town.