We might not remember our toddler years, but we like putting ourselves in those cute little toddler shoes and imagining the most fun play spaces. We don't have to just play pretend though. We have loads of research that tell us what the youngest players want and need in preschool play equipment most for their development.

Preschool Play Research is Clear 

When a child enters preschool for the first time, they are automatically looking for where they can play, but it's not just the children looking for play equipment. The University of Missouri conducted studies that show that the first thing parents look for is a high-quality environment. There is no better way to show this than through how the children can play in the space. 

A high-quality learning environment isn’t just about appearances. The ability of children to engage in imaginative play is essential for the development of their brain and education. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) “free play and guided play - together known as playful learning - are pedagogical tools through which children can learn in joyful and conceptually rich ways, as is evident in the opening vignette.” 

Play may also improve the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and allow them to develop skills such as confidence, social skills, curiosity, independence, self-esteem, and coping mechanisms. Without a quality play area, children will miss many of the things they need for a successful future. 

Building the Perfect Preschool Play Area 

From a child’s first steps, it is important that they have playful spaces to spark their imagination and build the foundation they need for the future. Early education facilities can provide a springboard for children toward the life parents imagine for their children.  

GameTime has a line of early educational play products built on best-practice research in the areas of childhood development, youth physical activity, and inclusion. From large-scale outdoor recreation spaces to indoor play systems created by our partners (more on that in an upcoming blog so stay tuned!), the possibilities for upgrading your early educational play are endless. 

We have a wide variety of play systems and free-standing equipment to ensure children progress along a developmental continuum. Gametime provides many options based on the appropriate age range of 6 to 23 months or 2 to 5 year-olds. Our ECHO Toddler play system is perfect for children 6 to 23 months. The play system takes up very little space but is jam-packed with slides, seats, musical instruments, and interactive games.  These fun activities are developmentally appropriate for younger children and help enhance cognitive, social, and physical skills. 

However, preschool brains grow fast and as the developmental needs change the equipment should as well. For 2 to 5-year-old children, Gametime focuses on challenging young minds and expanding creativity. For preschool play areas that require more space and activity for a large group, PrimeTime play systems can be configured to fit any space or budget. Looking for more excitement? Check out the VistaArc Dome playground net. It's  a fan favorite for preschoolers that enhances balance, strength, decision-making skills, and hand-eye coordination. 

Preschool Play Equipment is a Need, Not a Want

A high-quality learning environment can be easily identified by the emphasis that is placed on play. Preschool playground equipment is known to develop many important skills such as confidence, curiosity, decision-making skills, and coping mechanisms. Luckily GameTime makes it easy to design and build a play system that fits the developmental needs of each age group! If you want to learn more about designing preschool play areas, contact a GameTime play expert in your neighborhood!