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White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Kansas City, MO, USA

What Does a One-Day Outdoor Consultation Include?

If you're interested in developing a new outdoor play environment, the process starts with a one-day consultation. So what does a one-day consultation include? Prior to a consultation visit, Vicki Stoecklin will want to read and review as much information about your program as is available. Your curriculum, program goals and staff capabilities all affect the creation of the right outdoor environment.

Director Interview
After reviewing your materials, we will need to discuss any particular concerns you have with your outdoor space. More specifically, we'll talk about your plans for the outdoor environment, including budget constraints.

Staff and Parent Interviews
Your staff has a lot of knowledge about outside play that is site-specific and will be helpful during the design process. Teachers and maintenance staff often know about drainage and shade problems. Teachers also know best how the outdoor environment can support their curriculum and goals. If storage is an issue, teachers can best explain their needs. If diaper changing, restroom or drinking water is a problem, staff can articulate these issues. Maintenance staff thoughts and opinions need to be included as it is their environment, too. Everyone, including parents, needs to have input into the process. Parent interviews can be done at the same time teacher interviews are taking place.

Site Assessment
Photos of the site are taken from every perspective, and locations of both movable and permanent equipment are noted. The need for shade and protection from prevailing winds are analyzed. The site and equipment are also analyzed for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access.

Observations
I observe teachers and children as they interact in the indoor and outdoor environment. This information allows us to assess the extent to which they use the existing equipment and are capable of utilizing proposed changes. I also note any safety hazards that need to be remedied.

Design Team Meeting
I take all of the information gathered and share it with our design team of experts so that we can follow up with you on recommendations regarding:

1. design fees for renovation or new construction
2. drainage issues
3. safety problems
4. compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act

A list of our previous and current outdoor play environment projects can be found at www.whitehutchinson.com/children/playgroundexp.shtml (www.whitehutchinson.com/ children/ playgroundexp.shtml) .

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