Playing Outdoors
Course Description
This course applies to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Playing Outdoors is a free online childcare training course with certificate. This course is also offered in Spanish.
Do you want to know how to optimize your outdoor play environment and ignite children’s passion for outdoor play? Explore the exciting possibilities that the great outdoors has to offer with this free online childcare training course.
This short introductory course covers fun outdoor activities to try with children, outdoor equipment and arrangements that promote learning, and how to take indoor activities outside. Learn how outdoor play benefits children’s physical and mental health while encouraging curiosity and fun. One of our most popular courses, this one is a lot of fun!
This course is also an excellent introduction to Care Courses, and will help you understand our online system and course process. Normally $12.00, this course is currently free.
Welcome Video
Welcome to Playing Outdoors! Watch the welcome video from the course:
Course formats
Most Care Courses are offered in both book (with online component) and fully online format. Playing Outdoors is offered only in our fully online format. This course includes audio narration in most course sections.
Once your order is complete, you should receive an enrollment code email within 2-10 minutes via email. Use this enrollment code to activate your course within the "My Courses" area of your online Care Courses account.
Acceptance information
This course is accepted for the CDA Credential and for CDA renewal training requirements. It is also accepted for annual state training in most states.
Information on specific states:
- Maryland: This course grants one hour of elective training.
- Minnesota: This course is not accepted by MNCPD.
- Oklahoma: This course grants one hour of informal credit.
Learning outcomes
After completing Playing Outdoors, you will be able to explain the benefits of outdoor play and recognize outdoor environments and activities that encourage exploration.
Topics Covered in Playing Outdoors
- Benefits of play
- Benefits of outdoor play
- Outdoor play year-round
- Outdoor activities
- Outdoor play with infants
- Outdoor environments
- Outdoor water and sand play
- Outdoor gardening
Want to learn more? Read our blog about play: "The Benefits of Play in Early Childhood"
Prerequisites
Must be able to fluently read and write English.
Instructional methodology
Read written material, view videos, listen to audio segments.
Assessment methods
Multiple choice quiz and written assignments.
How Care Courses® Training Works: Details & Support
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Course Details & Support
Prerequisites
- Language: Fluent reading and writing in the language of instruction (English or Spanish).
- Technology: Internet access and a web-enabled device (computer, smartphone, or tablet).
Access & Completion Deadline
- This training expires 12 months from the date of purchase.
- To receive a certificate of completion, you must successfully finish the course before the expiration date.
Learning Methods
- Read instructor-written material
- Watch videos
- Listen to audio segments
Assessments
- Multiple-choice quizzes
- Written assignments
Requirements for CEUs and Clock Hours
To earn CEUs and Clock Hours for a course, you must:
- Agree to and acknowledge our Honor Code & Policy
- Follow all instructions for written assignments
- Demonstrate comprehension of the course content
- Achieve the passing score specified in your course.
Quizzes and Assessments
- If your score falls below the passing mark, a trainer will review your work. If needed, you may be asked to speak with a trainer.
- You will have a second chance to retake any quiz or assessment.
- If you do not pass on your second attempt, contact us at info@carecourses.com. We will review your course and follow up directly.
- All quizzes are open book; all answers are found in the course material.
Certificates
- Official Care Courses certificates of completion record your clock hours and CEUs.
- Certificates are available in the My Courses area of your account.
- Please note: All course and certificate dates and times are on Eastern Time.
Getting Started
- See how our training works on the training process page.
- Watch our course navigation video for a quick tour of the online portal.
- Free Unlimited Assistance
- We’re here to help with training, billing, and technical support questions.
- Phone: 1-800-685-7610 (Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern)
- Email: info@CareCourses.com or techsupport@CareCourses.com (days, evenings, and weekends)
About Care Courses
- Care Courses offers over 50 professional development courses and one non-credit training tutorial on the CDA process.
- All professional development courses include clock hours, CEUs, and an official online certificate of completion.
- (The free CDA tutorial does not offer clock hours or a certificate.)
Tuition & Bundles
- Course tuition entitles one person to receive the clock hours and CEUs granted upon successful completion.
- Bundle pricing covers tuition for all courses included in the bundle.
Policies & Requirements
