Childcare Playground Daily Safety Inspection

Playground injuries are a leading cause of childhood injury. This daily inspection checklist identifies hazardous conditions before children are permitted to play, implementing the risk management practices recommended by CPSC Publication 325 (Public Playground Safety Handbook) and required by state childcare licensing regulations.

Industry: Childcare and Education
Frequency: Daily
Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
Role: Lead Teacher / Playground Supervisor
Total Items: 31

Pre-Play Hazard Walkthrough

Initial walkthrough to identify immediate hazards.

Playground area clear of debris (sticks, glass, trash, animal droppings)?
No standing water or ice on equipment, surfacing, or play areas?
No bee, wasp, or hornet nests observed near play areas?
Equipment surfaces checked for heat on hot days (metal below 140°F)?
Perimeter fencing intact with no breaches or gate latch failures?

Fall Zone Surfacing

Inspect impact-absorbing surfacing in fall zones.

Loose fill surfacing at adequate depth throughout fall zones (minimum 9 inches)?
Surfacing displaced from under high-use areas raked back into place?
No bare hard ground exposed within fall zones?
Surfacing material appropriate (no sand near toddler play area)?
If rubber/unitary surfacing used, no tears, gaps, or lifted edges?

Equipment Structural Integrity

Inspect equipment for structural safety.

No broken, cracked, or missing components on any equipment?
All bolts, nuts, and fasteners tight with no protruding sharp ends?
No significant rust, rot, or structural deterioration?
All elevated areas have appropriate guardrails or barriers?
Slides free of cracks, sharp edges, and excessive heat?
Swing chains and seats intact with no missing swings or twisted chains?

Entrapment and Entanglement Hazards

Check for entrapment and entanglement risks.

No openings that could trap a child's head (between 3.5 and 9 inches)?
No protrusions that could catch clothing or drawstrings?
No loose ropes, cables, or cords that could entangle a child?
Platform deck openings do not create foot or leg entrapment?
No trip hazards at equipment base or in play paths?

Age-Appropriate Zones

Verify age-appropriate use of play areas.

Age-appropriate use zones clearly marked (toddler vs. school age)?
Toddler play area physically separated from older child equipment?
Adequate sight lines for staff to supervise all areas from central location?
Shade available for sun protection during outdoor play?
Water available for children during hot weather outdoor play?

Inspection Documentation and Maintenance

Complete inspection documentation.

Any hazardous equipment tagged and taken out of service immediately?
Maintenance request submitted for any identified repairs?
Daily inspection log completed with all findings?
More detailed monthly inspection conducted this month?
Playground inspection notes

Related Childcare Education Checklists

Related Playground Safety Checklists

Why Use This Childcare Playground Daily Safety Inspection?

This childcare playground daily safety inspection helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for lead teacher / playground supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Childcare Playground Daily Safety Inspection cover?

This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 6 sections: Pre-Play Hazard Walkthrough, Fall Zone Surfacing, Equipment Structural Integrity, Entrapment and Entanglement Hazards, Age-Appropriate Zones, Inspection Documentation and Maintenance. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Who should use this Childcare Playground Daily Safety Inspection?

This checklist is designed for Lead Teacher / Playground Supervisor professionals in the childcare and education industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.