Childcare Playground Daily Safety Inspection Checklist

Comprehensive childcare playground daily safety inspection checklist covering CPSC guidelines, ASTM standards, and state licensing requirements for child care facility outdoor play areas.

  • Industry: Childcare
  • Frequency: Daily
  • Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Role: Childcare Director/Lead Teacher
  • Total Items: 22
  • Compliance: CPSC Playground Safety Handbook, ASTM F1487, State Childcare Licensing, ADA Accessibility

Protective Surfacing

Fall zone surfacing per CPSC/ASTM

  • Surfacing material at minimum depth (9-12 inches)?
  • No displaced/compacted areas under equipment?
  • Surfacing draining properly (no standing water)?
  • Fall zones free of hard objects?

Equipment Condition

Play equipment structural integrity

  • All bolts/fasteners tight?
  • No rust, cracks, or broken parts?
  • Swings/moving parts functioning safely?
  • Platforms and decks secure?

Entrapment & Protrusion Hazards

Head/body entrapment prevention

  • No openings between 3.5-9 inches (head entrapment)?
  • No protrusions that could catch clothing?
  • S-hooks fully closed?

Age-Appropriate Separation

Age group separation and signage

  • 2-5 and 5-12 areas properly separated?
  • Age-appropriate use signs posted?
  • Guardrails adequate for youngest users?

General Hazard Check

Environmental and foreign hazards

  • No sharp edges or points?
  • No glass, debris, or animal waste?
  • No insect nests or stinging hazards?
  • Perimeter fencing secure (no gaps)?

Daily Sign-Off

Inspection completion and action items

  • All equipment safe for use today?
  • All hazards reported to director?
  • Unsafe equipment closed/tagged?
  • Lead Teacher Signature

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Why Use This Childcare Playground Daily Safety Inspection Checklist?

This childcare playground daily safety inspection checklist helps childcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for childcare director/lead teacher professionals, this checklist covers 22 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.

Ensures compliance with CPSC Playground Safety Handbook, ASTM F1487, State Childcare Licensing, ADA Accessibility. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Childcare Playground Daily Safety Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 22 inspection items across 6 sections: Protective Surfacing, Equipment Condition, Entrapment & Protrusion Hazards, Age-Appropriate Separation, General Hazard Check, Daily Sign-Off. It is designed for childcare 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 Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Childcare Director/Lead Teacher professionals in the childcare 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.

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