1. Effect of a Smart Start Playground Improvement Grant on Child Care Playground Hazards. Smart Start Evaluation Report.
- Author
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North Carolina Univ., Chapel Hill. Frank Porter Graham Center., Kotch, Jonathan, and Guthrie, Christine
- Abstract
Smart Start (North Carolina) playground improvement grants were awarded to cover playground safety assessment, planning and evaluation, quality enhancements (such as fencing, surfacing, and new equipment), and safety programs. Visual inspections were conducted of the safety of child care home and center playgrounds after Smart Start-sponsored safety improvements were made. The inspections were conducted by specially trained playground safety inspectors, and the findings compared with those of similar inspections made in a non-Smart Start county. Comparison findings indicated that on each of 15 safety criteria, the Smart Start facilities were rated higher than the those in the non-Smart Start county. The findings suggest that improved child care playground safety is related to receipt of Smart Start playground improvement grants. The study also demonstrated the feasibility of conducting abbreviated playground safety surveys with minimal demand on the time of child care staff. Statistical data of the inspections and glossary of safety inspection points are included. Contains 16 references. (JPB)
- Published
- 1998