How many supervised play periods must child facilities provide daily?

Child care facilities are required to provide a minimum of two supervised play periods daily. This requirement is grounded in the understanding that play is a crucial part of children's development and learning processes. Supervised play periods not only promote physical health through active engagement but also support social, emotional, and cognitive development.

By ensuring that children have two designated times for play, facilities can create structured opportunities for children to interact, explore, and engage in creative activities under appropriate supervision, which enhances safety and supports developmental outcomes. This guideline aligns with best practices in early childhood education, emphasizing the importance of regular, facilitated playtime in nurturing young children's overall development.

Other choices reflect either insufficient or unrealistic expectations regarding the play needs of children in care, as one play period would not adequately cater to the energetic and social needs of children throughout the day, while three and four periods may exceed reasonable daily expectations based on typical program schedules and structure.