Environmental Factors Associated With Preschoolers' Outdoor Play and Napping in Childcare Settings: The SUNRISE International Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Early childhood and education centres (ECECs) are key settings in the promotion of healthy levels of outdoor play and napping among young children. AIM: This study aimed to examine the associations between environmental factors and preschoolers' outdoor play and napping in ECECs across an international sample. METHODS: Data from 187 ECECs in 27 countries (22 low- and middle-income countries) that participated in the third pilot phase (January 2021-April 2025) of the SUNRISE International Study were analysed. The director of each ECEC completed a questionnaire which asked if children participating in the SUNRISE Study were unable to participate in outdoor play and nap time due to a range of environmental barriers. RESULTS: Forty-six percent (n = 86) of ECECs reported at least one environmental factor that prevented preschoolers' outdoor play, and 20% (n = 37) reported at least one factor that disrupted naptime. Hot and cold temperatures, rain and other factors were observed as barriers to outdoor play across regions and country income levels. Indoor noise, extreme temperatures, brightness and lack of space were reported as disrupting preschoolers' naptime across regions and country income levels. For rural ECECs, hot temperatures and lack of space were barriers for outdoor play and napping, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Context-specific strategies are required to create climate-resilient outdoor play spaces and more restful napping environments to optimise early childhood development within ECECs.