Canadian researchers have compiled an abundance of research around play and its positive impact on early childhood learning and development. Studies show a strong link between creative and physical play and a child's physical, cognitive, and social development.
Canadian infants explore their world through their senses, including tactile and visual cues. Toddlers climb and explore their surroundings and engage in pretend and creative play. As children grow older (ages three to five), they develop fine and gross motor skills, social skills with their peers, and enhanced balance and coordination.
Dr. Stuart Brown, MD, shares the power of play in early childhood shapes a person's long-term ability to express empathy, solve problems creatively, and adapt to changing circumstances in a healthy way to his own. Play is clearly important in shaping young lives.
New Play Systems to Support Early Childhood Development
GameTime is committed to helping communities support childhood development through play. For preschool-age children, that means creating play spaces that are age and developmentally-appropriate with fun activities that support social, physical, and emotional development.
ECHO play systems incorporate climbing and sliding play activities with interactive elements that engage a child's senses. They are available for ages 6 to 23 months and 2 to 5 years and are constructed of durable materials perfect for high-use outdoor spaces.
For preschools, daycares, and worship centers that need a compact and affordable play option, GameTime developed TotStuff play systems. These adorable play structures are available for children ages 6 to 23 months and 2 to 5 years.
Each TotStuff play system is designed for the way young children play. Climbers, slides, interactive panels, and musical instruments are all at appropriate heights to support children who are beginning to pull-up, walk, and explore their surroundings.
Freestanding Play and Shade Structures
To accompany your ECHO and TotStuff play systems, GameTime offers a wide range of freestanding climbers, swings, and morefor young children. We also have hundreds of freestanding shade options to keep the play area cooler and more comfortable.
You can also create an accessible play surface with our poured-in-place or rubber tile surfacing. These surfacing options are a great choice for preschool play areas where children are still learning to walk and explore confidently.
Support Early Childhood Development Through Play
As children grow, it's important to offer play activities that address their specific needs along a developmental continuum. GameTime offers play systems and freestanding play activities that meet children's needs at every age and help them develop skills that last a lifetime.
To learn more and plan a preschool play area in your community, contact the GameTime representative near you.