Table 2 Clothing Barriers and Possible Solutions

No coat (or hats, gloves, or

boots) in winter

1-2 children without coats can prevent

the entire class from going outside

Parent reminders

Center keeps extra coats, gloves, etc. for loan

Parents leave extra clothes in child's cubby

Bringing the snow inside

Use the muscle room

Over-dressed for temperature

Center policies require children wear all

clothing that their parents send.

Change policies to be more flexible

Parent education/clarify parent requests

Flip flops

Do not protect feet from mulch/rocks

Do not support feet well when climbing

Fall off easily, shoes can get lost

Parent education

Keep extra pair of gym shoes at school

Policies restricting flip flops

Nice clothes

Kids can get dirty

Clothes can be ruined

Parent education

Developing a rapport with parents:

Jewelry

Small parts are choke-ables for toddlers

Large pieces can get caught in equipment

Can get lost

Teachers remove item, parent education

Improperly fitting clothes:

too lose/too tight

Loose fitting clothing can get caught in

equipment, or fall off

Tight clothes (e.g., skirts) can restrict

ability to run

Parent education