the Developing Child 2025). We introduced a number of practices to prioritize children’ s safety while also preserving our goal of providing daily outdoor play( see“ The Impact of Climate Change on Program Practices and Policies” below).
The Impact of Climate Change on Program Practices and Policies
According to the Westchester County Department of the Environment( 2025), over the past 10 years, our area has experienced a steady increase in
› Annual temperatures, resulting in less snowfall and more rain
› Flooding, which has caused damage to homes, trees, and businesses
› Poor air quality, which has resulted in less play time outside
› Insurance and utility costs, leading to more financial strains for families and the school
› Invasive species, like the spotted lanternfly, which cause damage to our plants and trees
As a result, Briarcliff Nursery School has had to focus on creating more policies and procedures for extreme weather situations while finding ways to offset associated costs. For example, on particularly hot days, teachers and children begin the day outdoors and limit the total amount of time spent outside. Children are encouraged to bring their water bottles outside and take frequent“ drink breaks” to stay hydrated. We have installed shade sails and rearranged outdoor seating and materials to offer a variety of shaded areas to rest, recharge, and play. We encourage water play as an engaging, cool way to play outside. While all of these changes have enabled us to continue playing outdoors during extreme heat, they have carried financial and logistical costs. These must be considered in broader efforts to support programs, children, and families in a changing climate.
Just as spending more time outside led to engaging learning experiences, we have found that interactions with natural play materials inside the classrooms have real benefits. Children enjoy sensory experiences when they interact with the textures, smells, and shapes of rocks, shells, twigs, sticks, clay, and mud( Hanscom 2016). Because these materials are open-ended, they can be used and reused in endless ways. In addition, they encourage flexible thinking, creativity, and problem solving— skills that will be necessary to adapt to and combat the impacts of climate change( Kiewra & Veselack 2016).
For example, on one beautiful fall day, a child threw something into a tree that we could not easily reach. Before I had a chance to try to retrieve it, the children began thinking about solutions. They used the natural materials around them to throw, poke, or climb to try to get the object out of the tree. When one idea didn’ t work, they shifted strategies and tried something else. This exemplifies the learning possibilities that occur when children have the space, time, and agency to interact with natural materials.
Reduce Plastics
Plastic waste has significant health and environmental effects. Microplastics find their way into the human body through direct contact, ingestion, and inhalation( Lee et al. 2023). During their life cycles, plastic products also increase global greenhouse emissions( EPA 2025).
14 Young Children
Winter 2025