Backyard/Playground Rules? (MI)

[MyKzooFamily]

I haven't seen very much information on backyard rules and regulations, other than I am not allowed to have a trampoline (even if the kids don't use it). I thought I saw somewhere that I cannot have concrete, and if I do, it needs to be covered by soft tiles or carpet. Is this true?

I also thought I saw something about having pine shavings, or rubber wood, or something around the playground equipment besides just grass? I have not seen any other daycares do this (besides centers).

I will not open until January 1, but I am starting to advertise now, as my paperwork is almost all done and I will be licensed probably in the middle of November if all goes well. I thought about opening December 1, but with the holidays, I'd like to wait until January. This will give me a chance to enroll children, and they can give their current providers full notice. Does this sound reasonable? Or do most of the children that enroll with you need daycare for the first time (instead of switching providers)?

[Michael]

• Running is for the grass area only
• Play nicely with your friends and use your words
• Speak respectfully to each other
• Balls are never to be bounced against the buildings.
• No pushing shoving, wrestling, fighting, never to throw objects,
• Be courteous and a good sport.
• No throwing sand or tan bark
• Keep sand in sandbox and tan bark in playground areas
• No sand or tan bark on slides or bikes
• No hanging on fence or gate
• No opening the gate
• Feet first down the slide
• Down slides and up ladders and stairs
• No swinging at the top of the slide
• All bikes/scooters etc. go in the same direction
• Do not run into friends with bikes or scooters

[SunnyDay]

Everything is in the licensing rules if you read through them.

I don't remember a rule about cement, but I might not have paid attention to that because we don't have any in our play area. You definitely wouldn't want to have anything raised that they could fall off of over cement.

You do have to have cushioning under play equipment if it is over a certain height. We put woodchips under our swingset.

Good luck! Most of our families were ones that had not been in daycare before. We did have one that switched because their provider moved.

[SunnyDay]

R 400.1920 is the one about outdoor play equipment.

When swings, climbers, slides,and other similar play equipment with a designated play surface above 30 inches are used, they shall:
(a)Not be placed over concrete, asphalt, or a similar surface, such as hard-packed dirt or grass.
(b)Be safe, in good repair, and age-appropriate.
(c)Be placed at least 6 feet from the perimeter of other play structures or obstacles.

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dhs/BCAL-PUB-0724_212611_7.pdf

[MyKzooFamily]

Awesome thanks!