The Comparison Between Outdoor Play Spaces, Equipment, and Resources in Low Versus High Socioeconomic Johannesburg Early Childhood Development Centres

Abstract Play spaces facilitate play as a child’s primary occupation which is essential for learning and early childhood development. In South African early childhood development centres, almost 11% do not have access to outdoor play areas, 20% have no outdoor play equipment, and 50% have no access to educational toys (Early Childhood Development in South Africa. Education Series. IV (No. 92-01-04),100, Available: http://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/92-01-04/92-01-042016.pdf ). This research aimed to compare the physical design and resources of outdoor play spaces in low socioeconomic (LSE) versus high socioeconomic (HSE) early childhood development (ECD) centres in Johannesburg. A descriptive comparative research design was used, with a total population sampling method for the distribution of a self-developed questionnaire adapted from play literature. Results were obtained from a total sample size of 82 ECD centres, 28 reported LSE and 54 reported HSE. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. LSE-ECD centres (57% community-based sites) had significantly less funding frequency compared to HSE-ECD centres (83% independent / private schools), with 87% private funding at least annually for outdoor play space upkeep. LSE-ECD centres had limited outdoor play space resource variety and quantity (7% had no outdoor play space, 43% had traditional playground designs, 14% had no fixed playground equipment), compared to HSE-ECD centres with a wide variety and abundance of outdoor play space resources. Chi-square statistics revealed a significantly higher number of fixed and loose manufactured equipment, movement toys, fixed and loose natural resources, and multi-sensory exploration spaces in HSE-ECD centres. Cramer’s V statistics revealed outdoor play space physical design and resource availability have a strong dependence on socioeconomic status.