Table 3. Clothing Barriers and Possible Solutions

Table 3. Clothing Barriers and Possible Solutions

Barrier / Problem / Example / 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