Please reconsider 8VAC20-781-240 G. Mixed age play outdoors is an opportunity for children to learn and thrive off of the differing developmental stages of other children. In many programs, this would limit outdoor play for many, many children. Outdoor play (and extended outdoor play) is an essential part of many programs as well as extremely beneficial to development.

Instead of mandating separation we urge regulators to consider adding a policy requirement to 8VAC20-781-40 A 4 playground safety plans. Plans can be made to include policies for how, if, and when different ages will engage together on the playground, how younger children will be kept safe, and how ratios appropriate to the youngest child will be maintained for the group.