Young children spend many of their working hours in child care centers. Outdoor play for children encourages movement and physical activity stimulates children's learning. Children learn by exploration, so outdoor spaces must be designed in such a way that children can test their abilities in a challenging yet safe environment. Attend this learning event for the 4 hour Playground Safety course approved by the NC DCDEE and discuss rules, regulations and create an outdoor play and playground safety in accordance with 10A NCAC 09 .0605 and .1102 (e).

This is a virtual -live, instructor led version of the 4 hour Playground Safety course that is approved by the NC DCDEE.

Participants will attend 3 hours online and complete 1 hour of assignments on their own time that are submitted to the instructors within one week following the course in order to receive the 4 CHC.

Each participant will receive 4.0 CHC for attending and completing all required coursework.

Natalie comes to Southwestern Child Care Resource & Referral team with experience in both preschool and NC PRE-K classrooms over the past 8 years. She hold a Bachelor's in Science in Special Education with a Birth to Kindergarten add on licensure from Western Carolina. She also has a Master's in Education in Early Childhood Education and Leadership from UNC Wilmington.

Natalie also holds a level 11 NC Early Educator Certificate.

Before coming to Southwestern Child Development Commission, Natalie worked at several child care center across Buncombe County working with preschool aged children in mixed age and developmental day settings. 

_{Natalie enjoys spending time with her three children and exploring the natural beauty of WNC.}   

 Alisa Stephens is a Technical Assistance and Professional Development Consultant at Southwestern Child Development Commission, Inc. She has a Master’s in Education and has over 20 years of experience working in the Early Childhood Education field. She holds a Level 11 Early Educator Certificate with a TAE and PDE Endorsement.

Alisa has held a variety of roles during her career including Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, Early Education Specialist, Teacher, Director and owner of her own Child Care Center and teaching adults at a community college.

Alisa is married and has three grown daughters who also live in North Carolina. She enjoys gardening, crafting, traveling, reading and taking care of her chickens and turtles.