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.

Angela Pate is the School Age Technical Assistance Consultant and Trainer for the eastern region of North Carolina.  She earned her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Mount Olive and has worked in the early education field for over 10 years.  Prior to working with the School Age Initiative, she served as a lead teacher and assistant administrator in a licensed facility, as well as a Programs Specialist and School Age Specialist providing technical assistance and professional development to early educators throughout Eastern North Carolina.

Angela and her husband have 7 children and 9 grandchildren and spend their non-working hours caring for and having fun with them.  One of their favorite activities to do as a family is camping, which they try to do as often as possible, especially near water.  Angela's passion is mentoring early educators and is delighted to be working alongside the school age workforce to support everyone in improving the quality of care and experiences for school age children

Karen’s personal information:

Family demographics: Originally from West Virginia, has 1 sister, lives in Kings Mountain.  Recently had a very small, private wedding ceremony and married Jeff Presnell, but kept the name Karen Darby, on Tuesday, 2-22-2022.  Karen has no children of her own but enjoys spending time with Jeff’s grown children and grandchildren.

Hobbies: Swimming, hiking, biking, flower gardening, painting, willing to try anything outdoors at least once.

Outside interests: Teaches an adult swimming class for the City of Shelby, Certified Aqua Fitness Instructor, Volunteers in the community and senior center

Future plans/aspirations: An on-going goal is to be a published author (of more than just an article or blogpost), bring the on-demand learning platform/courses to the level of recognition of a statewide project/be viewed as a statewide project director or advance to a higher position in SW, if applicable and available. 

Contact Karen at darby.karen@swcdcinc.org