Gross Motor Development at Daycare 2026

Gross motor skills—large muscle movements like running, jumping, and climbing—are essential for physical development and overall health. Quality childcare programs provide ample opportunities for physical activity and movement.

What Are Gross Motor Skills?

Definition

Gross motor involves:

• Large muscle movements
• Whole body coordination
• Balance and stability
• Spatial awareness
• Physical strength

Why They Matter

Skills needed for:

• Daily movement
• Sports and games
• Physical health
• Self-confidence
• Cognitive development

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Development by Age

Infants

Developing:

• Rolling over
• Sitting
• Crawling
• Standing
• First steps

Toddlers

Building:

• Walking confidently
• Running
• Climbing
• Jumping attempts
• Kicking balls

Preschoolers

Refining:

• Running and stopping
• Jumping and hopping
• Catching and throwing
• Balancing
• Coordinated movement

Physical Activity Needs

Recommendations

Daily physical activity: | Age | Active Time | |-----|-------------| | Infants | Throughout day | | Toddlers | 60+ minutes | | Preschoolers | 60-90+ minutes |

Types of Activity

Include:

• Structured (teacher-led)
• Unstructured (free play)
• Indoor movement
• Outdoor play
• Active transitions

Quality Programming

Outdoor Time

Should include:

• Daily outdoor time
• All-weather approach (mostly)
• Adequate duration
• Active play opportunity
• Space to move

Indoor Movement

Also important:

• Dance and movement
• Indoor active games
• Yoga or stretching
• Gross motor materials
• Movement breaks

Equipment and Materials

Look for:

• Climbing structures
• Balls and throwing objects
• Balance equipment
• Ride-on toys
• Open space for running

Activities by Skill

Running and Walking

Develop through:

• Obstacle courses
• Chasing games
• Running races
• Follow the leader
• Nature walks

Jumping and Hopping

Build with:

• Jumping games
• Hopscotch
• Trampoline (supervised)
• Dance activities
• Animal movements

Climbing

Opportunities include:

• Playground equipment
• Indoor climbing
• Ladders and steps
• Safe challenges
• Supervised risk

Throwing and Catching

Practice with:

• Ball games
• Beanbag toss
• Parachute games
• Target practice
• Cooperative games

Balance

Develop through:

• Balance beams
• Stepping stones
• Yoga poses
• One-foot standing
• Walking lines

What to Look For

Quality Indicators

Programs should have:

• Daily outdoor time
• Space for movement
• Active play equipment
• Indoor movement opportunities
• Physical activity integrated

Questions to Ask

Ask programs:

• How much outdoor time daily?
• What physical activities do you offer?
• What's your weather policy?
• What equipment is available?
• How do you support less active children?

During Tours

Observe:

• Outdoor space
• Equipment available
• Children's activity level
• Teacher engagement
• Movement opportunities

Benefits of Physical Activity

Physical Development

Builds:

• Muscle strength
• Coordination
• Cardiovascular health
• Bone density
• Flexibility

Cognitive Benefits

Supports:

• Brain development
• Learning and attention
• Memory
• Executive function
• Academic readiness

Social-Emotional

Develops:

• Confidence
• Cooperation
• Self-regulation
• Stress relief
• Social skills

Common Concerns

Inactive Children

If child less active:

• May need encouragement
• Find preferred activities
• Build gradually
• Make it fun
• Discuss with teachers

Rough Play

Understanding:

• Normal for development
• Teach appropriate limits
• Supervise closely
• Channel energy positively
• Not aggression

Safety

Balance:

• Allow appropriate risk
• Supervise adequately
• Teach safety skills
• Maintain equipment
• Don't over-restrict

Sedentary Concerns

Signs of Too Little Activity

Red flags:

• Minimal outdoor time
• Long sitting periods
• No movement indoors
• Limited equipment
• Inactive environment

Why It Matters

Inactivity affects:

• Physical health
• Cognitive development
• Behavior regulation
• Overall wellbeing
• Healthy habits

Supporting at Home

Daily Activity

At home:

• Outdoor time daily
• Active play
• Limit screens
• Family activities
• Model activity

Weekend Activities

Ideas:

• Parks and playgrounds
• Nature walks
• Sports and games
• Dance parties
• Swimming

Special Considerations

Developmental Delays

If behind:

• Wide normal range
• Seek evaluation if significant
• Physical therapy available
• Programs can adapt
• Early intervention helps

Physical Disabilities

Quality programs:

• Adapt activities
• Include all children
• Provide alternatives
• Focus on abilities
• Work with specialists

Key Takeaways

Gross motor is essential:

• Physical foundation
• Supports all development
• Needs daily attention
• Play-based learning
• Individual pacing

Quality programs:

• Ample outdoor time
• Indoor movement
• Appropriate equipment
• Active opportunities
• All children included

Look for:

• Daily outdoor time
• Movement throughout day
• Adequate space and equipment
• Active, engaged children
• Teacher participation

At home:

• Daily active play
• Limit sedentary time
• Model activity
• Make it fun
• Connect to daycare

Physical activity is essential for healthy development. Quality childcare programs ensure children have daily opportunities to move, play, and build strong bodies.

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