As an experienced teacher of preschoolers and school aged children for over 25 years, I understand and value the opportunity for children of various aged groups to learn and grow with one another.

Please reconsider 8VAC20-781-240 G. Young children can be kept safe on the playground in a mixed age environment. 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.