Melissa Pilson, office manager for STEP’s Stuart site on Wayside Road, recently earned recertification as an Early Childhood Outdoor Play Inspector.

The National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS) at the University of Northern Iowa issues the certifications. NPPS aligns with sets of standards in order to ensure safe and quality playground areas. These standards are guidelines of how to properly implement playgrounds.

Those holding certifications have received training and met requirements to inspect playgrounds to national standards, including surfaces, equipment, and age-appropriate design.

Pilson first received certification as an early childhood outdoor play inspector three years ago and recently completed the requirements for recertification. In her notification letter, NPPS program coordinator stated that “…we believe you understand the playground safety content and know how to inspect an early childhood play environment…we thank you for helping keep children safe and enjoying the outdoors.”

STEP has playgrounds at its Stuart and Rocky Mount sites, where it offers Head Start and Early Head Start programs, serving about 200 children each year.

STEP (Solutions That Empower People) is a community action agency with services in Franklin and Patrick counties, and Bedford, Martinsville and Danville.