Playgrounds for early childhood programs are places where children can play freely--exploring the natural environment, learning about their bodies, creating friendships, and practicing physical skills. In April, 2000, The National Program for Playground Safety released the results of the most comprehensive national survey of child care, school, and park playgrounds ever undertaken. This article describes the kinds of equipment found in child care centers across the United States as indicated by the 2004 survey, compares them with findings of the 2000 survey, and then describes the safety of the equipment and the surfacing. The authors suggest some principles for child care personnel to consider in creating safe play areas for children. (Contains 2 tables.)