Danielle Dalton

Danielle Dalton, OTD, OTR/L Dover, NH 03820 danielle.k.nill@gmail.com January 13, 2026 To the Members of the New Hampshire Legislature, My name is Danielle Dalton, OTD, OTR/L and I am a Doctor of Occupational Therapy specializing in pediatric therapy. I am also an adjunct professor at the University of Southern Maine in the doctoral and masters level occupational therapy program teaching developmental and adolescent pediatrics courses. I have worked in school districts across Maine and New Hampshire for the last 8 years. I am writing to strongly support bill HB1507 which would increase dedicated recess time in New Hampshire public schools. My doctoral capstone addressed executive functioning skills in Kindergarten students who have experienced trauma. My professional experience has shown, unequivocally, that recess is not a luxury, it is an evidence-based and essential component of children's learning, development, health and overall well-being. Recess and unstructured physical activity are supported by a large body of research by field experts as critical to support motor, cognitive, emotional, and social development in school-aged children. Children who are active perform better academically, demonstrate improved behavior and have better emotional regulation. From a neurodevelopmental perspective, unstructured physical movement during the day enhances executive functioning skills, such as planning, organizing, attention, working memory, flexibility and self-control. These are pre-requisite cognitive skills required to learn and are direct indicators of academic success. Recess also provides the opportunity for students to self-regulate and navigate complex social interaction skills that cannot be replicated in the classroom setting by resolving conflict, and building relationships with their peers which supports empathy, classroom behavior and overall emotional wellbeing. Importantly, recess also promotes equity. Not all children have access to safe play environments, outdoor spaces or appropriate peer interactions outside of the school setting. For many children, particularly those from low-income or underserved communities or those with disabilities, the playground may be their only opportunity for free play, movement, socialization and connection with peers. By ensuring regular and protected recess time New Hampshire schools can help close gaps in access to physical activity and social participation that affect long-term health and developmental outcomes. Some parents or community members may say that school is for learning and that it is a parent's responsibility to expose their child to physical movement and social participation. To be honest, this is not the same frame of mind some parents have and may be beyond their capabilities of busy, working parents, some with cognitive and mental health needs of their own. It is up to the public schools to ensure all children have the same life experiences and chance at maximizing their development and academic achievement. As an occupational therapist utilizing evidence-based practices and committed to child development and student success I urge you to support this bill. More recess is not simply a break, it is a developmental and educational imperative that supports healthier bodies, minds, emotional and behavioral regulation, stronger social skills, academic success and greater equity for all New Hampshire children. Say YES to recess! Thank you for your leadership and consideration. Respectfully, Danielle Dalton, OTD, OTR/L Doctor of Occupational Therapy Registered and Licensed in the state of New Hampshire and Maine