Sun Protection Policies 2007
Sun Protection:
When summer weather arrives exposure to summer sun can be harmful to our children.
Our sun protection policies usually take affect in mid spring. This is usually when the sun is becoming warmer each day and the trees do not yet have full foliage and therefore provide less shade than later in the season. Here are our warm-weather policies:
Parents provide sunblock and all other ointments to be used for their child. We recommend all children over 6 months old, unless otherwise instructed by a doctor, to wear sunblock when playing outside from May to September. Staff will apply each child's own supply of sunblock before going outside. We cover all exposed parts of the body - not just the face.
Outside Play Policy:
1. Regardless of temperature, the children will continue to play outside every morning and afternoon, on their regular schedule - UNLESS the air quality index for that day is CODE RED. That is the only time (except for rain) that the children are to be kept inside. When the index is CODE ORANGE, the outside time should be limited to one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon.
2. Staff is encouraged to reapply sun block every 2 hours that a child remains outside.
3. We will notify the staff each morning (through the Daily News for Staff) of the forecasted air quality index for the day:
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3. When the temperature is over 90 degrees, children are to be kept inside between the hours of 12 noon-2pm (the hours of most intense heat). This is nap time for most of the children, anyway.
We use water play to help keep the children comfortable on hot days. If individual children become uncomfortable, they may be taken inside. But the rest of the group should remain outside for their full play period.
We keep bottled water outside, with cups, and encourage the children to drink frequently. When babies have finished their milk bottles, we offer water.
Sunscreen Lotion:
1. We will apply parent supplied sunblock to all children over six months old unless otherwise instructed by parents (in writing). We cover all exposed parts of the body - not just the face.
2. Staff is encouraged to reapply it every 2 hours that a child remains outside.
3. Babies too young for sunblock (under 6-months) are kept in the shade.
4. Parents may send lip balm (doctors recommend it).
Clothing:
1. All children must wear clothes on upper body at all times. They should wear a T-shirt (preferably light colored) during water play, which parents should send in their bags each day. Be sure that names are on the shirts! Wet shirts are sent home in a plastic bag.
2. Diapers and bare feet are O.K. outside if the child is not uncomfortable - legs do not have to be covered.
3. Parents are encouraged to send hats (with names!). The cool floppy-brimmed sun hats are best. We will encourage your child to wear it, but won't force it.
Water Play:
1. Wading pools used to be a favorite summer activity at our centers. However, the Montgomery County Health Department no longer allows wading pools to be used at child care centers for reasons of sanitation.
2. We use water tables, sprinklers, spray bottles, & water pans, whenever the temperature is over 80 degrees. Teachers invent games involving water play, allowing children to splash freely at the water tables & pans, but not allowing them to climb inside.
Remember the sun protection slogan of the American Cancer Society, is:
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Thanks!
