Infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children are at greater risk for heat related conditions like dehydration and heat exhaustion so it is important to take the proper precautions. Daycare providers, preschool teachers, and parents must make careful decisions about when to let kids play outside and when to keep them indoors.
Keeping Kids Safe during Extreme Summer Heat
Some key points to remember during times of extreme heat:
...
Always check the weather for ozone warnings and weather advisories.
Peak sun hours are from 10am to 4pm, so limit children’s time in the sun during these times.
It is very important to stay hydrated. Have the children drink water before outdoor activities, as well as during and after. Make sure children take regular and frequent breaks when playing outdoors.
Dress children in loose-fitting, light fabrics. Natural fabrics like cotton or linen are best.
Sunscreen is a must! Protect children from UV rays with a sunscreen that has an SPF value between 15 and 30. Apply 30 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours.
Try to incorporate water related activities, such as water balloon tosses, water games with toys that spray water, or sprinkler fun.
Indoor Preschool Activities for Hot Days
If there is an ozone warning, or the weather is just entirely too severe, keep children indoors as much as possible. If you must keep children indoors they can become bored and finicky. To combat this:
Double-up on your usual fun group activities. For example, play an extra indoor game, read an extra story, or put on a puppet show or finger play.
Call your local library and arrange a story time with an activity. Make sure the library is air conditioned.
Make cool refreshing treats with the children. Try making “Apple Snow”: Using a blender, blend together 1.5 cups apple juice, a tablespoon of honey, and 3 cups cracked ice. Put in a cone shaped paper cup and serve. Serves two.
Modify the activities that you normally do during rainy or snowy days so that they have beach or summer themes. For example, set up an indoor scavenger hunt for beach related items.
The lazy days of summer are fun but it is important to be mindful about how the sun affects small children. One of the most important daycare jobs is to keep kids protected. Be creative with your activities, and always have fun with it!
Keeping Kids Safe during Extreme Summer Heat
Some key points to remember during times of extreme heat:
...
Always check the weather for ozone warnings and weather advisories.
Peak sun hours are from 10am to 4pm, so limit children’s time in the sun during these times.
It is very important to stay hydrated. Have the children drink water before outdoor activities, as well as during and after. Make sure children take regular and frequent breaks when playing outdoors.
Dress children in loose-fitting, light fabrics. Natural fabrics like cotton or linen are best.
Sunscreen is a must! Protect children from UV rays with a sunscreen that has an SPF value between 15 and 30. Apply 30 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours.
Try to incorporate water related activities, such as water balloon tosses, water games with toys that spray water, or sprinkler fun.
Indoor Preschool Activities for Hot Days
If there is an ozone warning, or the weather is just entirely too severe, keep children indoors as much as possible. If you must keep children indoors they can become bored and finicky. To combat this:
Double-up on your usual fun group activities. For example, play an extra indoor game, read an extra story, or put on a puppet show or finger play.
Call your local library and arrange a story time with an activity. Make sure the library is air conditioned.
Make cool refreshing treats with the children. Try making “Apple Snow”: Using a blender, blend together 1.5 cups apple juice, a tablespoon of honey, and 3 cups cracked ice. Put in a cone shaped paper cup and serve. Serves two.
Modify the activities that you normally do during rainy or snowy days so that they have beach or summer themes. For example, set up an indoor scavenger hunt for beach related items.
The lazy days of summer are fun but it is important to be mindful about how the sun affects small children. One of the most important daycare jobs is to keep kids protected. Be creative with your activities, and always have fun with it!
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