Dartmouth Day Care Centre Sun Safety Policy Page 1 of 8

Dartmouth Day Care Centre Sun Safety Policy

Dartmouth Day Care Centre is taking all necessary measures to protect children and staff from the harmful effects of UV Rays. Sun safe practices will be on going throughout the year with extra precautionary measures during the months of May – September. In an effort to keep families and staff informed our sun safety policy is available to all parents and staff. Temperatures and UV index will be posted in a clear visible spot each day for reference.

Protecting Children

In accordance with the Nova Scotia Day Care Act and Regulations staff of Dartmouth Day Care

Centre will take the following precautions during outdoor play time in the summer months.

When the UV Index is high, the following protections will be in place:

-all children are encouraged to wear protective gear including hats with brims, sunglasses (if

provided) and lightweight clothing to protect the skin

- while outside, shaded areas and drinking water are provided

-the majority of outdoor activities will be planned for early morning and late afternoon (before

11am and after 4 pm)

-sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 will be generously applied to exposed skin 30 minutes

before going outside. (Refer to proper application of sunscreen)

-children who show signs of heat illness, including thirst, fatigue, leg or stomach cramps and

cool, moist skin, will be removed immediately to a cool place.

-in extreme heat conditions children will have shorter periods of outside play time, or will

remain inside participating in planned activities.

Sun Safety Policy Statement:

Dartmouth Day Care Centre will take necessary precautions to protect the children

within the program and staff from the harmful effects of the sun and UV rays.

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Dartmouth Day Care Centre Sun Safety Policy

Protecting Staff

Encourage staff to take personal precautions to protect themselves

from the sun (wear a wide brimmed hat, protective clothing including a t shirt,

sunscreen and sunglasses when able)

Encourage staff to stay hydrated

Seek Shade)

Staff must model appropriate practices that are set in place for the children

Staff should keep informed on daily temperatures and UV Index

“Guidelines for Hot Weather” is available for all staff to refer to for information on

humidex, temperature, and UV Index

Ensure sunscreen of at least SPF 30 is available for all staff. Apply sunscreen properly to

ensure optimal protection from the sun

Staff are provided with proper procedures and education regarding sun safety. (See

Cancer Care Nova Scotia’s Play it Sun Safe – Guidelines and Best Practice for Sun Safety

in Nova Scotia’s Child Care Centres)

Staff Guidelines: when providing activities for children on days that the UV Index is high

• Schedule the bulk of outdoor programming before 11:00 am or after 4:00p.m.

• Adjust your programming in accordance to the UV index

• Assure that adequate shade and drinking water is provided

• Consider the availability of shade – change location if necessary

• Limit the time where possible spent in activities on or near reflective surfaces

• Staff should include programmed activities that will teach children proper sun safe

procedures and sun safety

• Staff should incorporate sun safety into a centre’s daily procedures and/or routines so

that it becomes a normal part of every day

• Field Trips may be postponed or cancelled due to High UV Rays (refer Sun Safe Field Trip

Guidelines)

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Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside. It takes this amount of time for the sunscreen to become effective in protecting the skin.

Take your time and ensure that you put on the proper amount. Applying

sunscreen too thin, haphazardly, or in small amounts will not provide enough protective film to guarantee protection. You should use an ounce of sunscreen per application

Applying the proper amount of sunscreen is critical to receiving adequate

protection. Make sure you can visibly see and feel a thick layer of sunscreen under your fingertips.

Ensure that all areas of exposed skin are covered, including hands, arms,

neck, face, legs, shoulders, and feet.

Sunscreen needs to be reapplied at least every two hours.

Apply sunscreen generously to cool dry skin. Applying sunscreen to wet or sweaty skin can also result in sunburn.

Sunscreen must be reapplied after swimming and water activities. When

reapplying after water activities or swimming, insure the skin is completely dry. The active ingredients in sunscreen are oil based, and therefore repelled by any wetness on the skin. In order for sunscreen to adhere, the skin must be completely dry.

STAY SUN SMART!

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Humidex is how hot the temperature outside actually feels. When you are unsure whether to take the children outside please call the weather line at 426-9090 to check for temperature and humidex. UV and temperature information will be posted daily for staff and parents to view.

Range of Humidex (degree of comfort) Information taken from the National Centre for Environmental Health.

Less than 29 Celsius: No discomfort

30 to 39 Celsius: Some discomfort

40 to 45 Celsius: Great discomfort; avoid exertion

Above 45 Celsius: Dangerous

Above 54 Celsius: Heat stroke imminent

UV Index measures the level of harmful UV Rays. Always apply sunscreen 30 minutes before playing

outdoors, even if the UV index is low, or it is cloudy or overcast. Children should not play in the sun

during the times of 11-4pm if the UV index is higher than 7. Again, use your common sense when taking

children outside and consider all humidex and UV factors. Please refer to your alternate playground

schedule for reference on outdoor play time during these hot days.

UV Index Category Sun Protection Actions

0-2 Low Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended for those in the sun

longer than 1 hour. Reflection off the snow can double UV strength,

this is why sunglasses and sunscreen is recommended.

3-5 Moderate Take precautions – cover-up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

that have an SPF of 15 or higher especially if you will be outside for

30 minutes or more. Look for shade near midday when the sun is the

strongest.

6-7 High Protection required – unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn

quickly. Reduce time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and take

full precautions – seek shade (i.e. trees, umbrellas, awnings), cover-

up, wear a hat with a wide brim or a flat that covers the back of your

neck, wear UV protective sunglasses and sunscreen with a SPF of 15

or higher.

8-10 Very High Extra Precautions required – unprotected skin will be damaged and

can burn quickly. Avoid time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

and take full precautions – seek shade (i.e. trees, umbrellas, awnings),

cover-up, wear a hat with a wide brim or a flat that covers the back of

your neck, wear UV protective sunglasses and sunscreen with a SPF

of 15 or higher.

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A comprehensive sun safety plan includes, limiting time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., planning outdoor activities in shaded areas, using sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses. Harmful ultraviolet rays can still pass through shade structures such as trees. Shade is part of a comprehensive approach to sun safety. • Shade is key to ensuring sun safety and includes limiting time in the sun when the sun’s rays are strongest. • Shade can help to reduce the amount of sun exposure you get when working or

playing outside. • Between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm the sun’s rays are strongest; plan your

activities in shaded areas. •Shade can lower the temperature outside, creating a cooler place to play. Sources of shade The following physical structures can serve as sources of shade: • Hedges, trees, gazebos, and sail shades • Natural shade from trees and buildings • Canopies and umbrellas

The location of the shade produced by trees or other physical structures moves throughout the day, according to the location of the sun. Keep this in mind when planning outdoor activities so that you time activities to make the most of available shade. Create your own shade

Building your own source of shade is another option. A well planned shade structure that is correctly positioned can provide shade to any area. Stand alone structures such as awnings can also add shade to any area. The material, colour and thickness of any shade structure can influence the amount of shade it provides. Bring along an umbrella when going on outings. A shaded area can be used for a variety of activities. It can be used for large or small group activities, quiet areas for reading, engaging in social play, socialization activities, creative play etc.

Information taken from SunSafe Nova Scotia

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It is the policy of the Dartmouth Day Care Centre to ensure that all Staff will take protective measures when implementing their program to ensure that children and staff are protected from the harmful effects of the sun. The purpose of this policy is to assist in providing a sun safe environment for the children and staff. When designing and planning outings//special trips during the months of May to September the following guidelines must be followed by all staff members.

When possible, schedule the bulk of outdoor trips before 11.00 and after 4 pm When planned trips are occurring during these hours please follow sun safe guidelines. Please review the UV level before leaving for your trip.

Staff and children will not participate in field trips if the anticipated UV Index is 7 or higher, or the temperature including the humidex will be 30 degrees Celsius or higher.

All participants on the trip must have a hat with wide-brim, t-shirt, and sunscreen. Sun glasses are also encouraged when on an outing. Sunscreen is to be applied to all children 30 minutes before leaving for the trip and a bottle of sunscreen should be kept with the staff for use while on the trip.

First aid kit, plenty of water or empty bottles to fill with water ,emergency contact list are accessible during trip.

Ensure that adequate shade is provided for the children and staff. This can be accomplished by surveying the area you are traveling and scoping out what shade is accessible.

We will provide sun barriers for the shade during the outing ( ie umbrella or tarps) which can be carried by staff members if necessary.

Limit the time spent in areas on or near reflective surfaces. This includes concrete, sand, glass & water.

Ensure that while waiting for buses, the bus stop has shade from either a shelter or trees.

Children should not be walking for long periods of time during peak UV and temperature times, 11am to 4 pm when travelling to and from your destination.

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Programming During the Summer Months

Staff plan activities that are developmentally appropriate each day both inside and outside. During the

summer months the routine may change, but activities are always on going. Staff will begin to

incorporate activities that teach sun safety to the children in early spring as well as provide a variety of

exciting activities for the children during peak sun hours when they are playing inside.

Here are a few ideas for staff to use for programming inside when the temperature is too hot to play

outside, as well as a few ideas to teach sun safety to the children.

Some activity ideas for teaching sun safety to young children:

Shade and shadow games

Homemade sundial

What is shade? Where is shade?

Sun safe Dress Up

Felt stories that teach sun safety (Lily and the Sunflower; The sad sunbeam)

Some activity ideas when it is too hot to play outside:

Set up a tent indoors

Make homemade postcards and mail them to home

Create “potions” from extra ingredients

Have an indoor picnic

Set up a beach inside with a kiddie pool

Make your own popsicles

Set up an obstacle course

Water play, sand play, sensory play etc

Visit a different classroom

Rotate toys

Have a parade

Make your own movie

Have a dance party

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http://www.cancercare.ns.ca/en/home/preventionscreening/preventioninitiatives/sunsafety

http://www.sunsafetyalliance.org/childcare.html

http://www.sunsafetyforkids.org/

http://www.dermalscreen.com/Kids.html

http://www.essortment.com/in/Children.Health.Safety/

http://www.foundation.sdsu.edu/sunwisestampede/

http://www.kidsstuff.com/safety.html

http://skin-savers.com/Information/Kid_s_Korner/

http://www.surfnetkids.com/games/sunscreen-ws.htm

http://www.americansun.org/ASPA_PDfs/ActivitySheet.pdf

http://www.getsafenow.com/kid_proofing.htm

http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content4/sun.safety.html

http://www.mtcoks.com/okpics/okfairpic.html

http://pediatrics.about.com/library/weekly/aa042201d.htm

http://www.hotelfun4kids.com/travelsafetytips/sunsafety.htm

http://www.bananaboat.com/sunsafety/suncareforkids/

http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content2/news2/summer.safety.list.t.p.k12.html

http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/

http://www.parents.com/health/elidel/sun_safety.jsp

BLOCK THE SUN, NOT THE FUN!!