Question about daycare regulations?

Question

I am working at a daycare for my summer job. (im a student). I know some one who works in a daycare and she says that it is against regulations for the kids to be outside between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm during the summer cause the heat is too hot for them but at my daycare they are always outside between those times. also not all the kids are supposed to bring hats or use daycare hats but the daycare doesnt have hats so the kids who didnt bring hats go without. And you need to apply sunscreen 15 mins before leaving the building according to the regulations but at my daycare they apply sunscreen after the kids get outside or sometimes they forget or are too lazy to put sunscreen on them so they make them keep thier spring jackets on even when its hot. I dont know what to do about this situation! help! one kid already go a sunburn and mum wasnt happy

Answer 1

Oh the joys of summer :-)  What regulations is this individual talking about?  Must not be the day care's regulations :-).  I really don't think there is anything set in stone that say children absolutely can NOT be outside at those times.  I know that it's strongly suggested.  We just need to be on close watch and yes, be on top of sunscreen and etc.

It's not the daycare's responsibility to provide hats.  It definately is the parent's responsibility.  Maybe you can ask the director if you can type up a letter reminding parents that summer has arrived and please send in hats and sunscreen.  You do the sunscreen bit for your class if the others are too lazy and when the other teacher comments you take it as a

"teaching moment" that children burn the quickest between the hours of 11 and 4 and you want to help keep the children safe/protected.  This is something else you can bring up as a concern to the director.  If you can find an article about it...bring it in too. You do what's right!  I doubt you as "summer help/student" will have much influence to those who have been "stuck" in their ways for so long.  May your example do the talking!  :-)

Answer 2

OH yeah, same at where I take my kids, I told them one more time without sunscreen and where gone... havn't miss a day yet..

Answer 3

I also work at a preschool. I have never heard of not being able to go outside during those hours unless it was extrememly hot.  They should definitley apply the sunscreen before the children go out and not have them wearing jackets if it is really hot. Are you able to apply the sunscreen even though you are a student?

Answer 4

To answer the question you first need to reveal which state you are in because the regulations are quite different especially if you are( in this case )Arizona verses Vermont...

Answer 5

it all depends on what state you live in.  most all states have regulations regarding the min. and max. outside temp that children can go out and play.  here if it's under 40 or over 84 the kids can't go out.

regarding sunscreen.  there should be regs regarding this also.  here you have to put it on 30 minutes before going outside AND you have a signed parent permission form to put it on as it is considered an over the counter medication.  also, children under 8 can not apply their own, but kids over 8 can.

check your states regs at :

http://nrc.uchsc.edu/

if your center is going against regs. you can address it with the director or call your licensing agency.  but either way, you should follow the regs yourself, even if the center isn't.

Answer 6

You can report this to liscencing anonymously and they will investigate.  If found in violation, the center will be written up and will have to set up a plan to fix the problem.  They will then likely have random checks from the state.  You could also point out to your superiors the liscencing rules, or just report them and then they won't know it is you.  THe mom of the burned kid can also report them.

Answer 7

Children at my daycare center are allowed outside between those hours UNLESS there is a heat advisory. If a parent does not send in sunscreen along with a signed form then the child still goes outside but unprotected. Not all parents bring hats for their children but when they do they must be put on. Sunscreen is usually applied about 20 minutes before heading out into the sun... and make sure the children are given water either outside or once they get in.

Answer 8

call your local licensing agent - she will enlighten you on the rules and she will probably pay this center a visit - I know my licensing specialist is all about accountability - and I like that.