Child Care Weather Watch (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

Child Care Weather Watch

Understand the Weather

The weather forecast may be confusing

atching the weather is part of a child care provider’s job. Planning for playtime, field trips, or weather

unless you know the meaning of the

safety is part of the daily routine. The changes in weather require the child care provider to monitor the

health and safety of children. What clothing, beverages, and protections are appropriate? Clothe children to

words.

maintain a comfortable body temperature (warmer months - lightweight cotton, colder months - wear layers



B lizzard Warning: There will be snow and

of clothing). Beverages help the body maintain a comfortable temperature. Water or fruit juices are best.

strong winds that produce a blinding snow,

Avoid high-sugar content beverages and soda pop. Sunscreen may be used year around. Use a sunscreen

deep drifts, and life threatening wind chills.

labeled as SPF-15 or higher. Read and follow all label instructions for the sunscreen product. Look for sun-

Seek shelter immediately.

screen with UVB and UVA ray protection. Shaded play areas protect children from the sun.

Heat Index Warning: How hot it feels to the

Condition

- Children may play outdoors and be comfortable. Watch for signs of children be-

GREEN

body when the air temperature (in Fahren-

coming uncomfortable while playing. Use precautions regarding clothing, sunscreen, and beverages

heit) and relative humidity are combined.

for all child age groups.

Relative Humidity: The percent of moisture

INFANTS AND TODDLERS are unable to tell the child care provider if they are too hot or cold. Chil-

in the air.

dren become fussy when uncomfortable. Infants/toddlers will tolerate shorter periods of outdoor

play. Dress infants/toddlers in lightweight cotton or cotton-like fabrics during the warmer months. In

Temperature: The temperature of the air in

cooler or cold months dress infants in layers to keep them warm. Protect infants from the sun by lim-

degrees Fahrenheit.

iting the amount of time outdoors and playing in shaded areas. Give beverages when playing out-

doors.

Wind: The speed of the wind in miles per

YOUNG CHILDREN remind children to stop playing, drink a beverage, and apply more sunscreen.

hour.

OLDER CHILDREN need a firm approach to wearing proper clothing for the weather (they may want

Wind Chill Warning: There will be sub-zero

to play without coats, hats or mittens). They may resist applying sunscreen and drinking beverages

temperatures with moderate to strong winds

while outdoors.

expected which may cause hypothermia and

great danger to people, pets and livestock.

Condition

- use caution and closely observe the children for signs of being too hot or cold

YELLOW

while outdoors. Clothing, sunscreen, and beverages are important. Shorten the length of outdoor

Winter Weather Advisory: Weather condi-

time.

tions may cause significant inconveniences

INFANTS AND TODDLERS use precautions outlined in Condition Green. Clothing, sunscreen, and

and may be hazardous. If caution is exer-

beverages are important. Shorten the length of time for outdoor play.

cised, these situations should not become

YOUNG CHILDREN may insist they are not too hot or cold because they are enjoying playtime.

life threatening.

Child care providers need to structure the length of time for outdoor play for the young child.

Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter con-

OLDER CHILDREN need a firm approach to wearing proper clothing for the weather (they may want

ditions have begun in your area.

to play without coats, hats or mittens), applying sunscreen and drinking liquids while playing out-

doors.

Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter condi-

tions, like heavy snow and ice are possible

Condition

- most children should not play outdoors due to the health risk.

RED

within the next day or two.

INFANTS/TODDLERS should play indoors and have ample space for large motor play.

YOUNG CHILDREN may ask to play outside and do not understand the potential danger of weather

conditions.

OLDER CHILDREN may play outdoors for very short periods of time if they are properly dressed,

have plenty of fluids. Child care providers must be vigilant about maximum protection of children.

Child Care Weather Watch, Iowa Department Public Health, Healthy Child Care Iowa, Produced through federal grant (MCJ19T029 & MCJ19KCC7) funds from the US Department of Health & Human

Services, Health Resources & Services Administration, Maternal & Child Health Bureau. Wind-Chill and Heat Index information is from the National Weather Service.

Child Care Weather Watch Page 2

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