Summer Safety Tips for Daycare in Ann Arbor

Are you sending your child to daycare in Ann Arbor this summer?

Are you prepared for high temperatures, bug bites, or dehydration?

When summer rolls around, it’s hard to get your kids back in the house. To prepare before you even leave for the day, here are some tips to make sure your kids have everything they need for daycare, field trips, or play dates with friends!

1. Be sun savvy! Don’t forget the sunscreen! We know your kids hate standing still when they could be in the pool or running through the sprinkler, but protection is a necessity! Apply SPF 15 or greater to reduce the chance of sunburns. Apply liberally 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming.
    
2. Check the weather. Even if your child goes to daycare where teachers will monitor weather conditions, some daycare facilities go outside rain or shine (like Little Angels does)! Make sure your child has the correct clothing for the weather, and even has a change of clothes just to be safe.
    
3. Beware of bugs! Pack some bug spray with the sunscreen in your child’s day bag and make sure your child’s teachers know about any allergies to bees, spiders or otherwise that your child might have. Michigan has seen a spike in tick bites already this year, so make sure to check your child over when he or she comes home for the day. If a field trip to the woods is on the calendar, pack long pants and long socks for your child to help protect him or her from creepy crawlies.
    
4. Prevent dehydration! Kids should drink 12 ounces of fluid 30 minutes before activity begins, and take breaks throughout outdoor or indoor play when it’s warm outside. Water is best – stay away from sugary drinks that can actually stop the hydration process. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, weakness, and extreme fatigue, so start the day with a cold glass of water!
    
5. If your child requires extra care or medication, create a safety kit for him or her to take to daycare, and let your child’s teacher know about it! Some items that your child might need are water, medications, band aids, antibiotic creams, Benadryl, sunblock, and insect repellant.

Remember: prevention is key! Make sure your child knows how to tell his or her teacher or caregiver about feeling unwell. Talk to your children to make sure they know how important it is that they wear sunscreen, eat a good breakfast, and drink water throughout the day.

If you have concerns, talk to your child’s teachers! At Little Angels, we take the safety of our students very seriously, and want to make sure everyone is able to participate in fun, summer activities. If you have special circumstances you need us to know about, don’t hesitate to ask!

For more information about our facility and the safety measures we take, contact us today!