Summer Safety Tips
With so many age groups in day care we have a real juggling act to keep everyone safe while providing a fun and exciting summer. The challenge is allowing the older ones a little more freedom to spread their wings while keeping the younger ones more confined and therefore safer.
Before summer starts I try to plan out events for each week and then ask the parents which activities they want their children to participate in and what playground equipment they can use. All my day care parents must sign forms for my playground equipment before their children can use it.
I post the safety rules for the playground and each piece of equipment so all parents and children know where I stand on rules. It’s for my protection as well as theirs.
A safety check of the yard, garage, and playground equipment has to be done regularly all summer long. Making sure everyone in your family knows to put tools, gasoline, bug sprays, fertilizer, and lawn equipment out of reach of your little ones.
If children bring bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, or scooters, they will need to be in control of their equipment and bring safety helmets and gear for their own protection. If any safety rules are ignored they will be asked to keep their equipment at their home.
On days that the yard is too wet we use the garage and driveway for bikes, jumping rope, basketball, and water play like pretend car washes. I set limits on how far down the driveway the children can go and also let the parents know not to enter the driveway until all children are safely in the garage. Children learn they can’t leave the garage until the car is stopped and Mom and Dad are out of the car and I say it is okay to go.
Things brought from home may be safe for one child but might not be safe in a group setting. Liabilities can be huge and should be eliminated. You have the final word, so don’t be afraid to say no to toys that may compromise safety.
On playground equipment like the preschool trampoline, safety always comes before fun. One on at a time and only if I’m standing right there. Slides are only used to go down, never up. Swings are for swinging, not jumping out of. When older children play ball they must move away from the little ones play area. Kids will get hit so I only use soft balls and equipment. Check your outdoor equipment frequently. Make sure nuts and bolts are tight and that each piece is anchored correctly. Don’t let the older children jump off the top of climbers because the little ones will try it too. Place equipment on pea rock or sand to soften any falls and don’t allow any running in this area. Keep the sun in mind when locating your play area and if possible pick an area that will give some shade.
In Minnesota, each season brings it’s own weather related challenges. Summer sun can do damage so remember the sunscreen. Summer storms can produce lightning so go indoors at the first sound of thunder. High humidity can be dangerous for anyone with asthma or similar health issues.
Enjoy the summer but be safe.
Patti Jo Lawrenz pjltips@aol.com
