Being safe in the summer does not mean staying indoors all day long! Children need fresh air, exercise, and outdoor play throughout the year. The NC Child Care Rules .0509(d) require that facilities take children outdoors every day that “weather conditions permit”. In the summer storms or a heat index at or above 90 º F pose significant health risks (Caring For Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standard 2.009).
Use good judgment and help children develop sun safe habits.
Physical activity teaches children:
When setting up the environment children’s safety should always be the first thing to consider. Uncluttered open areas and pathways allow all children to move freely. They do not have to worry about tripping over toys or bumping into each other. A safe open environment encourages physical activity.
“To stimulate creativity, one must develop the childlike inclination for play and the childlike desire for recognition” ~Albert Einstein
When planning and scheduling activities, providers should remember that children:
Providers can join in the fun!
When adults encourage children and enthusiastically join in activities, they help to instill a love of physical activity. Seeing providers enjoying the fun helps children develop a positive attitude towards physical activity and gives providers a chance to get some of the exercise they need to stay, or become, fit and healthy!
There is no minimum or maximum amount of time recommended for infants to be physically active. Infants should have many opportunities each day to move freely.
Promoting Healthy Social Behaviors in Child Care Centers
Help is available for child care providers who care for children with challenging behaviors.
Promoting Healthy Social Behaviors in Child Care Centers is an initiative of the NC Resource and Referral Council, funded by the NC DCD. Behavior specialists are available to every county in North Carolina. They can visit regulated child care centers and observe children. They will work with child care providers to develop strategies to reduce and prevent challenging behaviors in the classroom. They can suggest new approaches to try to make classrooms calmer and
happier places. They offer training statewide for families and for caregivers who work at home or in centers.
For information contact Jesse Norris: (910) 642-8189 or 800-653-5212, ext. 22 or jnorris@sccnc.edu.
Did you know that more growth and development takes place during the first three years of life than at any other time? NC’s Infant/Toddler Enhancement Project can help you improve the quality of the care you provide for your youngest children.
For information contact Linda King: (910) 642-8189 or 800-653-5212, ext. 24 or lking@sccnc.edu.
The School-age Specialist is available to help you arrange and furnish your school age classrooms with appropriate materials and experiences to engage your older children’s interests and learning.
For information about the School-age Project contact Mary Miller: (910) 642-8189 or 800-653-5212, ext. 23 or mmiller@sccnc.edu.
Teaching Caring Behaviors in Groups
Reference: DeBord, Karen (2000), Childhood Aggression: Where Does It Come From? How Can It Be Managed? www.nncc.org/Child.Dev/aggression.html.
Consumer Education and Referral Specialist
(910) 788-6462
Nesmith Building, room 222