Outdoor play is an essential part of the child’s day and our daily program. Children spend two hours or more a day participating in outdoor activities, weather permitting.
To ensure children have appropriate Sun protection, the following is required:
- Children must wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15, applied at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Sunscreen must be provided by the parent/caregiver and an Application of Sunscreen form signed annually and kept on file for the staff to reapply sunscreen.
- Children must wear a hat at all times during outdoor play.
- Encourage children to drink water while outdoors.
- Encourage children to play in shaded areas and take frequent rests during gross motor activities.
To ensure children have appropriate protection from the cold/wind chill, the following is required:
- Children must wear warm, appropriate outdoor clothing – snowsuits or snow pants, a jacket, hat, mittens or gloves, waterproof boots.
- Encourage children to participate in gross motor activities in order to keep warm and observe children at 15 to 20 minute intervals depending on the child’s age/developmental stage.
- Spend shorter amounts of time outdoors in colder temperatures with wind chill factors.
Children will not participate in outdoor activities under the following weather conditions:
- When a severe thunderstorm watch has been issued.
- When the Ontario Ministry of the Environment issues a Smog Alert, a Smog Advisory is issued by The City of Toronto. This alert is issued when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches or exceeds 50. (Please see Parent Information Board for ongoing information regarding smog alert notifications).
Please note children will still participate in outdoor activities during a Smog watch. This is where there is a 50 percent chance that a smog day is coming within the next three days.
When a heat alert has been issued by The City of Toronto, outdoor activities will only commence in the early morning or in the late afternoon.
When the temperature falls below -10 degrees Celsius and if the wind chill factor is more than 1200 watts per meter squared – (See Environment Canada Website for more details – http://www.ec.gc.ca)
Water Safety Best Practices:
During periods of hot weather, the centre encourages the use of sprinklers, hoses and water tables under the close supervision of adults at all times. WADING POOLS OF STANDING WATER OUT ON THE PLAYGROUND ARE NOT PERMITED.
If a public pool is visited, it must be a “regulated” public pool where there is a qualified lifeguard on duty at all times.
The rules of the public pool are followed:
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- The children are accompanied and directly supervised by adults at all times;
- Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 ratios are maintained at all times;
- Parents/guardians are advised of the field trip and have signed a consent form
- All staff are encouraged to familiarize themselves with basic water/swimming safety tips – use the following sources as a guide:
Life Saving Society
Water Safety for Kids
Emergency Closures and Contingencies:
Occasionally there are situations out of our control wherein we require you to pick up your child before the end of the usual day. Emergency closures include, but are not limited to, severe weather, building flooding, heating failure, etc. On these occasions it is imperative your child is picked up as quickly and safely as possible.
