Schools navigate heat and outdoor play time
As we enter another heat wave, schools are challenged with navigating outdoor playtime.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The kids at Miss Wanda’s Daycare follow an exact schedule, said the daycare’s director, Summer Shack.
When something in that schedule is missing, Shack said the kids know.
”If they’re in the house too long they’re like, ‘Wait a minute it’s time for outside play,’ and they notice they’re not getting that.” Shack said. “We find that there’s a lot of irritation going on. They typically fight each other. They just get upset and they wanna go outside.”
Shack said outdoor time is crucial. She says it’s even a requirement from the Department of Human Services that they get a certain amount of outdoor playtime a day. So they always try to fit it in, despite how hot it may get.
”We have the water play,” Shack said. “We got a sprinkler to keep them going in and out.”
More water, more breaks and more sunscreen have been their answer when it comes to beating the heat.
”We have little napkins that we’ll put water on and just set on top of their forehead, pat their necks with it so that way to keep them cool,” Shack said.
When it comes to the air quality Shack said they keep eyes on the kids to make sure that we’re paying attention for any dizziness, vomiting, excessive crying, discomfort, if they’re too red in the face or if they notice they’re not playing like normal.
For kids with asthma and other respiratory illnesses, Shack said it’s the same protocol.
“Keep an eye, keep them hydrated, keep them cool,” Shack said.
Shack added these methods are critical so they can all stick to their plan.
”It’s a busy day and [the kids] know their schedule and they are really on that schedule,” Shack said.
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