As temperatures drop, winter comes closer. It means three things for daycare providers—holiday decorations, flu season, and taking daycare safety up a notch.
Amidst the merriment of the holiday season, many hazards go unnoticed.
Luckily, you have our winter safety reminders for daycare providers to help you plan and prep beforehand. We shall help you identify potential problems and share actionable advice to help you protect the tiny tots you care for during the day.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Create a Winter Daycare Safety Plan
Most states require daycare providers to develop a result-oriented safety plan when they apply for a license. Due to the mandate, you may already have a well-prepared winter safety schedule on your business plan.
Your plan must include steps to maintain each child's well-being while under your care during winter. It should describe emergency response protocols and preventative steps you will take to overcome expected/unexpected emergencies.
For instance, you may discuss how you will place fire extinguishers in the hallways, decorate classes mindfully to reduce fire hazards or handle heating concerns. Some other things to consider this season include stocking up on medical supplies to deal with colds, setting a budget for heating, and arranging a snow removal contractor.
Depending on your budget and infant supply list, ensure that there are extra blankets, cozy knits, and warm supplies at hand. These small things can promote children’s comfort and well-being when the season gets nippy.
Handy Tip: Download our colorful daycare safety plan bundle to ensure you cover the bases.
2. Avoid Slippery Sidewalks and Roads Outside Your Facility
If it snows in your area, you can expect the sidewalks and driveways to become slippery. These conditions can cause slip and fall accidents during drop-off and pick-up time. Ensure you have a professional snow removal contractor on speed dial during winter. Schedule regular maintenance to get rid of build-up that may form during the weekends or over the holidays.
If possible, get your janitor to sprinkle road salt to melt the snow before it accumulates around the premises. They can shovel the pavements to mitigate risks, keeping daycare staff, children, and parents safe.
3. Make Preparedness Part of Your Daycare Culture
Winter safety reminders aren’t solely limited to daycare providers. Parents and children need a gentle nudge too. Put up friendly reminders in the hallways and classrooms, showcasing the importance of wearing layers during the cold weather.
We have countless resources on how to create a curriculum. You can incorporate winter-themed activities into your curriculum, develop educational lessons centered around winter, and post visually stunning posters on bulletin boards to keep kids informed.
You can teach young learners about the following:
● How does the weather change?
● Fire safety inside and outside the daycare
You may schedule age-appropriate fire and emergency drills for employees and children. Ensure everyone knows how to evacuate the building safely during emergencies. Your attention to detail and due diligence can attract parents to your daycare.
Handy Tip: Remember to ask parents to sign a form permitting you to schedule a fire drill at your daycare.
Are You Ready for Snowy Season?
It doesn’t matter how much snow you get. Our winter safety reminders for daycare encourage you to be vigilant and cautious. Collaborate with our Standout members daily to make the joyous season safe for everyone at the daycare.
You can also use our online shop to access free or purchasable educational resources for daycare facilities. The shared tools equip you to create a loving, nurturing, and safe environment for your kids and employees. That’s because it allows you to prepare for anything and everything all year round.
Stay safe, stay warm!
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