Sun safety for children in child care - post

Why does #sun #safety #matter in child care?

Sunlight helps our bodies make vitamin D, and #outdoor- #play is great for #learning and movement. But too much sun can hurt a child’s skin and eyes. A bad sunburn in childhood can also raise the risk of skin problems later in life.

In child care, sun safety is part of #health-and-safety. It is not about keeping children indoors all day. It is about making a simple #plan so children can play outside more #safely. 

When is the sun strongest (and what should we do about it)? 

The sun is usually strongest in the middle of the day. If you can, plan outdoor play for earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Try these easy scheduling tips:

• Plan outdoor play before lunch when possible
• Use shaded areas for outdoor #centers and group time
• Shorten outdoor time on very hot, bright days
• Rotate children between sun and shade during play

A #weather tool can help you decide when it is #safer to go out. ChildCareEd has a helpful article on using weather guidance here: Daycare Weather Chart to Keep Your Classroom Safe and Fun

What are the “big 4” sun safety habits for kids?

Think of sun safety like a daily routine—just like handwashing. The “big 4” are:

• Shade (trees, canopies, umbrellas, covered patios)
• Clothing (lightweight long sleeves when possible)
• Hats (wide-brim or neck flap hats work best)
• Sunscreen (used correctly, with family permission)

These habits work best together. Shade alone is not enough, and sunscreen alone is not enough.

How do we use sunscreen the right way in child care?

Many programs have rules about sunscreen (who provides it, where it is stored, who applies it, and how it is documented). Always follow your local licensing and program policies.

Here are practical best practices many child care programs use:

• Get written #parent/guardian permission (and follow any medication/sunscreen rules in your state)
• Ask families to provide sunscreen labeled broad-spectrum with SPF 30 or higher
• Apply sunscreen to exposed skin before outdoor time (not after children are already in the sun)
• Reapply based on your program policy, especially after water play or heavy sweating
• Keep sunscreen in its original container with the child’s name (if your program requires individual sunscreen)
• Watch for sensitivities—some children do better with fragrance- #free sunscreen

Extra note for infants: Babies have special needs. Follow family guidance and your health policies closely, and use shade and protective clothing as your main tools when sunscreen use is limited or not recommended.

How can we build more shade and safer outdoor spaces?

A sun-safe #playground is planned on purpose. Look at your outdoor space at different times of day. Notice where the shadows fall.

Helpful shade ideas:

• Pop-up canopy tents (secured safely)
• Shade sails installed by professionals
• Umbrellas for #sensory tables or water tables
• Moving activities under trees or covered areas

If you want to strengthen outdoor safety checks and supervision, this course can help: Family Child Care: Building, Premises, and Outdoor Safety

And if you want ideas for designing outdoor learning spaces (including comfort and setup), explore: Creating the Natural Outdoor Classroom

What should we teach children about sun safety (in a kid-friendly way)?

Children can learn simple “sun smart” habits without fear. Keep it upbeat and easy.

Try teaching short messages like:

• “Hat on, then we play!”
• “Drink water, take breaks.”
• “Let’s find the shade!”
• “Sunscreen helps protect our skin.”

You can also practice with role-play:

• Put hats on dolls
• “Shade hunt” game (find cool shady spots)
• Picture cards showing sun-safe clothing

When adults model the habits, children copy them. That is one of the strongest tools you have.

What are signs a child may be getting too much sun or #heat?

Sometimes the danger is not just sunburn—it can be heat illness, too. Watch children closely during outdoor play.

Common warning signs include:

• Red, hot skin
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea 
• Weakness or unusual tiredness
• Not sweating when it is very hot (this can be serious)

If you want a simple printable to keep in your #classroom or #emergency binder, use this free ChildCareEd resource: First Aid for Heat Illness Heat Illness Info Sheet

How do we partner with families for better #sun-protection? 

Sun safety works best when #staff and families are on the same team. A short message can prevent confusion later.

Consider sharing reminders like:

• Please send a labeled hat every day
• Please send sunscreen (if your program allows family-provided sunscreen)
• Dress your child in light, comfortable outdoor clothing
• Tell us about skin allergies or sunscreen sensitivities

You can also add sun safety to your daily checklist:

• Hat check
• Water bottles filled
• Shade areas ready
• Sunscreen plan followed (with documentation)

If you want a health-and-safety-focused training that supports daily routines and safe care practices, take a look at: Safe Haven: Health & Safety in Family Child Care

Where can I learn more about outdoor hazards (including sun exposure)?

Sun is only one part of outdoor safety. A helpful related read is:
Creating Safe Outdoor Play Environments for Children: Understanding Hazards and Precautions

It connects sun safety with other outdoor risks and simple precautions.

Want more quick tips and ideas from ChildCareEd?

For short, easy activity ideas and provider-friendly reminders, follow ChildCareEd on social media. Start here: https://linktr.ee/childcareed (Linktree)
(You can choose Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more—pick your favorite and tap “Follow!”)

Sun safety is not complicated. A few simple habits—shade, clothing, hats, and the right sunscreen routine—can help children enjoy outdoor play while staying safer, calmer, and more comfortable.