Enjoy the Sun – Wisely!Ab out The Resource Center · · 2009-05-29Child care providers can make sure the children get outside and enjoy the sun ... as balance and purposeful movement.

N O R T H C A R O L I N A

Every morning at dawn, the sun rises in theEast accompanied by rosy fingers of light. In the evening, the sun sets in the Westagainst a backdrop of purple, red, andorange. As the sun arcs over the earth, it warms the planet, making life on earth possible. Through a process calledphotosynthesis, plants use sunlight to create the oxygen we breathe and the food that sustains life. It is no wonder that many ancient civilizations worshipedthe sun.

Modern day sun worshipers appear in parksand on playgrounds during the first warmdays of spring, and in the summer. Whileenjoying the sun, caregivers should protectthe children and themselves from too muchexposure to the sun. People once thought a tan was a sign of health, but it is not – it is a sign of skin damage. Sunburns are even more harmful to the skin. Blisteringsunburns received in childhood cansignificantly increase the lifetime risk formelanoma, a more dangerous form of skin cancer. Before going outside withchildren, make sure they wear sunglasses,sunscreen, broad-brimmed hats, and longsleeves, especially in the summer, betweenthe hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when the sun’s rays are strongest.

Getting too much sun can damage the skin,but when children and adults get too littlesun, they miss the many health benefits ofmoderate exposure to sunlight. At the top of the list of benefits is the production ofvitamin D. When ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun penetrate the skin, they trigger the synthesis of vitamin D, which is essential to healthy bones. Childrentoday spend less time outside than in thepast. As a result, vitamin D deficiencies have become more common. Researchsuggests that it takes 5-30 minutes of sun exposure, 2 or 3 times a week, toproduce enough vitamin D. The amount

of sun each individual needs depends onmany factors including the time of the year, the amount of cloud cover, and individual skin pigmentation. People with fair skinneed much less sun exposure to producevitamin D than those with darker skin.

Sunlight can also help people who sufferfrom seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that usually occursduring the long gray days of winter. Thosewho work inside with little to no exposureto the sun are also at risk for developingSAD. Exposure to sunlight relieves thesymptoms of SAD by increasing theproduction of serotonin, a “feel good”hormone that lifts people’s moods.

People who suffer from insomnia are alsohelped by exposure to sunlight. Twentyminutes of natural daylight in the morningshuts off the production of melatonin, ahormone that makes people feel sleepy.Sunlight tells the body it is daytime andtime to be awake! This helps to re-set thebody’s natural circadian rhythm, or innerclock. It is easier to fall asleep in the evening when the body’s inner clock knows what time of day it is.

Child care providers can make sure the children get outside and enjoy the sun – wisely!

References:Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. Benefitsof Moderate Sun Exposure. Retrieved April 14, 2009 from

www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0604d.shtml

Kotz D. Host of Health Benefits Attributed toSunlight. US News & World Report. Retrieved April 14,2009 from http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/

living-well-usn/2008/06/24/host-of-health-benefitsattributed-to-sunlight.html

J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 0 9 V O L U M E 11, I S S U E 3

CHILD CARE HEALTH AND SAFETY BULLETIN

NORTH CAROLINA CHILD CARE HEALTH AND SAFET Y RESOURCE CENTER

Enjoy the Sun – Wisely!

The NC Child Care Health and SafetyResource Center is a project of theDepartment of Maternal and ChildHealth, Gillings School of Global andPublic Health, The University of NorthCarolina. Project Director: JonathanKotch. Funding for the Resource Centeroriginates with the Maternal and ChildHealth Title V Block Grant ofUSDHHS’s Health Resources andServices Administration/Maternal and Child Health Bureau, awarded to the University under a contract from theDivision of Public Health, NCDHHS.The development, translating, printing,web posting and mailing of the NC ChildCare Health and Safety Bulletin are supportedby funding from the Child Care andDevelopment Fund Block Grant of theChild Care Bureau, Administration onChildren and Families, USDHHS,through a contract between the Divisionof Child Development, NCDHHS, and the Department of Maternal andChild Health, Gillings School of Globaland Public Health, The University ofNorth Carolina at Chapel Hill.

1 Enjoy the Sun – Wisely!

2 - 3 The Sun – An InvitingBut Cautionary Tale

4 Alternatives to Dairy Products

5 Here Comes the Sun!

6 The CSEFEL Corner

7 COOL Fun in the HOT Summer!

8 Ask The Resource Center

In This Issue

About TheResource Center “Turn your face to the sun and

the shadows fall behind you.”

– Maori proverb

2 • HEALTH AND SAFETY BULLETIN • JUNE / JULY 2009

The Sun – An Inviting

It’s Sunny! Let’s Go Out! What is it about a sunny day that is so inviting? Children andadults are drawn to the outdoors on most days, but a sunny dayis even more appealing. Shovels, watering cans, balls, ridingtoys and bikes, blankets and books, hula hoops and jump ropes,hiking boots and magnifying glasses – the list of things to do isendless. In addition to the pleasure of a bright sky and the sun’sshimmering light, sunlight increases the level of serotonin in thebody. Serotonin, the feel good hormone, lifts a person’s mood.Relaxation and physical activity improve mood by reducingstress and increasing energy. For children, being outside meansthey are freer to sing at the top of their lungs, run like the wind,throw balls into the air, roll around in the grass or quietly read a

book in the shade. Children can leave their inside voices andinside feet, inside.Being outside gives children more space for active play. Teacher-directed activities help children acquire gross motor skills suchas balance and purposeful movement. Rotating active playmaterials such as parachutes, tunnels, and musical instruments,adds to their experiences and experimentation. Physical activityplays an important role in children’s well-being. Besidesimproving mood, it strengthens heart and lung functioning. It also builds muscles, and improves coordination. Being activeis part of the equation for maintaining a healthy weight. Inaddition, it helps prevent diseases such as Type II diabetes.

The Sun and Vitamin D Sun exposure is the main source of Vitamin D for people. Thebody uses the sun’s UVB rays to produce vitamin D. Smalleramounts of vitamin D can be found naturally in oily fish likesalmon and mackerel. It is found in foods fortified with vitaminD such as milk, orange juice, bread, cereals, and yogurt, and indietary supplements. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calciumand builds stronger bones. Not getting enough vitamin D putschildren at risk of vitamin D deficiency, which is now acommon health issue in children.

Recent research suggests that there may be additional benefitsfrom vitamin D. It may reduce the lifetime risk of developingcolon, breast, ovarian, and melanoma cancers. It may helpreduce the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, high bloodpressure, multiple sclerosis, muscle disease, psoriasis, and schizophrenia.

Exposure Category

UV Index Number Sun Protection Messages

LOW <2 Safe to be outside. Wear sunglasses onbright days. Cover up and use sunscreenSPF 15+ as needed.

MODERATE 3-5 Wear a hat and sunglasses. Use sunscreenSPF 15+. Seek shade during midday hours.

HIGH 6-7

Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants when practical. Use sunscreen SPF 15+.Seek shade during midday hours.

VERY HIGH 8-10A shirt, hat and sunscreen SPF 15+ area must. Seek shade from 10AM – 4PM.

EXTREME 11+A shirt, hat and sunscreen SPF 15+ area must. Seek shade from 10AM – 4PM.

The Ultraviolet (UV) IndexThe ozone layer is part of the atmosphere that shields the earth from the sun’s UV rays.Pollution is causing a thinning of the ozone layer. This means that more of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays reach the earth.UVA rays damage the deeper layers of skin. UVB rays cause sun burn. Both increase the risk for developing skin cancer.

The UV Index measures the intensity of thesun’s UV rays on a scale of 1-11+. Thisindicates a person’s risk of possible over-exposure to the sun. Reflection off snow, whitesand and bright surfaces nearly doubles the UVstrength. Child care providers should be awareof their local UV Index before taking childrenoutside. Providers can follow the guidelinesdescribed in the UV Index scale to protectchildren from overexposure to the sun. At leftis a summary of the guidelines.

Check the UV Index: Watch the local weather forecast or go to the EnvironmentalProtection Agency UV Index forecast page,http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html#map.

References:Grant, W.B., Strange, R.C., Garland, C.F. (2004) Sunshine is good medicine. The health benefits ofultraviolet-B induced vitamin D production. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2, 86-98.

Holick, M.F. (2008) Vitamin D and Sunlight: Strategies for Cancer Prevention and Other Health Benefits.Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 1548-1554.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. SunWise Kids Program. Retrieved May 13, 2009 fromwww.epa.gov/SunWise/

Oh Mister Sun, Sun, Mister Golden Sun,

Please shine down on me


Hiding behind a tree...

These little children are asking you

To please come out so we can play with you


Please shine down on me!

JUNE / JULY 2009 • HEALTH AND SAFETY BULLETIN • 3

Hot Sun – Tender SkinSun... Light... Heat... Energy...Warmth...Tan... Sunburn... Wrinkles... Skin Cancer... Without the sun people could not survive.Yet too much exposure to the sun’s rays can cause serious damage to the skin.Surprisingly, a child’s delicate skin can become sunburned in less than 10 minutes. Skin cancer is the most common of allcancers. There are five times as manycases of skin cancer as breast cancer.Melanoma, a potentially deadly form ofskin cancer, can spread to other parts ofthe body. Melanoma, like most skincancers, can be prevented by limitingunprotected exposure to the sun. Signs ofskin cancer include changes in the skin,such as irregularly shaped moles or soresthat do not heal. Early detection andtreatment improves the chances of a cure.

Too much exposure to the sun duringchildhood increases the risk for skin cancer later in life. “Be Sun Smart”and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

• Provide shade with trees, umbrellas or awnings.

• Keep infants younger than six months out of direct sunlight.

• Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15-30 onchildren older than six months. Eachtime children go out to play, applytheir sunscreen 30 minutes beforehand.

• Cover up! Have children wear wide-brimmed hats, 100% ultraviolet(UV) protective sunglasses and longsleeved, lightweight, light-coloredcotton clothing.

• Watch the clock. Plan activities in the shade or indoors between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

For more “Sun Smart” information and freebrochures, call the American CancerSociety at 1-800-227-2345.

Hot Cars and ChildrenNorth Carolina Child Care Rule .1033(g)states, “Children shall not be left in avehicle unattended by an adult.” Still, it happens…During moderate to hot weather, a childleft unattended in a vehicle can sufferhyperthermia, or overheating. Like agreenhouse, car windows trap sunlightand heat. Even on a balmy day withtemperatures in the 60s , the heat inside a car may rise to well above 110° F. As the car heats up, children’s bodytemperatures rise, becoming deadly at107° F. Some people leave windowsslightly open thinking this will reduce the heat inside the car. This does not keep the temperature in the car fromrising quickly. For instance, on a sunny83° F day, with car windows open 2inches, the temperature inside the car will reach 109° F within 15 minutes. Exposure to high temperatures causeshyperthermia, also called heat stroke orsun stroke. During hyperthermia, thebody’s heat-regulating controls areoverwhelmed and body temperatureclimbs uncontrollably.

Children age 4 and younger are at higherrisk for hyperthermia than adults are.Their bodies have a large amount of skincompared to their body mass. On a hot

day a young child’s body temperature may increase three to five times fasterthan an adult’s. In addition, youngchildren do not sweat as much as adults do. They are less able to reducebody heat by sweating and cooling.Hyperthermia is a life-threateningemergency.

Warning signs of hyperthermia:• A body temperature above

103°F, orally • Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating) • Rapid, strong pulse• Dizziness • Throbbing headache• Nausea • Confusion• Unconsciousness

First aid for hyperthermia:• Call 911.• Provide shade. • Provide rapid cooling.

Spray or sponge with cool water.

• Monitor body temperature. Continuecooling efforts until it drops to 101-102° F.

• Do not give the victim fluids to drink. • If the person’s muscles begin to

twitch uncontrollably, do not place any object in the mouth.

• If vomiting occurs, keep the airwayopen by rolling the person into a side-lying position.

S P F

Never leave a child alone in a vehicle. Always check to see that

no children are left in the vehicle. Call the parent if a child’s absence is not

reported. Many children are left in “hot cars”unintentionally. The call could save a young life.

References:American Cancer Society. Reducing the Risk of Skin Cancer. Retrieved April 21, 2009 from www.cancer.org/

downloads/COM/05April.pdf

Sun Safe Central. 2007. Learn About Sun. Retrieved April 21, 2009 from www.healthmarkmultimedia.com/sunsafe/cooltools/fact/fact_pop4.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (August 15, 2006). Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote YourPersonal Health and Safety. Retrieved April 13, 2009 from http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/

heat_guide.asp

National Highway Safety Traffic Administration. Unattended Children and Cars. Hot Cars. Retrieved April 9,2009 from www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/enforce/ChildrenAndCars/pages/Unattend-HotCars.htm

But Cautionary Tale

June isGreat Outdoors Month

June 21-27 Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week

July isBlueberries Month

National Wheelchair Beautification MonthUV Safety Month

July 20-24 National Youth Sports WeekJuly 20 National Hug Your Kid Day

August isChildren’s Eye Health and Safety Month

National Immunization Awareness MonthGet Ready for Kindergarten Month

Happiness Happens MonthAugust 1-7 World Breastfeeding Week

August 24-28 National Safe at Home WeekAugust 2 Friendship Day

Bulletin BoardJune 15-21 is National Men’s Health Week

Men's Health Week raises awareness of health problems that affect men andboys. Prevent these problems with healthy living.

• Be tobacco free. • Be physically active. • Eat a healthy diet. • Stay at a healthy weight. • Take preventive medicines, if needed. • Keep immunizations up to date.

Men should be screened for: • Obesity: check Body Mass Index at routine

health care visits • High Cholesterol: especially if the man or boy smokes or has diabetes,

high blood pressure, or history of a family member with heart disease • High Blood Pressure: at least every two years • Colorectal Cancer: starting at age 50 • Diabetes: if blood pressure or cholesterol levels are high • Depression: if feeling “down,” sad, or hopeless for more than 2 weeks,

or have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things • Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV: based on health history

Celebrate this day by going outdoors and enjoying the shade!Watch the sun as it rises in the sky. Look for shadows on the

ground. Go outside when the sun is high enough to make shade. Hop fromone shady spot to another. Prepare ahead by adding materials in differentshaded areas. A watering station is a welcome addition in a shady corner.Shade alone can reduce overall exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays.Trees, overhanging roofs, porches, canopies, and shade structures can allprovide protection from the heat and UV rays of the sun.

Alternatives to Dairy Products

The body uses the mineralcalcium to build strong, healthy bones. Calcium is also needed for musclecontraction, the transmission

of messages sent by nerves, and the release of hormones. Getting the recommendedamount of calcium from food or supplementsmaintains enough calcium in the blood. Whencalcium in the blood is low, the body takescalcium from the bones to maintain normalcell function. Getting enough calcium is justpart of the equation. Vitamin D is also needed.It helps the body absorb calcium.

While dairy products,especially those fortifiedwith vitamin D, are excellentsources of calcium, not allpeople eat dairy products.Some people avoid dairyproducts because they cannot tolerate thelactose, a sugar that is in milk. Cheese, yogurt,and lactose-free milk are dairy products theymight be able to tolerate. Taking the enzymelactase before consuming a milk product mayalso increase tolerance.

People who do not eat animal products, or areallergic to milk, or do not eat dairy productscan find calcium in other sources.

• foods fortified with calciumsuch as juices, cereals,breads, soy beverages, orrice beverages

• fish such as canned sardinesor salmon with bones

• soybeans and other soyproducts – soy-basedbeverages, soy yogurt or tempeh

• other dried beans such ascowpeas or white beans

• dark leafy greens such ascollard and turnip greens,spinach, kale or bok choy

For a longer list ofalternatives to dairyproducts and sources of

calcium go to http://mypyramid.gov/pyramid/milk_tips.html#nomilk.


Reference:

KidsHealth. Calcium and Your Child. Retrieved May 11,2009 from http://kidshealth.org/parent/

nutrition_fit/nutrition/calcium.html#

SALMON

July 3 is Stay Out of the Sun Day


Summer time is here! Whether children are in theirbackyards or at the beach, outdoor activities often takeplace under a bright sunny sky. Exposure to the sun has

both health benefits and health risks.

Health benefits of moderate exposure to sunlight•5-30 minutes of sunlight, three times a week, helps the

body manufacture vitamin D, which helps keep bonesstrong and healthy.

•Sunlight helps relieve depression by increasingserotonin, the feel good hormone.

•Spending 20 minutes in the sun, early in the day, helpspeople with insomnia. It re-sets the body’s inner clock so it knows when it is time to sleep.

Health risks from overexposure to sunlight •It increases the risk of skin cancer later in life.

Blistering sunburns in childhood increase the risk formelanoma, a more serious form of skin cancer.

•It increases the risk for cataracts, which cloud vision later in life.

•It can suppress the body’s immune system, which helps the body fight off disease.

•It leads to premature aging of the skin.

Stay safe in the sun!•Limit exposure to the sun from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.•Wear long sleeved shirts, pants and wide-brimmed hats. •Wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection. •Use extra precautions around water, sand and snow.

They reflect UV rays, causing people to burn more easily. •Use sunscreen and seek shade.•Stay out of the sun while taking medication that causes

sun sensitivity. Follow the directions that come with the prescription.

•Infants younger than six months of age have delicate skin that burns quickly and easily! Cover them with light-weight clothes and hats. Keep infants shaded. Apply small amounts of sunscreen to exposed areas - nose, cheeks, and hands.

Sunscreen tips•Sunscreen reduces skin damage – it does not eliminate it.

It does not replace cover-ups or shade to protect fromdirect exposure to the sun’s UV rays.

•Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects againstUVA and UVB rays. Choose a sun protection factor (SPF)of at least 15. Use waterproof sunscreen when swimming or sweating.

•Apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before goingoutside. Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming orsweating.

•Dark-skinned children can get sunburns, too - they should use sunscreen.

•Use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The ozone layer is thinning, allowing more radiation (UVB rays) to reachthe earth and damage skin. Clouds only block the heatproducing infra-red rays. Because UVB rays are not hot, it iseasy to forget that skin can burn even on cloudy, cool days.

Air pollution: ultra violet rays + pollution = ozone. Tiny particles add to the toxic brew.

Air pollution is often worse when it is hot. It can cause coughing and wheezing and canworsen asthma and other respiratory illnesses.Children are particularly affected because they often play outdoors, have faster breathingrates, and their lungs are still developing.

Check air quality indexes before taking children out. Look for the Air Quality Forecast on the N.C. Air AwarenessProgram’s website: http://daq.state.nc.us/airaware/

Keep those pesky summertime insects at bay!• Use insect repellent, and wear long sleeved shirts and

pants when venturing into insect infested areas. • Read labels on insect repellent and follow

instructions carefully. • Do not apply near eyes, nose or mouth. • Wash hands after use.

Here Comes the Sun!

NORTH CAROLINA CHILD CARE HEALTH & SAFETY RESOURCE CENTER • 1-800-367-2229

Especially for Families P L E A S E C O P Y A N D S E N D H O M E .

Help child care programs take children outside safely.

• Bring in sunscreen and insect repellent for the child.• Sign written permission slips for sunscreen and insect

repellent. See NC Child Care Rules .0803(7) or .1720(c)(7).•Leave light-weight long sleeved shirts and pants, hats, and

sunglasses in the child’s cubby. Request that the child wearthese items when outside in the sun.

References:American Lung Association. Children and Ozone Air Pollution Fact Sheet. RetrievedApril 30, 2009 from www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=44567

Dartmouth Medical School. 2006. Sun Safe. Retrieved May 11, 2009 fromwww.cancer.dartmouth.edu/melanoma/PDFs/EarlyYears_Files/

preschool_curriculum_part1.pdf

US Environmental Agency. The Insect Repellent DEET. Retrieved April 30,2009 from www.epa.gov/opp00001/factsheets/chemicals/deet.htm


WILL’S STORYWill attends childcare

in NC. Until recently, hehad been having a hard time

getting along with his classmatesand teachers. Many things upset

him. He did not like it when a teachertried to redirect him in his activities. It made

him mad to find a child using the computer –his favorite activity! Will would kick, and push the

child away. When children joined him in play, they hadto do it his way or he would yell, hit, throw toys and knock

over chairs.

Will also had a hard time focusing his attention. He wasdisruptive during group activities. When teachers tried toengage him, Will would hit and spit at them. Afterwards, he had a hard time settling down.

Will’s teachers called in their regional behavior specialist. The behavior specialist’s first recommendation was that Will be evaluated by his pediatrician. The evaluationresulted in a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivitydisorder (ADHD). This explained at least some of the issuesunderlying his challenging behaviors. Children with ADHDoften need extra support in learning to focus their attention,to regulate their emotions and to manage their behaviors. To keep him from being singled out, a plan was developedthat would help Will and support all the children.

The behavior specialist taught the child care providers howto recognize early signs that a child is becoming upset. Shetaught them to use soothing sensory activities to help thechild settle down. Then the behavior specialist introducedthe “turtle technique.”

Tucker Turtle Takes Time to Tuck and Think. Tucker used to get mad and hit and yell at hisfriends, but then he learned to think like a turtle.When he was upset, he would STOP himself from usinghis hands and voice. He would tuck into his shell, takethree deep breathes to calm down, and then think ofa better way to solve the problem.

After the children learned the turtle technique, they wouldsay, “Think like a turtle!” to the child who was upset. Thechildren kept a record of who used the technique, howoften, and why. Will was often the record keeper. Soon theboard was full of the names of children who had needed to“tuck in.” Each day at circle time, they talked about whatcaused the problem and what they did to make it better. It was a success and Will became a star! Everyone’s attitude about Will changed. Will and his classmates were developing social and emotional competence, skillsthey will use for the rest of their lives. The teachers werelearning effective techniques for addressing challengingbehaviors and supporting social and emotional health, which they can use throughout their careers.

To locate a CSEFEL trainer contact Brenda Dennis: 919-962-7359, [email protected] OR MargaretMobley, 919-270-3511, [email protected].

To find teacher resources go to CSEFEL’s website:www.vanderbilt.edu/csefel.

CSEFEL partners with the Technical Assistance Center onSocial Emotional Intervention for Young Children (TACSEI).TACSEI works to improve outcomes for young children with,or at risk for, delays or disabilities.

To find out more about TACSEI go to their website:www.challengingbehavior.org

A Trained Child Care Work Force – the Foundation of the Pyramid Model Part 1 of a 5 Part SeriesThe CSEFEL pyramid model rests on the solid foundationof a trained work-force. CSEFEL trained early childhoodeducators are the key ingredient for success. Withunderstanding, early childhood educators see why andhow to create supportive environments. They learn waysto strengthen their relationships with young children aswell as strategies for helping children build social andemotional skills. They become ready and able to helpchildren build the confidence they need to explore andlearn about themselves and others.

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Promoting Socialand Emotional Health


Water, water, everywhere ….Water, near and far-

Let’s use our hands and feet to count

How many kinds there are!

Water is a basic, naturalmaterial for children’s play. Water play fosterscuriosity, imagination, andexperimentation. Babies

splash happily in their baths as they feelwarm soapy water wash over their bodies.The sound of gently flowing water calms a fussy toddler. Preschoolers watch water create rainbows when it splashesand catches the sun. Water play can foster cognitive development, teach math and science concepts, and enhancephysical skills. It promotes social learning and cooperative play, andenriches language experiences.

Have fun with water to keep cool on a warm day.

A Portable Water TableUse plastic dishpans for portable,individual water tubs. Place them in the shade during the hottest of summerdays. Create water toys from everydaythings! Use sponges, cups, basters, andfunnels for scooping, pouring, squirting,and splashing! Children can developconcepts such as empty/full, before/after, shallow/deep, and heavy/light.

Add a little mild soap and beat with an eggbeater for bubbly fun. Create adramatic play area for children to washdoll clothes in tubs of sudsy water. Then hang them up with clothespins to dry in the sun.

The Sun Warms the Earth In the morning, have thechildren put one shallowpan of water in the sun and one in theshade. Ask the children, “How will thewater change?” In the afternoon feel thetemperature of the water with thechildren. “Is one warmer? Why?”

Outside, fill the water table or tubs with ice. “How long will it take for the ice to melt? What will the icebecome?” Extend the learning: place one tray in the sun and one in the shade. “Does one melt faster? Why?”

Ice Cube Fun• Prevent dehydration by serving fruit juicePopsicles. Each day, add

flavor to the water with a different colorof 100% fruit juice. Pour into ice cubetrays; insert Popsicle sticks and freeze.Refreshing!

• Make paint cubes with handles. Pourwater or water with food coloring addedto it into ice cubes trays; add Popsiclesticks and freeze. Use cubes to paint onthe sidewalk. Watch colors blend whenpainted on paper towels.

Paint Party OutdoorsChildren can “paint” out-doors with water. Give them large paintbrushes

and partly fill a large can or small pail with water. They can “paint” walls, tables,sidewalks, tree trunks, and outdoorequipment. What else can they paint?

Children also enjoy playing with waterfrom a trickling hose. They can waterplants and fill containers, and enjoy the feeling of cool running water on their bodies.

Water Health & Safety Tips• Always supervise children closely

when they are around water.

• Encourage hydration by offering water andother liquids, especiallyin hot weather.

• Remember to washhands before and afterwater play.

= Infant/Toddler

= Preschool – School-age

References:

Community Playthings: Making the Most ofWater Play. Retrieved May 4, 2009 from

www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/sandandwater/makingthemost.html

Healthy Child Care: Water Play Safety.Retrieved May 5, 2009 from www.healthy

child.net/SafetyFirst.php?article_id=234

NAEYC: Learning Through Water Play.Retrieved April 30, 2009 from www.naeyc.org/

ece/1998/09.asp

Penn State Web-based Learning Units:Wonderful Water. Retrieved April 15, 2009

from http://betterkidcare.psu.edu/AngelUnits/OneHour/WaterPlay/WaterLesson.html

COOL Fun in the HOT Summer!

Did you know?• 97% of the earth's water isocean. 2% is frozen in glaciers.1% is fresh water for human use.

• The exact amount of water onEarth today was here when the Earth

was formed. Water recycles itself, going around …and around ….and around in a “water cycle”. For an

interactive explanation of the water cycle,go to: www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/flash/

flash_watercycle.html

• An elephant can smell water up to 3 miles away.

• The Spanish word for water is aqua.

Children’s Books on WaterA Drop of Water by Walter Wick 1997

My Water Comes from the Mountains by Tiffany Fourment 2004

Splash! by Ann Jonas 1997

Water, Water by Eloise Greenfield 1999

Water, Water Everywhere (Bath Book) by Julie Aigner-Clark 2003

Nonprofit Org

US Postage

PAIDRaleigh, NC

Permit No. 2483


UNC Printing DepartmentNC Child Care Health & Safety Resource Center1100 Wake Forest Road, Suite 100Raleigh, NC 27604

POSTMASTER: Please deliver as soon as possible – time dated material enclosed

HEALTH BULLETINEDITOR: VOL. 11 ISSUE 3Jacqueline Quirk

CONTRIBUTORS:Lucretia Dickson, Lauren Payne, Jeannie Reardon, Suzanne Todd

DOWNLOAD:You may download a copy of thispublication from our website at:www.healthychildcarenc.org

REPRINTING:Articles may be reprinted withoutpermission if credit is given to thebulletin and the material is notreproduced for commercial purposes.This publication is produced by theNorth Carolina Child Care Health andSafety Resource Center and distributedto licensed child care facilities, CCR&Ragencies, DCD child care licensingconsultants, and child care healthconsultants throughout North Carolina.10,000 copies of this document were printed at a cost of $.46 per copy

We’d like to hear from you…

Call us at 1-800-367-2229 to shareyour comments and request articles

or information.

Ask the Resource Center

References:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing the Spread of Influenza in Child Care Settings. Retrieved

May 16, 2009 from www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/childcaresettings.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Information for Child Care Providers.2009, April.

Q: Recently there have been 7 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu (Swine flu) in CravenCounty. As a director of a child care center, how should I prepare for a flu pandemic?

A: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should start by establishing or reviewing your plans for responding to a pandemic. This may be part of your Emergency Preparedness Plan. Your child care health consultant can help you with these plans. Review your exclusion policy as well. Keep parents informedabout your policies and plans.

Children and staff members should stay home if they have flu-like symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea. Theirhealth care provider will determine if influenza (flu) testing is needed, and when a persondiagnosed with flu may return to child care.

State or local health authorities, the Division of Child Development, your local child care resource and referral agency and the CDC will post information about when to close or change your daily operation, if either is needed.

In addition to planning, focus on preventing the spread of the flu.Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When sick, keep your distance from others.Make sure everyone follows your policy on exclusion due to illness.Encourage people to get the flu vaccine. In general, children 6 months to 19 years, and adults who work with children should get the flu vaccine. Watch to see when the vaccine for H1N1 becomes available.Teach and use sanitary methods for sneezing and coughing. Sneeze or cough into a tissue,or your elbow. Dispose of soiled tissue and wash hands. Wash hands at all the recommended times. Infants, and children who need assistance withhandwashing, should have their hands washed frequently.Keep your child care facility clean. Follow the daily and weekly schedules for cleaning and sanitizing. Help everyone stay healthy: serve foods that are high in nutrients; keep children physically active for at least 1 hour each day; offer plenty of fluids; help children and staffcope with their stress; and encourage plenty of sleep/rest.Share flu prevention information with parents.

For information about the H1N1 flu and child care, visit the Health News on:www.healthychildcarenc.org/news/index.php?cat=Health.

Enjoy the Sun – Wisely!Ab out The Resource Center · · 2009-05-29Child care providers can make sure the children get outside and enjoy the sun ... as balance and purposeful movement.

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