As summer approaches, many summer camps and daycares face the challenge of ensuring children’s safety amid fluctuating air quality levels. This fear has led many of these institutions to create plans on determining when to shelter children in place.
Lately, air quality warnings, whether from wildfires or transport pollution, have skyrocketed. These notifications have a huge impact on how camps and daycares operate outdoors. Outdoor playtime may be ideal, but only under safe AQI levels. The AQI simplifies the AQI and provides you with a straightforward line to guide your actions.
Most of these organizations use real-time monitoring systems that report air quality conditions in the geographic areas they serve. By keeping track of the AQI, their staff is able to respond quickly and appropriately. Only then can they fully protect children from serious health risks that dangerous air pollution may cause.
Many camps and daycares are already used to calling parents whenever air quality conditions may be disrupting outdoor activities. This accountability allows caregivers and adults to better understand why certain activities may be indoors, creating a sense of trust and willingness to cooperate.
To take indoor experiences to the next level, a growing number of facilities have adjusted their indoor programming. Around the world, kids’ museum relationships lead to innovative programming like arts and crafts, STEM experiments, and active play that can be done inside. This change prevents children from getting bored and ultimately helps to make sure that they remain active and mentally stimulated. It supports their work to address the injustices created by air pollution.
Additionally, training is key for staff in being equipped to respond to these incidents. To help communities prepare, a number of local and national organizations are holding workshops on recognizing the signs and understanding the implications of air quality emergencies on children’s health. This education gives staff the ability to make better informed decisions with immediate effects, allowing children’s well-being to be at the forefront of activities.
During times of extreme air quality, camps and daycares sometimes have to take extra precautions. These might be changes that limit time spent outdoors or eliminate outdoor activities, like canceling events. This forward-thinking initiative is a reflection of their dedication to being a safe haven for every child.
Further, most of these facilities work closely with their local health departments to monitor real-time air quality advisories. And thanks to this unique partnership, they are able to tap expert guidance and a wealth of resources that help them shape effective policies and practices.
As summer camps and daycares work through this dangerous dilemma on a daily basis, they’re still committed to letting kids play outside while keeping them safe. They innately know that access to fresh air and physical activity is vital to their children’s health and development. Meanwhile, they remain aware of the serious health threats posed by increased pollution levels.
