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News From the Registrars

Sadly, we have said goodbye to warm weather! Here are a few reminders as the cold weather continues:

  • A temperature of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit must be maintained in all rooms to be occupied by children. [417.3(d)]
  • Portable electric heaters may NOT be used in rooms accessible to children. [417.5(c)]
  • All walkways and exits must be kept clear of snow and ice when children are in care. [417.7(h)(4)]

Programs must offer daily outdoor play except during inclement or extreme weather [417.7(h)]. Remember to dress children appropriately when playing outside in colder weather. A few key items in order to enjoy the outdoors are listed below:

  • “Extra Layers” may be necessary on the top and bottom. Example: Sweatshirt underneath a winter jacket or long underwear/tights underneath pants.
  • Hat/hood
  • Warm socks and boots
  • Mittens/gloves
  • Snow suit

Use the following link as a guide to plan for outdoor play: https://www.umass.edu/ofr/pdfs/weatherwatch.pdf

Shelter in Place is a response to an emergency that creates a situation in which it is safer to remain in the building rather than to evacuate. All programs must have an emergency bag on site containing a variety of supplies of sufficient quantity for all children for an overnight stay [417.5(b)(7)]. Some situations that might require sheltering in place are:

  • Severe weather conditions
  • Extreme temperatures (cold or hot)
  • A public disturbance that escalated to violent acts
  • Chemical or biological spill
  • Rabid animal sighting

Reminder – practice drills should be conducted at least twice per year! [417.5(b)(4)]