Summer Safety

 

The long, sunny days of summer are perfect for playing outside, visiting with family, and being active! However, some of summer's best features create the potential for hazards not found during other seasons. Did you know according to the CDC, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 - 4?

 

Read ahead for tips for a safe summer!

 

Sun Safety

  • Even on a cool, 80 degree day, the inside of a parked car with the windows cracked can reach 100 degrees in only 15 minutes! Infants and toddlers overheat 3 - 5 times faster than adults, so don't leave them alone while you shop.
  • Outdoor play is important for children and helps them produce vitamin D. Try to avoid the peak hours of 10am - 4pm during the hot summer, though. Protect their skin and eyes as well!
  • Eye safety can get overlooked during summer play, but you can plan ahead with goggles and glasses to protect your peepers in the water and during events.

Outdoor Safety

  • Is your child ready for a tricycle? Many children are by age 3. Make sure it is low to the ground and they are wearing a helmet every time they ride!
     
  • Swimming is a life skill that all children should learn after age one, but even the best swimmers need constant adult supervision.
  • Bugs also love the warm summer weather. Find out how to ID bug bites and treat them before they get infected.

Family Safety

 

  • Traveling out of town this summer? Bring your car seat and emergency contacts list with you, and try to stick with your child's sleep schedule as much as possible. You'll both feel less stressed!
     
  • During the hottest times of day, indoor entertainment can be best. What do you need to know to keep your child safe online on sites like YouTube?
     
  • A shopping list for how to building your essential summer first aid kit, courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics!

 

 

Recruiting for High School Class of 2031!

 

Will your child turn 4 by August 31, 2018?  

 

Apply for Pre-K now! WCSS hosts events at our office every Thursday from 2 - 4pm to walk you through the application process. One application allows your child to be considered for NC Pre-K and Head Start, which are both FREE and prepare children for Kindergarten in a high quality classroom setting.

 

Click here to print the application and for more information.

 

 

 

Featured Book: How Do Dinosaurs Stay Safe?

Written & Illustrated by: Jane Yolen
 

Highlights: A young dinosaur takes precautions in order to stay safe throughout the day, both at home and at play.

 

Best for: Pre-K, ages 3-5

 

WCPL Programming: Keep the whole family engaged in reading this summer by checking out some of our favorites selected for you by our librarians!

 

Literacy Tip: Talk to your child about what they will need to be safe if the power goes out during a storm. Together, make a list of items to keep in a storm safety kit.

 

 

July's book selected by the Preschool Librarians of Wake County Public Libraries.

 

 

 

 

 

       

     

Wake County Smart Start 

(919) 851-9550

 

Email: eweichel@wakesmartstart.org
Website: wakesmartstart.org

To Manage Your Email Subscriptions Please Click Here.

 

 

Want FREE books for your child under 5? Sign up for the Imagination Library today!

 

 

Each month we celebrate the child care facilities that have recently obtained or retained a five star rating!

 

Congratulations to:

 

 

Baked Parmesan Tomatoes

 

 

Summer time is here, and tomatoes are ripe, juicy, and in season! Take advantage and tempt your toddler by turning them into mini pizzas! Find the (easy) recipe here.

 

Check out recipes & more on our Pinterest Boards.

 

 

 

Visit CCSA's training calendar for all upcoming events. 

 

ITS SIDS

July 12, 6:30 - 8:30pm 

Wake County Human Services

To register, click here.

 

Creating Activity Plans Using NC Foundations

July 19, 6:30 - 8:30pm

CCSA Durham

To register, click here

 

Introduction to NC Foundations

July 21, 9am - 2pm

CCSA Durham

To register, click here.

 

Playground Safety

July 21, 9am - 1pm

New Life Child Development Center

To register, click here.

 

Creating Activity Plans Using NC Foundations

July 26, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Alamance Partnership for Children

To register, click here.

 

ITS SIDS

July 26, 6:30 - 8:30pm

CCSA Chapel Hill

To register, click here.

 

Playground Safety

August 11, 9am - 1pm

Heather Park Child Development Center

To register, click here.

 

 

 

 

Mother May I?

 

This classic game combines following the rules with having fun - what better way to reinforce safety?

 

Mother May I can be played indoors or out (so the hot summer sun can be avoided!), and it can be modified for any activity or ability level.