the Y
the Y
For families sending their children to kinder for the first time, there can feel like there’s a lot to think about. Even seemingly simple things such as how do you know when to send a hat or why do they need to wear one when it’s not sunny? And how else can they be SunSmart? We provide some easy guidelines.
In Australia, the UV index can be unforgiving, especially during peak sunlight hours. To ensure your child is adequately protected, at Y Kinders, hats are mandatory when the UV index reaches 3 or above. This simple rule ensures that children are shielded during the times when the sun is most intense.
Not all hats are created equal when it comes to sun protection. Opt for broad-brimmed or legionnaire-style hats that provide shade not only to the face but also the neck and ears. To avoid mix-ups and the safe return of misplaced hats, make sure that your child’s is clearly named.
Check in with your child’s Y Kinder for specific guidelines on acceptable hat styles.
While the temperature might not feel scorching, harmful UV rays can still penetrate cloud cover. Wearing a hat even on overcast days protects your child from these invisible threats, preventing cumulative sun damage.
You can check the UV in your location and daily recommended sun protection times by downloading the SunSmart Global UV App, or by visiting myuv.com.au or sunsmart.com.au
Life gets busy, and hats can be misplaced, but our kindergartens are well-prepared for such situations. Most centres have spare hats on hand, or a shady covered area to play, ensuring every child has the necessary protection even if a hat is forgotten or lost. Communication with educators about any issues ensures a collaborative approach to SunSmart practices.
Beyond hats, encourage your child to wear SunSmart clothing that covers their shoulders and arms. Sunscreen is another important tool to protect children’s skin and sunglasses can also provide valuable protection.
On days with high UV, we recommend applying sunscreen before coming to kinder. While at kinder, we support children to apply sunscreen that is SPF30+ or above.
If your child needs special sunscreen, our kinder teams are happy to work with you to ensure your child has the appropriate cream or lotion applied.
At Y Kinders, we teach children the importance of seeking shade during outdoor play and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
By following these steps, we can all enjoy the outdoors safely, protect our skin for the future, and help children embrace SunSmart practices that will benefit them for life.
