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Parents and Guardians Forum>How Long Are Children Allowed To Play Outside In Cold Weather?
rachel_ksr 07:11 AM 10-25-2007
Okay, here is the situation.

My two year old son goes to daycare in Michigan. This morning it was 45 degrees and he is just getting over being sick. All the children were outside (from ages 2months-4years) from 8:00am-11:30am. Is there any rules for licensed daycares regarding time spent outside when it is cold out?
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Michael 11:40 AM 10-25-2007
Every State has differing standards. Most indicate that a child shall be provided opportunities for outdoor time each day that weather permits. In our opinion it appears that the caregiver is given the option of "what's best" when it comes to time being spent outside. Make sure that a caregiver is always present when children are outsite even in an enclosed area.

In Michigan this state requirement most notably applies:

(b) Indoor and outdoor play, except during inclement or extreme weather, or unless otherwise ordered by a health care provider.

(Editor) It does not appear that 45 degrees is too extreme but 2 1/2 hours seems a little long at that temperature.

R 400.1914 Daily activity program.
(3) All of the following developmentally appropriate opportunities shall be provided daily:
(a) A balance of active and quiet play, group, and individual activities.
(b) Indoor and outdoor play, except during inclement or extreme weather, or unless otherwise ordered by a health care provider.
(c) Early language and literacy experiences throughout the day accumulating for not less than 30 minutes.
(d) Early math and science experiences.
(4) Television, tapes, and movies shall be limited to not more than 2 hours per day and to programs designed for children's education and/or enjoyment. Other activities shall be available to children during television/movie viewing.
(5) Programs/movies with violent or adult content, including soap operas, shall not be permitted in child-use space while children are in care.
(6) The use of electronic devices and computers by children in care shall be suitable to the age of the child in terms of content and length of use.
(7) The caregiver shall, for children with special needs, work with the parents, medical personnel, and/or other relevant professionals to provide care in accordance with the child's identified needs and learning supports.

As always, you can contact your state's licensing agency at:
Child Care Licensing Agency
Michigan Department of Human Services
7109 West Saginaw, 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 30650
Lansing, MI 48909-8150
Phone: (517) 241-2488
Toll Free: (866) 685-0006
Fax: (517) 335-6121

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albertson 10:28 PM 07-18-2008
hi;
I think we can live children to play seeing the weather climate.There is no any rules for licensed daycares, may be some children effect the cold and become sick by playing and some children will not.
===================================================
albertson
Addiction Recovery Nevada

Addiction Recovery Nevada

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Unregistered 06:50 PM 07-22-2008
No there is no rule-but COMMON SENSE should ring a bell-GOOD GRAVY----does this provider not have any? Time to get a new provider. WOW- ! My rule of thumb is-if it's 32 we don't go OUT-The air temperature has to be BELOW freezing in order for frostbite to develop on exposed skin. But skin can freeze within 30 minutes-no matter what age-but come on-children play in the snow-and don't "feel" the cold like we adults do-TIME FOR A NEW PROVIDER-and report them!
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Unregistered 08:20 PM 07-22-2008
A licensors opinion-

Winter is upon us and the temperature is sure to drop as only
Minnesota temperatures can. Providers often question
whether they are required to bring children outdoors during
the winter months. The answer to this question begins in
MN Rules 9502.0415, Subp.1: Activities and Equipment –
General Activities:
Day care activities must provide for the physical, emotional,
and social development of the child. The environment must
facilitate the implementation of the activities. Activities must:
A. be scheduled indoors and outdoors, weather permitting;
B. be appropriate to the developmental stage and age of
the child;
C. include active and quiet activity; and
D. contain provider-directed and child-initiated activity. Although there is a lot of debate about “weather permitting,” even conservative estimates encourage outdoor activities if the weather is above 20. Outdoor air is fresh and humidified; time outdoors stimulates appetites, decreases stress and aggressiveness and deepens sleep at nap and bedtime.
While no child should be out in dangerously cold temperatures, with
appropriate dress and attention we all benefit from being outdoors.
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Unregistered 06:48 PM 10-21-2008
Hello,
I moved to USA from Russia 3 years ago, and I have a 4yo child. As you know Climat in Russia is colder then here.
In your post, Im very much surprized about kids being out for such a long time, coz mostly we face an opposite problem - nobody thinks that being out enough is important for growing kids. While In Russia they really think that going out (at least twice a day) is a MUST when you have a child. So, I can only wish my kid to be out a lot here also, but I can only dream...the maximum they do is up to 30 mins
Yes, 45F is pretty cold weather, but also, in my opinion, american parents dress kids very strange, and never according to weather during cold time (in my eyes). coz the lifestyle here is an "always driving" style. Just pay your attention to what your kid is wearing during cold time and you can avoid a lot of problems with colds.

what also kills me,,,they never ever here get any fresh air inside,,,the air is always stuffed, looks like they have no idea that the rooms should be aired out from time to time.

Sorry if my post hurt somebody. its just my look.
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Unregistered 06:54 PM 11-01-2008
HI

I have the same problem with my daycare that I work at and my child attends. My child is 2 and also has a cold. The director of the daycare says we have to take the children out if it is not below 32 degrees. She seemed irritated when I told her I didn't want my child outside in that weather. This is at 9:30 in the morning. Why can't they get their outside play in the afternoon when it is 50 degrees or warmer. By the way, we live in Alabama. Thanks.
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tymaboy 03:06 PM 11-02-2008
On my website I have a PDF that both the Child Resource & the CACFP gave me to go by what is suggested for outdoor play. It is located at the very bottom of the page.
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Unregistered 10:37 AM 12-02-2008
I have a licensed home care..7-8 kids, at least one parent would like their child indoors..could be cold and cough or just recovered from sickness.
I have to be inside and outside frequently...very frustrating...30 mins s=of outdoor time should be good till 45 degrees and especially if the child is properly covered.
What do you guys think?
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Heated 01:13 PM 12-02-2008
I think your instincts are good when it comes to time outside when it is cold. The child that the parents want inside because of a cold or flu should stay home if you can not monitor inside and out at the same time.
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Unregistered 12:55 PM 12-16-2008
In my state, we have to take them out until colder than 10 degrees. I am sure in every state it depends on the specific licensing specialist a provider has, here it does. Some specialists say 20 minutes, 30 minutes or to walk to the mailbox. Not to doubt you, but are you sure it was from 8:00-11:30am. That does seem like a long time. In our state, there is no real time limit.

I remember mentioning about a parent not wanting their child out b/c they were getting over bronchitis and I was told "if they are to sick to go out, they are too sick to go to daycare." I make my policies according to me and my parents. I am never rude, but I will ask my specialist to show me in the codes. There are times a provider has to break a code (when there is only 1 provider and it is very cold (like 10 degrees), but not under the code temp (must be colder than 10 degrees) and there are one or more kids getting over being sick or starting to get sick). If the child/ren is not sick enough to warrant them to go home, we keep them.
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Michael 12:10 PM 02-26-2009
We posted a new article on the weather question at:
https://www.daycare.com/news/daycare_and_weather.html
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Unregistered 03:13 PM 01-31-2011
I work at a Day Care and were not to be outside longer than 1/2 hr no longer. shorter if the weather is colder. I at least take my kids outside just so get the smell off my mom always said. I want to go in before they do LOL
I think they are just lazy teachers don't want to do anything just talk I'm sure. I would be looking for a new day care.
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heyhun77 04:13 PM 01-31-2011
I have to say that here in ND if we stayed inside when it was 45 or less we'd never get to go outside for at least half the year. With the appropriate gear kids can go outside every day for at least a short period of time. We go out as long as the windchill is -10 or higher. Of course we're not out for long periods of time at that temp but it's good for the kids to get some fresh air and move their muscles and don't forget all the active movement time they are getting as they put on snowpants, boots, coats, hats and mittens. Last week we ended the week in the high 20's above with snow melting slightly and we were out at least 3 hours each day enjoying the nice winter day. I know that climates differ but even the kids in Alaska go outside each day, they just wear the appropriate clothing for the weather. As someone else typed, a lot of parents dress their kids in "driving" clothing and don't always think about playing outside. As for kids with colds being outside, fresh air is good for everyone. It's even advised to open your windows in the winter to bring in fresh air. I do this most days during nap time for at least 10 minutes.
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Jewels 04:48 PM 01-31-2011
45 degrees wow, thats pretty warm, I bet I would have my kids out for at least an hour most definatly more, But i guess in MN thats super warm, Last week one day it was like 25 and sunny and we were out for a little over an hour, I was sweating pulling the kids around in the snow, I had to take my hat off. I take them out everyday over 20 degrees, friday its supposed to be in the lower 30's and I guarantee we'll be out for quite a while.
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SilverSabre25 05:00 PM 01-31-2011
Hee hee this is amusing; this thread was started the day I was induced with my DD!

Anyway. 45 *is* pretty warm and as long as kiddos have jackets and pants I don't see a problem with them being outside for that long. It's preference though--45 to Floridians is going to be a LOT colder than 45 to Minnesotans or even Ohioans.

(and the first unregistered response amused me!)

And fwiw, I don't consider 45 to be cold at all--chilly, maybe, but not cold.
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lvt77 05:16 PM 01-31-2011
Well I am lucky to say that I have never had to deal with that kind of weather, but I do have one question.
From a provider prospective--How do you know that your child was outside for that long and if he was still sick then why would he be at D-care?

From a parent’s perspective, I would think that is way too long to be outside in that cold of weather, however, if I sent the child with the right clothing then I would think they would be ok for a shorter period of time.
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DBug 03:53 AM 02-03-2011
45 degrees -- seriously? There is nothing to worry about at all at that temperature. Yeah, they need a coat, but if they're having fun, let them play. The fresh air is so much better for them then being stuck inside all day!
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jen 05:55 AM 02-03-2011
No kidding! If it were 45 we'd be out all day!!! Put a coat on them and let them have fun.

PARENTS: You have to understand that this is GROUP daycare. Your child being sick is not of consequence to the other children in care. If you want a prgram that caters to only your child, please hire a nanny. If you believe that your child is too sick to participate in ANY activity, then you should keep them home. When you attend a GROUP daycare facility you should always be aware that the teacher and staff are looking at whats best for the group as a whole. Only after that requirements is met, do they look at whats best for the individual child.
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JenNJ 09:15 AM 02-03-2011
If he is in daycare, he should participate in all scheduled activities. If he is unable to, or you don't want him to because of a recent illness -- keep him home. If he is too sick to participate, he is too sick to be there. Oh and cold weather does not make people sick. Germs make people sick. The fresh air and sunshine are great for kids.

Dress your child appropriately for the weather so that he won't be cold (though 45 degrees is NOT cold). Thick pants, warm socks, jacket, boots, mittens, and a hat.
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mickey2 10:18 AM 02-03-2011
I try to send all of my kids who can walk outside EVERYDAY even if it is only for 5 minutes at a time a few times a day!!
(unless of course there is some type of wind-chill warning saying exposed skin will freeze in 1 or 2 minutes which we have been known to get often during our winters)
If they are dressed for the cold weather they will be fine. Kids are just babied way too much and some parents are just not too bright when it comes to common sense! Kids need to run/play and get fresh air! Its beneficial to their health,
(and with my own kids my sanity! Even if I just get to have that 5 minutes to have a quiet cup of coffee it is worth getting them all bundled up!!)


This morning at 10 am it was it was -27 degree Celsius = -16.6 degree Fahrenheit. My 2 dcks played outside for 15 minutes!

It is now -12 degree Celsius = 10.4 degree Fahrenheit and they will be going out again after naps! They will most likely be out there for at least an hour! This is beautiful weather! :-)
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lil angels 10:43 AM 02-03-2011
we get the kids out daily 45 is warm I am waiting for that. For them to be out like that is great it is better than them sitting in from of the tv. If your child is getting over being sick and you don't want them outside then keep him home.
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littlemissmuffet 12:46 PM 02-03-2011
Originally Posted by jen:
No kidding! If it were 45 we'd be out all day!!! Put a coat on them and let them have fun.

PARENTS: You have to understand that this is GROUP daycare. Your child being sick is not of consequence to the other children in care. If you want a prgram that caters to only your child, please hire a nanny. If you believe that your child is too sick to participate in ANY activity, then you should keep them home. When you attend a GROUP daycare facility you should always be aware that the teacher and staff are looking at whats best for the group as a whole. Only after that requirements is met, do they look at whats best for the individual child.
*CLAP CLAP CLAP* Agree 100%!
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Madux 04:20 PM 04-02-2012
I own an at home child care and I always tell the teachers that they make the judgement don't go according to the tempature. However NCCS( North Carolina Child Services) rule is we go out for 1 hour a day if the weather permits.We generally break it down maybe 30 mins. in the morning and 30 mins. in the afternoon. If a child is sick or just getting over a cold he/she should be at home. There are just not to many centers that have an extra room with a teacher to watch sick children. As we all know that ratios are very important in childcare. 45% for a child is great weather for them to inteact and socialize with their friends playing various games or just riding bikes or playing on the playground equipment. Wrap them up good and have a blast outside!!!
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makap 06:05 PM 04-02-2012
Very old post! Originally posted 10-25-2007, 06:11 AM
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Michael 06:09 PM 04-02-2012
Originally Posted by Achelea:
Very old post! Originally posted 10-25-2007, 06:11 AM
Yes, but these posts are always relevent and are well indexed in the search engines. Unless it is a time sensitive thread they are always "live".
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Countrygal 07:04 AM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Hello,
I moved to USA from Russia 3 years ago, and I have a 4yo child. As you know Climat in Russia is colder then here.
In your post, Im very much surprized about kids being out for such a long time, coz mostly we face an opposite problem - nobody thinks that being out enough is important for growing kids. While In Russia they really think that going out (at least twice a day) is a MUST when you have a child. So, I can only wish my kid to be out a lot here also, but I can only dream...the maximum they do is up to 30 mins
Yes, 45F is pretty cold weather, but also, in my opinion, american parents dress kids very strange, and never according to weather during cold time (in my eyes). coz the lifestyle here is an "always driving" style. Just pay your attention to what your kid is wearing during cold time and you can avoid a lot of problems with colds.

what also kills me,,,they never ever here get any fresh air inside,,,the air is always stuffed, looks like they have no idea that the rooms should be aired out from time to time.

Sorry if my post hurt somebody. its just my look.
This post makes a lot of sense, to me!

45 here in the North is pretty warm, in my mind, but honestly, if I had a sick child I would not go out that long. A lot would also depend upon the wind and whether it was sunny or cloudy.

When I got up this morning and the first kids arrived it was 46 degrees. It is now 51. It has warmed up 5 degrees in two hours! So while the children probably went out at 42 degrees, I'll bet by the time they came in it was well over 50 degrees. Yesterday the kids were out at 9. They had light jackets on, and the temp was probably around 45, no wind and sunny. By the time we left 2 1/2 hours later, all the kids had stripped their jackets - I had, too, and the temp was about the mid-50's. I live in WI, very near to MN.
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Unregistered 01:08 PM 03-11-2013
I just had a similar situation today. Last night it rained good here. There was plenty of wet muddy ground outside and mixture of snow/ice. My class is 2 1/2-4 year olds. I chose to stay in and go into our tumble room and play there. My Director disagreed with what I did and said I needed to take them out. I am frustrated with this. I watched the preschool room go outside and several came in entirely soaked through their clothes and cold. Was I wrong to keep them inside today?
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MissAnn 01:25 PM 03-11-2013
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
No there is no rule-but COMMON SENSE should ring a bell-GOOD GRAVY----does this provider not have any? Time to get a new provider. WOW- ! My rule of thumb is-if it's 32 we don't go OUT-The air temperature has to be BELOW freezing in order for frostbite to develop on exposed skin. But skin can freeze within 30 minutes-no matter what age-but come on-children play in the snow-and don't "feel" the cold like we adults do-TIME FOR A NEW PROVIDER-and report them!
The poster said the temperature was 45°. I don't see a problem with a child playing in temperatures that high. Am I missing something?
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Blackcat31 01:27 PM 03-11-2013
Originally Posted by MissAnn:
The poster said the temperature was 45°. I don't see a problem with a child playing in temperatures that high. Am I missing something?
You are replying to someone who posted that comment in 2008.
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Unregistered 01:32 PM 03-11-2013
Posts may be old but have relevance.. See above post by Michael:"Yes, but these posts are always relevent and are well indexed in the search engines. Unless it is a time sensitive thread they are always "live"."
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MissAnn 01:36 PM 03-11-2013
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
Hello,
I moved to USA from Russia 3 years ago, and I have a 4yo child. As you know Climat in Russia is colder then here.
In your post, Im very much surprized about kids being out for such a long time, coz mostly we face an opposite problem - nobody thinks that being out enough is important for growing kids. While In Russia they really think that going out (at least twice a day) is a MUST when you have a child. So, I can only wish my kid to be out a lot here also, but I can only dream...the maximum they do is up to 30 mins
Yes, 45F is pretty cold weather, but also, in my opinion, american parents dress kids very strange, and never according to weather during cold time (in my eyes). coz the lifestyle here is an "always driving" style. Just pay your attention to what your kid is wearing during cold time and you can avoid a lot of problems with colds.

what also kills me,,,they never ever here get any fresh air inside,,,the air is always stuffed, looks like they have no idea that the rooms should be aired out from time to time.

Sorry if my post hurt somebody. its just my look.
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
You are replying to someone who posted that comment in 2008.
Yeah, Noticed too late!
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Unregistered 03:44 PM 03-11-2013
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
I just had a similar situation today. Last night it rained good here. There was plenty of wet muddy ground outside and mixture of snow/ice. My class is 2 1/2-4 year olds. I chose to stay in and go into our tumble room and play there. My Director disagreed with what I did and said I needed to take them out. I am frustrated with this. I watched the preschool room go outside and several came in entirely soaked through their clothes and cold. Was I wrong to keep them inside today?
I would have taken them out for at least a 1/2 hour. In fact, my group was out for an hour this morning (40's) and an hour this afternoon(50's) yes they got wet, but that's why I have parents send in spare clothes. Granted we did play on the paved driveway (mostly) both times which was free of ice. I imagine if the other classes were able to go out, that should probably be one of your deciding factors.
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LK5kids 04:55 PM 03-11-2013
Originally Posted by Unregistered:
I just had a similar situation today. Last night it rained good here. There was plenty of wet muddy ground outside and mixture of snow/ice. My class is 2 1/2-4 year olds. I chose to stay in and go into our tumble room and play there. My Director disagreed with what I did and said I needed to take them out. I am frustrated with this. I watched the preschool room go outside and several came in entirely soaked through their clothes and cold. Was I wrong to keep them inside today?
Wet, cold, icy, snowy, muddy......I'd stay in!
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Unregistered 05:35 PM 03-13-2013
Well here's the thing too.. I think the law just requires they go out for a duration, but not how many times. We go out twice a day for about 45 minutes, so the kids still went out that afternoon, just not in the morning when it was the wettest and lots of standing water for 2 1/2 year olds to get soaked in. I don't think it's a state requirement that I take them out twice is it?
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Springdaze 07:19 AM 03-18-2013
Im glad this thread is here! I have to walk to pick my kids up today and its going to be 30. its about a 20 minute trip so i hope Im good!
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Springdaze 07:20 AM 03-18-2013
oh, and light snow~!
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Tags:cold weather, outside temp, too cold, weather policy
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