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Parents and Guardians Forum>Michigan Laws for Outdoor Play at Daycares
Unregistered 08:05 AM 01-29-2010
Is there a law in michigan that sets a guideline for sending children outdoors to play during the winter depending upon the temperature? What does the law state?
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Michael 09:50 PM 03-08-2010
Here are some good guidelines.

https://daycare.com/news/daycare_and_weather.html
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emosks 04:20 AM 03-09-2010
Not sure it's a law or not but from what I remember in orientation we are supposed to take the kids outside each day.

A general guideline was for at least 15 minutes pending the temperature and wind chill are both above 15*.

When it was cooler out (20s) we were just taking 15 minute walks around the neighborhood. Now that it's getting warmer we are letting them play in the driveway for a bit too.
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Childminder 11:58 AM 03-09-2010
This is what State of Michigan says verbatim on the DHS website about outdoor play:

While licensing rules do not identify specific temperature range for outdoor play, steps should be taken to prevent children from becoming excessively cold or hot. It is recommended that the following be taken into account when making a decision about outdoor play:

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The temperature outdoors including the wind chill factor and the heat index.
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Severe weather conditions (e.g., lightning, heavy rain or snow, tornado watches/warnings).
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Appropriate clothing for conditions. The center may want to have extra clothing available for children who do not come with appropriate clothing for conditions.
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Ages of the children.
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Degree of sunshine or available shade.
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Length of time of the play period.
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Play activities planned.
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Local community practices, health department advice, local school weather guidelines.
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Public announcements of hazardous air quality conditions.
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Note: Exposed skin will freeze in a few minutes at temperatures below -13 degrees F or the wind chill falls to -18.4 degrees F. Heatstroke, heat exhaustion, burns from hot objects such as metallic playground equipment, sunburn and excessive thirst, etc. can occur at 95 degrees and above.

It is also recommended:
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That children wear child-safe sunscreen all year round, even in winter.
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That children are dressed appropriately for activities - long-sleeved and -legged items protect from sunburn; full jacket, snowsuit, mittens, scarf, hat, and boots for snow play; etc.
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That children are adequately hydrated during both hot and cold weather.

Caregivers should also have knowledge of the weather related symptoms children may exhibit such as heat or sunstroke, sunburn, dehydration, frostbite, hypothermia, etc.

It may be helpful to provide parents with your guidelines regarding the impact of weather conditions on outdoor play.
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Tags:michigan, temperature
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