How Do You Prepare Families For Summer?

[LaLa1923]

How do you prepare your families for summer? Do you provide everything? Or do your families send in items like sunscreen?

I use a select few brands of sunscreen, I was thinking of sending home a note letting families know. I was also thinking about just having them donate sunscreen and everyone can use it.?

Any other tips for summer?

[canadiancare]

Summer what's that? I need spring first.

I like the sunscreen spray sold at Costco. Kinesys is the brand. I usually ask for a bottle per family and supply my own after that. I don't like crocs so I also remind parents I prefer proper fitting strap on sandals or runners.

[Blackcat31]

Two weeks before school lets out, I send a note home requesting the following items be brought in and left in each child's cubbie:

• sunscreen
• swim suit
• towel
• bug spray
• hat
• sun glasses
• tennis shoes (closed toe/laces)
• extra pair of shorts, a tee and a hooded sweatshirt

I don't provide sun screen or bug spray so parents can bring whatever kind they want. I require the first application of sun screen be applied BEFORE drop off in the mornings.

We do LOTS of water play so all kids are required to have swimsuits/towels and a set of extra clothing.

We also go on lots of walks so I require ALL kids to have closed toe tennis shoes that tie. NO Crocs or open toed sandals or flip flops allowed.

[blandino]

Two weeks before school lets out, I send a note home requesting the following items be brought in and left in each child's cubbie:

• sunscreen
• swim suit
• towel
• bug spray
• hat
• sun glasses
• tennis shoes (closed toe/laces)
• extra pair of shorts, a tee and a hooded sweatshirt

I don't provide sun screen or bug spray so parents can bring whatever kind they want. I require the first application of sun screen be applied BEFORE drop off in the mornings.

We do LOTS of water play so all kids are required to have swimsuits/towels and a set of extra clothing.

We also go on lots of walks so I require ALL kids to have closed toe tennis shoes that tie. NO Crocs or open toed sandals or flip flops allowed.

Ditto. I just send home a note asking for these things. I also require that the first application of sunscreen comes on the child. Because it gets so hot where we live, most of out outdoor play in the summer is done before 10 am, so that layer on sunscreen normally is enough. But I do ask for some to reapply if I feel the need.

Also, just a note to all providers who use their own sunscreen - some children can be highly allergic to spray on sunscreens. I don't know what the difference in formulation is - but we had one child develop a very nasty rash when we were providing sunscreen for everyone.

[Blackcat31]

Also, just a note to all providers who use their own sunscreen - some children can be highly allergic to spray on sunscreens. I don't know what the difference in formulation is - but we had one child develop a very nasty rash when we were providing sunscreen for everyone.

Which is EXACTLY why I require parents to supply.

That way the brand and type they use is up to them.

I also have everyone sign a permission slip for me to re-apply.

[tenderhearts]

Two weeks before school lets out, I send a note home requesting the following items be brought in and left in each child's cubbie:

• sunscreen
• swim suit
• towel
• bug spray
• hat
• sun glasses
• tennis shoes (closed toe/laces)
• extra pair of shorts, a tee and a hooded sweatshirt

I don't provide sun screen or bug spray so parents can bring whatever kind they want. I require the first application of sun screen be applied BEFORE drop off in the mornings.

We do LOTS of water play so all kids are required to have swimsuits/towels and a set of extra clothing.

We also go on lots of walks so I require ALL kids to have closed toe tennis shoes that tie. NO Crocs or open toed sandals or flip flops allowed.

I do the same and let them know we'll be playing in sprinkler ect and outside as much as possible. I also provide sunscreen but let them know they have to if there is a certain brand they prefer.

[daycarediva]

Two weeks before school lets out, I send a note home requesting the following items be brought in and left in each child's cubbie:

• sunscreen
• swim suit
• towel
• bug spray
• hat
• sun glasses
• tennis shoes (closed toe/laces)
• extra pair of shorts, a tee and a hooded sweatshirt

I don't provide sun screen or bug spray so parents can bring whatever kind they want. I require the first application of sun screen be applied BEFORE drop off in the mornings.

We do LOTS of water play so all kids are required to have swimsuits/towels and a set of extra clothing.

We also go on lots of walks so I require ALL kids to have closed toe tennis shoes that tie. NO Crocs or open toed sandals or flip flops allowed.

This, but in addition, families can chose to write a check (I think $25 this year will cover it but I haven't priced everything out yet) and I supply swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen & bug spray.

I have a friend who owns a children's consignment shop, and she gives/nearly gives me amazing deals that I stock up my supply with. I have 6 complete sets of SPF hats/shirts/shorts that are pretty unisex, and I have purchased SPF wrap around sunglasses from her as well. Everything stays here, so the money is like a rental fee + sunscreen and I use organic/all natural insect repellant that is fairly inexpensive.

[jenn]

I send home a note (actually doing it this week) reminding them of our summer policies.

"This time of year it can still be chilly during our morning play time, so sending a lightweight jacket is a good idea. This jacket can remain in your child's cubby if you wish. Children will not be allowed to stay inside and we will not cancel outdoor play time due to failure to dress properly or provide proper supplies."

"Sunscreen should be applied prior to arrival. Before afternoon playtime, I will reapply sunscreen. Please bring a bottle (not spray) of suncreen labeled with your child's name. When you are running low, I will let you know. If you do not provide sunscreen, your child will not receive any."

We have a form (required) that has to be filled out in order to apply anything to a child, sunscreen, diaper rash cream,...

"Please keep in mind that we play hard and are very active. Your child is required to wear shoes at all times during care. Flip flops come off easily and are a trip/fall hazard. Open toe sandals can also be a trip/fall hazard. Please make your summer shoe choice carefully."

[snbauser]

I supply a hat and sunscreen unless the parents request otherwise. I find it easier to just have one sunscreen to apply to everyone. I line them up at the door and as each one steps outside I spray them down. Parents have to supply a swimsuit and towel and make sure there is a change of clothes in their cubbies at all times. Also if they are wearing tennis shoes they must have another pair of shoes in their cubbies.

[spud912]

Every April I send home the winter "gear" and have parents return with summer "gear." This includes spare summer clothes (2 outfits for non-potty trained and one for potty-trained), one swimming suit and one bottle of sunscreen of their choice. When October rolls around, I do the switch around (spare winter clothes and one jacket).

[clep]

This was just addressed in my newsletter sent out at the beginning of the month.

The entire contents of the children's cubbies will be shipped home on Friday and Monday parents are required to bring:

A sun hat that covers the ears
Quick dry shoes the child can put on by themselves, that stay on well.
A cool outfit with shorts and shirt
A warm outfit with pants and long sleeves
A towel
Swimsuit
Outside water bottle
Bug spray if their child is using
I supply the sunscreen dependent on the needs of the child

[LaLa1923]

This was just addressed in my newsletter sent out at the beginning of the month.

The entire contents of the children's cubbies will be shipped home on Friday and Monday parents are required to bring:

A sun hat that covers the ears
Quick dry shoes the child can put on by themselves, that stay on well.
A cool outfit with shorts and shirt
A warm outfit with pants and long sleeves
A towel
Swimsuit
Outside water bottle
Bug spray if their child is using
I supply the sunscreen dependent on the needs of the child

How do you make a newsletter?

[LaLa1923]

This, but in addition, families can chose to write a check (I think $25 this year will cover it but I haven't priced everything out yet) and I supply swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen & bug spray.

I have a friend who owns a children's consignment shop, and she gives/nearly gives me amazing deals that I stock up my supply with. I have 6 complete sets of SPF hats/shirts/shorts that are pretty unisex, and I have purchased SPF wrap around sunglasses from her as well. Everything stays here, so the money is like a rental fee + sunscreen and I use organic/all natural insect repellant that is fairly inexpensive.

What kind of bug spray do you buy..?

[LaLa1923]

This, but in addition, families can chose to write a check (I think $25 this year will cover it but I haven't priced everything out yet) and I supply swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen & bug spray.

I have a friend who owns a children's consignment shop, and she gives/nearly gives me amazing deals that I stock up my supply with. I have 6 complete sets of SPF hats/shirts/shorts that are pretty unisex, and I have purchased SPF wrap around sunglasses from her as well. Everything stays here, so the money is like a rental fee + sunscreen and I use organic/all natural insect repellant that is fairly inexpensive.

What kind of bug spray do you buy..?

[AmyKidsCo]

I use Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus sunscreen/insect repellent. I like it because it's 2 products in one, and comes in spray form. But the parents can bring something different if they want to.

http://www.amazon.com/Avon-Bug-Guard-Cool-Fabulous/dp/B00097AKEK