Friday, July 1, 2011

HAPPY 4th of JULY from CHILD CARE ANSWERS!



You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ~Erma Bombeck

EPA Tips to Be Cool and Safe this Summer

Limit the heat and the sun, but not the fun


WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing tips to protect people from the dangers of overexposure to the sun and heat while still enjoying summer activities. Excessive heat and ultraviolet

(UV) radiation are dangerous to people’s health. Each year, more people on average die in the U.S. from heat waves than from any other natural disaster. And every hour, one American dies from skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the U.S.

During the summer months, days are longer and more people are outside for longer periods of time, increasing the health risks from heat exhaustion and overexposure to the sun. Cities and suburbs are particularly vulnerable to higher temperatures during the summer. Many cities and suburbs have air temperatures that can be up to 22 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the surrounding countryside. Buildings and roads intensify heat and UV dangers as they absorb the sun’s rays and radiate the heat back throughout the day and night, known as the heat island effect. Heat islands can intensify heat waves. To help reduce the heat island effect, plant trees, shrubs, and vines, which create shade and protect people from UV radiation.

To avoid heat exhaustion and overexposure to the sun, follow these steps to stay cool and safe this summer:

1. Stay hydrated.

2. Wear lightweight clothing. To keep your body temperature down and

stay protected from UV radiation, wear lightweight, light-colored,

and loose-fitting clothing.

3. Apply sunscreen. Approximately 30 minutes before heading outside,

apply SPF 15 or higher sunscreen, and reapply every two hours.

4. Protect your eyes and face. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses

to protect your eyes from sun damage and the development of

cataracts.

5. Seek shade. Find shade during the sun’s peak hours between 10 a.m.

and 4 p.m. to reduce the risk of too much sun exposure

6. Teach sun and heat safety. Keep an eye on others, particularly the

elderly, remind them to be safe in the sun and the heat. Watch for

signs of heat illnesses, which can include hot and dry skin,

confusion, hallucinations, and aggression.

7. Check the UV Index. When planning outdoor activities check the UV

Index to identify the times that pose the greatest risk for

overexposure to the sun.

8. Check the Air Quality Index. On hot summer days, ozone levels can

rise making the air unhealthy to breathe so be sure to check the

air quality index before heading outside.

More information on how to reduce the heat island effect:

http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/

More information on extreme heat events:

http://www.blogger.com/goog_607678867

More information on sun safety tips:

http://www.epa.gov/sunwise.

Check the UV index:

 http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html

Check the Air Quality Index:

 http://www.airnow.gov/

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Child Care Answers Resource Library

You are invited to visit our Resource Library!The Resource Library offers use of Classroom Kits, Teacher Resource Books, Use of the Laminator and more...

Where: 3522 N. Central, Indianapolis, IN 46205.
When: OPEN: Monday - Thursday 12:00 -5:30; 1st & 3rd Saturdays: 9:00 -12:30
CLOSED: Fridays & Saturday, July 2nd

Cost: There is an annual membership fee to join the Resource Library.
For more information call 926-3401 ext. 312 or visit our Resource Library online by clicking here.

Patriotic Craft and a Chance to Win a Teacher Basket!

We posted several weeks ago about a chance at winning a teacher basket for submitting your children's artwork. What better time than the 4th of July to create some patriotic artwork with your children and have a chance at winning a teacher basket!

Here is a great craft idea suitable for all ages of children for salt-absorbing firework art!


Below is the original post for all the entry details. We look forward to seeing all the exciting fireworks!

Why is Safe, Quality Child Care Important?



Would you like to win a teacher basket worth $50.00 while helping our elected officials and community leaders understand how important safe, quality child care is to Indiana families?


How you ask?

1. Have the children that you care for create a creative piece of artwork.

2. Ask each child’s parent to write on the back of their child’s artwork Why Safe, Quality Child Care is important to their family.

3. Ask each parent to put their name (parent’s name), city and zip code on the back of the artwork.

4. Ask each parent to sign and date a release form saying that Child Care Answers can use their name and story in our work with elected officials and community leaders. The release form must also include your name, program name, address, phone number and email (if you have one).

5. Mail or bring the pieces of artwork along with the release papers to Child Care Answers at 615 N. Alabama Street Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN. 46204. All artwork must be received in our office by 2:00 PM on Friday, July 29, 2011 and be accompanied by a release form. (artwork will not be returned)

6. For every 5 pieces of artwork with story and release from we receive we will enter your name into the drawing for the $50.00 teacher basket.

(Send in 10, your name goes in twice etc…)