Winter can be magical for children, but it also comes with its own set of challenges for daycare centres staff. Teachers and administrators need to be extra vigilant to ensure that kids stay safe, healthy, and engaged during the colder months. Here’s a guide filled with actionable tips to make winter at daycare as smooth as freshly fallen snow.
1. Keep Kids Warm and Cozy 🧣🧤
Tip: Create a checklist for parents at the start of winter to remind them of essential clothing, like waterproof boots, mittens, and thermal socks.
Pro Tip: Label all items! Use name tags or fabric markers to keep track of mittens and hats.
Hack: Invest in mitten clips or string to avoid "missing mitten syndrome."
2. Safe and Fun Outdoor Play ⛄
Tip: Check kids’ extremities (hands, feet, and faces) for signs of redness or cold every 10–15 minutes during outdoor play.
Pro Tip: Use a quick hand warmer break indoors to reheat tiny fingers before sending kids back out.
Hack: Create a “snow activity bin” with child-safe snow shovels, buckets, and molds for instant outdoor fun.
3. Ward Off Winter Germs 🦠
Tip: Set up handwashing stations with fun, kid-friendly soap that encourages frequent use.
Pro Tip: Use a reward system, like stickers, to motivate kids to follow hygiene practices.
Hack: Create a mini “clean toy zone” with UV sanitizers or sanitizing sprays to quickly disinfect frequently used toys.
4. Make Indoor Activities Exciting 🎨📚
Tip: Rotate toys and materials weekly to keep indoor play fresh and engaging.
Pro Tip: Introduce sensory bins with winter themes, like fake snow or ice cubes with hidden treasures.
Hack: Set up a cozy “reading igloo” using blankets and fairy lights to create a magical storytime nook.
5. Brighten Up the Daycare Environment 🏠
Tip: Use bright, cheerful colors in decorations to counteract the darker winter days.
Pro Tip: Hang up twinkling lights to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Hack: Make an interactive winter mural where kids can add paper snowflakes, snowmen, or mittens throughout the season.
6. Prioritize Communication with Parents 📩
Tip: Send weekly updates on weather conditions, reminders for winter gear, and any illness alerts.
Pro Tip: Create a WhatsApp group or use a daycare app (like Esikidz!) to keep parents informed in real time.
Hack: Have a “winter survival kit” checklist available digitally so parents can always refer back.
7. Plan for Emergencies 🚨
Tip: Always keep an emergency kit stocked with blankets, flashlights, and first aid supplies.
Pro Tip: Run periodic “emergency drills” for staff to ensure everyone knows winter-specific protocols.
Hack: Use walkie-talkies for quick communication during outdoor play in large or snowy spaces.
8. Focus on Nutrition and Hydration 🥛🍎
Tip: Serve warm, comforting snacks like oatmeal, soup, or hot apple cider (warm, not hot).
Pro Tip: Add fun, winter-themed shapes to fruits and sandwiches to encourage picky eaters.
Hack: Use reusable water bottles with insulation to keep drinks at a comfortable temperature.
9. Teach Kids About Winter Safety 🦺
Tip: Turn winter safety rules into a game or a song for easy learning.
Pro Tip: Use role-playing to teach kids what to do if they feel too cold or see unsafe ice.
Hack: Set up a “frosty safety mascot” (like a snowman) to remind kids of winter do’s and don’ts.
10. Take Care of Yourself Too 🧑🏫☕
Tip: Keep hand lotion and lip balm handy for your own winter protection.
Pro Tip: Plan self-care breaks into your day. Even five minutes with a warm tea can recharge you.
Hack: Rotate duties among staff to share the load of wintertime tasks like dressing kids in snow gear.
Bonus Tips 🎉
Have a Spare Set of Everything: Keep extra mittens, socks, and even a few coats on hand for emergencies.
Create a Winter Weather Bulletin Board: Post daily temperatures, weather warnings, and reminders for parents.
Encourage Kindness and Sharing: Use the season to teach kids about helping others, such as sharing winter gear or creating care packages for those in need.
By keeping these tips in mind, daycare teachers and admins can turn winter into a season of warmth, learning, and laughter. It’s all about being prepared, staying flexible, and embracing the magic of the season—one snowflake at a time! ☃️