From slippery sidewalks to a rise in respiratory illnesses, the winter season brings plenty of unique challenges for daycare owners. Keeping kids safe, warm, and healthy during the coldest months of the year isn’t just about meeting standards—it’s about creating an environment where parents and children can feel safe and secure.
The good news? Following a daycare safety checklist for winter can help you navigate the snowy season with confidence while ensuring the safety of children, staff, and families. Our checklist covers everything you need to know to maintain your childcare facility during the colder months.
Cold Weather Daycare Preparation
Heating System Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your daycare’s heating system is a key part of any daycare safety checklist and ensures your center stays warm even on the chilliest of days. Schedule an inspection before winter arrives to confirm everything is running smoothly. A properly maintained heating system reduces the risk of unexpected outages—and because it also makes your facility more energy-efficient, it’s a great way to keep utility bills in check!
Indoor Air Quality
To keep your daycare environment healthy for children and staff, consider using humidifiers to keep moisture levels balanced. Dry air can lead to itchy skin and make it easier for viruses to spread. By investing in safe indoor air quality during winter months, you are investing in the health of your entire daycare.
Snow and Ice Removal
More than 70% of the U.S. population lives somewhere that gets at least 5 inches of snowfall annually, making snow and ice safety a major priority on any daycare safety checklist (Department of Transportation). Stock up on a child-safe ice melt solution—these nontoxic alternatives are less harmful to sensitive skin than regular salt. It can also help to assign additional staff to monitor outdoor areas during peak times such as drop-off and pick-up. If your daycare is in a region with particularly heavy snowfall, consider partnering with a professional snow removal service to keep pathways, parking lots, and entrances clear and safe.
Playground Equipment Safety
Outdoor play is an important part of a child’s day, even in winter. However, icy or damaged equipment can pose serious risks if left unaddressed. Inspect your outdoor play area regularly for cracks, rust, or other winter storm damage. Weather-resistant covers can also be added to swings, slides, and jungle gyms to protect them from snow and ice buildup.
Of course, your daycare staff should always check the temperature and wind chill before heading outside—if it’s too cold, prioritize indoor activities instead. By taking these steps, you can allow children to enjoy playtime without compromising their safety.
Winter Safety Tips for Daycare Staff
Appropriate Winter Clothing
Staying warm and comfortable starts with proper winter clothing. Layering is key! Advise parents to dress their children in thermal layers, waterproof gloves, insulated boots, and hats that cover their ears. It also helps to keep extra hats, gloves, and socks available at your daycare center for emergencies.
Managing Wet Clothing
Wearing wet clothing isn’t just uncomfortable—it can also increase a child’s chances of getting sick. Encourage kids to hang up wet mittens and jackets, and have staff check regularly to ensure no wet items are left on the floor where they could create a slipping hazard. A dedicated drying area with labeled hooks or cubbies can help keep children’s outerwear organized so it’s easy to find at the end of the day.
Health Precautions
Your child can get sick at any time, but colds, flu, or other respiratory illnesses usually peak between the winter months of December and February (CDC). That’s why it’s important to encourage your daycare staff to teach proper hygiene practices, such as handwashing and using tissues to cover sneezes. You can also make touch-free hand sanitizer stations available in locations where there is a lot of traffic or shared equipment.
How to Prepare Your Childcare Staff for Winter
Emergency Response Training
Winter emergencies like frostbite and hypothermia might seem rare, but it’s important to be prepared if they occur. Train your childcare staff to recognize early signs of these conditions such as shivering, pale skin, or slurred speech. Ensure team members have also received first aid training for cold-weather injuries so they feel confident handling any situation.
Communicate with Parents
Clear communication with parents is an important part of creating a positive childcare experience. Create plans for snow day closures, late openings, or other emergencies, and communicate these plans early and often. At Ducklings Early Learning Centers, teachers maintain regular contact with parents through our childcare management portal. Keeping parents informed helps build trust and ensures operations can continue to run even when unexpected weather events occur.
Ducklings Franchise Support
Choose the Right Location for Your Daycare Franchise
When you choose a franchise a location, it’s important to consider winter operations. Centers in colder areas may need additional snow removal and heating system maintenance, while those in milder climates might focus more on emergency preparedness. We offer site selection support for franchisees, so you can always feel confident when choosing a location for your daycare center.
Duckling’s Commitment to Excellence
With Ducklings, you’re never alone. We provide regular guidance, operational checklists, and year-round support for franchisees to ensure your daycare can run smoothly no matter the season.
Winter can be unpredictable, but with the right support and preparation, your childcare center will be ready to skate through the season. Our daycare safety checklist for winter will help you create a safe environment for children and offer peace of mind to parents.
From seasonal safety to business success, we are here to support you on every step of your franchise journey. Contact us to learn more about investing in a Ducklings Early Learning Center franchise.