Safe Sand

Is Some Sand Safer Than Others?

Ask Us!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Healthy Child:

With the weather warming up, children will once again be digging into backyard sandboxes and flocking to neighborhood parks. So, it’s a good time to refresh your knowledge about keeping your kids safe when they’re outside playing – especially when it comes to safety risks that are not so obvious – as in the case of sand.

According to our book:

Some play sand used in sandboxes and around swing sets contains tremolite (a form of asbestos) or very fine crystalline silica; the most dangerous of these is made from crushed quarry rock. The kind of sand you want in your box – the safest and most natural – is washed beach or river sand that is fairly granular, not powder-fine. For years, manufacturers of toy sand have successfully lobbied the Consumer Product Safety Commission to keep labeling to indicate its source off of sand, so it’s difficult to gauge safety by looking at the bag. Don’t buy sand unless the manufacturer can assure you that it consists of beach or river sand, and that it’s not quarry rock.

Protect your child’s health by following these easy tips:

1. If you’re buying sand, call the manufacturer to find out the source of the product as mentioned above. Also, look for the California Proposition 65 Warning. The State of California requires a warning label on play sand containing crystalline silica.
2. Call your local park and recreation office to find out where they get their sand. Do the same with your child’s school and/or child care facility.
3. If you’re unsure of the type of sand, be sure to supervise children to make sure they are not putting their hands in their mouths or throwing sand (which kicks up the finest dust particles).
4. Wash your child’s hands after playing in sand.
5. If you have a sandbox, keep it covered when you’re not using it to keep animals out. (You don’t want them “doing their business” where your child plays.)

All in all – just be aware. Dirt is good. Play is good. Exercise is very good. Don’t let worries about sand outweigh the benefits of an afternoon at the park.

Read more: http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/is_some_sand_safer_than_others/#ixzz1KwXkKlpo

Bloom

It is so great to have some helpers when it comes time to spruce up the garden. I think they love it just as much- children and dirt seem to be the easiest combination! We even saw a few earthworms in the compost pile.

Welcome

Thank you for taking time to find more information about Capital Care, a home childcare center in Capital Village.

We are currently accepting applications for children 24-months to 4.5 years old.

Center Hours:

7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday only

Services offered:

drop-in/hourly only beginning 1 February 2013

The Environment:

At the center we strive for simple balance. At times quiet independent activities are presented while at other times group games or partner play activities are planned. We see the value in a loosely structured day that allows for all learning styles to be developed: visual, auditory and manipulative.

During circle time each morning we review age appropriate ideas (weather, calendaring, letter and number recognition). During art times we build on those ideas and themes that cross the week. Throughout play time and during meals we practice good manners and citizenship skills. Before the end of each day we review ideas and concepts during afternoon circle time.

Meals:

Breakfast, lunch and two healthy snacks are served daily. Because nutritious meals are an important part of a child's day and an essential part of his or her development, careful planning and consideration are made to serve organically grown fruits and vegetables, to include whole grains, dairy products that are RBsT-free and meat products that are free from hormones and nitrates. Meals are made fresh each day and often, children are invited to participate in the preparation (selecting fruit for a smoothie or topping her own pizza).

Spring Crayon Melts

Too many broken crayons? I think I have a few boxes full. Sort spring colors out with your little helpers, then melt shavings on parchment paper in the lowest setting of your oven. When the crayons begin to spread, remove from the oven and allow to cool for 20-25 minutes until hard again.

In these spring shapes, my little helpers and I sandwiched the crayon melts in packing tape then inside the card stock cutouts.