Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Regulations for New York, Public schools and outdoor play temperature in the winter.

    Posted 12-14-2023 06:58 AM

    I am searching for regulations for New York State, public school, kindergarten outdoor play temperature guidelines. There are guidelines and regulations for New York City but I can't seem to find any documented for New York State public schools. 
    does anyone have a suggestion for possible sources i.e. CDC or state health department? 

    Currently my school administrator says that it needs to be above 30° and the windchill needs to be that as well. living in Chautauqua county that is very restrictive for children to play outdoors!

    I would like to be able to share current research about the benefits of outdoor play as well as any guidelines that are for New York State public schools,

    Thank you for your help!



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    Karen Sykes
    Kindergarten teacher
    Jamestown Public Schools
    NY
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  • 2.  RE: Regulations for New York, Public schools and outdoor play temperature in the winter.

    Posted 12-15-2023 08:06 AM
    Try this from nyc




    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Regulations for New York, Public schools and outdoor play temperature in the winter.

    Posted 12-15-2023 08:32 AM

    I do not believe outside of NYC there is specific guidance other than in part 100 which is vague: NYSED part 100.3 (a.3.ii) "

    1. materials and equipment which allow for active and quiet play in indoor and outdoor environments;" (https://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/1003-program-requirements-students-grades-prekindergarten-through-four)

    Further guidance can be found from NYS Center for School Health (https://www.schoolhealthny.com/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=213&ViewID=7b97f7ed-8e5e-4120-848f-a8b4987d588f&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=178&PageID=163) I believe in NYS outside of NYC DOE, it is up to districts/schools to develop policies on outdoor play and weather conditions individually. 



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    DEBORAH Collette-Cromp
    Teacher/Trainer/Consultant/Coach
    Self-Employed
    NY
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Regulations for New York, Public schools and outdoor play temperature in the winter.

    Posted 12-15-2023 09:31 AM

    I was observing ar a child care center in Chicago on Monday and was surprised when the teacher said they couldn't go outside because it was 30° but then I googled the Child Care Weather Watch Wind Chill and Heat Index Chart and saw that they define 30° as chilly and generally uncomfortable and that actual or wind chill temperatures from 30° to 20° are in the yellow or caution zone. 



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    Margery Heyl
    IL
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Regulations for New York, Public schools and outdoor play temperature in the winter.

    Posted 12-15-2023 10:29 AM

    Karen,

    I would contact the board of Education and the department of Parks & Recreation.  Also, what does your guidelines from Jamestown Public Schools says about weather?

    And I simply google and: "

    Guidelines for Playing OutdoorsUnless it's snowing, there is ice on the playground, or the wind-chill factor is below zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius), schools should not prohibit outdoor play based on the outdoor temperature alone.
    Sports and Staying Active - Schools.nyc.gov'

    I would consider searching  for activities and contacting kindergarten in Alaska and other parts of the world impacted by thr weather. For example, Finland.

    I have a padlet with indoors games if you are interested:  https://padlet.com/zeesfinds/active-play-bpeq5rinnsggwe7p

    I hope this helps!

    Fabiola 



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    Fabiola Zanini
    Sub
    Rose Educators
    IL
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Regulations for New York, Public schools and outdoor play temperature in the winter.

    Posted 12-15-2023 10:34 AM

    Margery,

    Sadly to say some teachers do not like to be outside. 

    Outside Recess:CPS Cold Weather Guidelines for Outdoor Recess:

    February 23, 2023

    Weather Is Turning Colder, Make Sure Students Are Getting Outside For Recess! Cold air does not make us sick, germs make us sick.

    Ensure students get outside for recess/ gross motor time at your school! Outdoor recess time allows children to get fresh air, provides an opportunity for children to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity, and gives students more activity options than most indoor spaces. The Office of Student Health and Wellness recommends using 20 degrees F with or without windchill as the threshold for keeping students in for recess. Please see the following CPS cold weather guidelines for outdoor recess:

    Cold Weather Guidelines:
    • Above 32 degrees F with or without wind chill: Recess should be outdoors.
    • Between 28 degrees F and 15 degrees F with or without wind chill: Principal discretion.
    • Below 15 degrees F with or without wind chill: Recess should be held indoors.

    https://www.pritzkerschool.org/m/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=331356&id=0#:~:text=Above%2032%20degrees%20F%20with,chill%3A%20Recess%20should%20be%20outdoors.&text=Between%2028%20degrees%20F%20and,without%20wind%20chill%3A%20Principal%20discretion.&text=Below%2015%20degrees%20F%20with,Recess%20should%20be%20held%20indoors.



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    Fabiola Zanini
    Sub
    Rose Educators
    IL
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Regulations for New York, Public schools and outdoor play temperature in the winter.

    Posted 12-15-2023 12:22 PM

    My district's cut-off for outside recess is -18 below with windchill; children must have appropriate clothing for that temperature.  We are just above the Arctic Circle in Alaska and that temperature is reasonable if you are correctly clothed.  Other districts in Alaska vary in their cold weather policies.  Fairbanks is -20 below, but Anchorage is -10 below. We have had teachers move up from southern states that think -18 below is ludicrous until they actually spend a winter up here and get acclimated to the colder weather.  



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    Joy Cogburn-Smith
    Director of State & Federal Programs
    AK
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Regulations for New York, Public schools and outdoor play temperature in the winter.

    Posted 12-16-2023 08:53 AM

    https://www.famly.co/blog/winter-outdoor-learning-scandinavia

    i grew up in Canada and outdoor play was a big part of our day at school. If kids didn't have hats or mitts we got them from the lost and found. A few years ago, I went to Norway and saw a daycare and all the children were bundled up and outside in the snow. It is a mindset. The cold also builds  immunity and kills germs. Germs make people sick not cold air. Currently, I teach special education preschool and we go outside in winter. I just collected extra winter gear… coats, snow pants, boots hats and mittens that I keep for my students. Hats and mitts are assigned not shared. You may be able to get donations or involve families in collecting things. I think that since many children come without proper gear that may be what is holding them back. Many of the children here do not have opportunities to play in the snow of outside. You will be giving them a gift!

    good luck!

    See the link on Norway!



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    Julie MacKinnon
    Owner
    Kidz Watch Ltd
    MI
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    Original Message