On scorching days last summer, Lyndsay MacKay would often find her 16-month-old son at daycare in just a diaper, his skin clammy, and hair sticking to his head. She noticed he would often become lethargic and even doze off during dinner. Despite the educators’ efforts to cool the children down with ice cubes, popsicles, dimmed rooms, and cool cloths, MacKay, a Toronto mother and early childhood education professor, expressed concern that the kids were still hot, sweaty, and drained by the end of the day.
MacKay is part of a growing movement in Canada advocating for a maximum indoor temperature in daycares, possibly set at 26 degrees Celsius, similar to standards applied in long-term care facilities in Ontario. Infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children are more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke due to their higher metabolism and less efficient sweat glands, making it challenging for them to regulate their body temperature effectively. Dr. Kirstin Weerdenburg, a pediatrician, emphasized the importance of recognizing signs of heat illness in young children, such as fatigue, flushed skin, irritability, and difficulty walking.
Educators like Amy O’Neil, executive director of Toronto’s Treetop Children’s Centre, find it stressful to monitor for heatstroke as they lack medical training. O’Neil believes that addressing high temperatures in daycares is not solely about comfort but a critical safety issue. Despite the significant cost involved in installing air conditioning units, she believes it is necessary for ensuring a safe environment for children.
While there have been discussions about regulating indoor temperatures in daycares, progress has been slow. Various provinces have vague regulations regarding indoor temperatures, with no specific limits set. Advocates are pushing for legislation to establish maximum temperature thresholds, especially as summers are projected to become hotter. The increasing frequency of wildfires further complicates efforts to keep children cool and safe during extreme heat events.
Kate Lawes, a daycare manager in Victoria, had to adapt her strategies due to rising temperatures and worsening wildfire seasons. She emphasized the need to prioritize children’s health and safety in the face of extreme weather conditions. As climate change continues to impact temperatures, advocates stress the importance of monitoring indoor temperatures in daycare settings to protect children from heat-related illnesses.