As the hottest year on record, 2023 set a new benchmark for global temperatures. And now, in 2024, we’re on track to surpass that. With June being the hottest month ever recorded and July 22 marking the hottest day, it’s clear that the planet is heating up at an alarming rate.
The impacts of this extreme heat are being felt across communities. Energy bills are rising, social plans are disrupted, and the ability to sleep and exercise is becoming more challenging. This scorching weather isn’t just affecting adults, it’s also disrupting the routines and experiences of children and caregivers in early care and education programs.
Tessie Ragan, owner of Perfect Start Learning in Rosamond, California, shared her concerns about the heat’s impact on her nature-based summer camp for young children. With temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it became too hot for the kids to be outside some days, leading to discomfort and potential health risks.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat due to their physiology. Their bodies struggle to regulate temperature, and exposure to high temperatures can impact their learning and development. Allie Schneider, an early childhood education policy analyst, emphasizes the need for caregivers to be vigilant and responsive to signs of overheating in children.
Rising temperatures are forcing even traditionally temperate regions to adapt to the new normal of extreme heat. But for early care and education programs, the challenge lies in lacking the necessary resources to provide adequate heat-mitigation systems.
Angie Garling, from the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), highlights the sector’s unpreparedness for such climatic shifts and the urgent need for financial support. Child care providers like Ragan echo the sentiment, expressing the need for assistance in implementing climate adaptations to ensure the well-being of children.
Providers like Nancy Harvey have seen the benefits of climate adaptations in improving the comfort and safety of their programs. Through grants and initiatives, providers are slowly making strides towards creating healthier environments for children to learn and play.
While the financial constraints remain, the focus on prioritizing children’s health and well-being drives providers to seek out solutions that mitigate the impacts of extreme heat. The goal is to ensure that children can continue to enjoy outdoor play and essential developmental activities, even in the face of rising temperatures.
