Explore & Discover
A Highlands Early Learning Cooperative
3401 West 29th Avenue, Denver, CO 80211
Phone/Fax: (720) 855-6818
Email: eandddirector@gmail.com
www.exploreanddiscover.org
Sun Safety and Sunscreen Recommendations for Infants and Children
Children are highly susceptible to harmful UV radiation, since 80 percent of lifetime sun exposure occurs before
the age of 18. Just one or more blistering sunburns in childhood may double the risk of developing melanoma
(skin cancer). Teaching children about sun safety is the key to reduction the risk of future health problems.
Sun safety can prevent skin cancer.
Safe Sun Habits

Stay inside or limit sun exposure during the sun’s peak hours 10am-4pm. Your shadow is an indicator of
the sun’s intensity. If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun is at its highest intensity.

Refer to the daily UV index when planning outdoor events. The UV index is a daily forecast of the intensity of the sun’s UV rays. The index indicates the risk of overexposure to skin-damaging UV radiation
and can be used to help plan outdoor activities to minimize exposure.

Seek shade whenever possible from trees or umbrellas. Although trees do not offer complete sun protection, they provide about 60 percent blockage from the sun’s rays.

Cover up with loose fitting and lightweight clothing (long pants and long sleeved shirt), sunglasses and
wide brimmed hats. Sunglasses should block out 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation to protect the
eyes from damage.

Use sunscreen with at least a 15 SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Parents should sign a sunscreen permission
form. Health care provider instructions are not necessary, expect for infants less than 6 months of age.
Sunscreen Permission Form
Child
Date
Name of Sunscreen and the SPF Number
Your child’s child care provider will assist with applying sunscreen to bare surfaces including face, tops of ears
and bare shoulders, arms, legs and feet 15-30 minutes before outdoor activities. Sunscreen will not be applied
to any broken skin or if skin reaction has been observed. Any skin reaction observed by staff will be reported
promptly to the parent/guardian. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15.
Special Instructions:

In the event that my child’s sunscreen is not readily, my child may use the sunscreen provided by the
school

Rocky Mountain Sunscreen Enhanced, SPF 50
I do not want my child to use any other sunscreen other than the one he or she brings.
Parent / Guardian Signature and Date
Sunscreen Safety, Updated 9/2014
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