Air Quality Guidance for Child Care
Severe wildfire smoke events have become a regular part of an Oregon summer here in Lane County. Breathing smoke and harmful toxins can add up, even if just for a few days each year, especially for young children.
This guide, created by Lane County Public Health and Lane Regional Air Protection Agency, provides action steps based on the air quality index, referred to as “AQI.” Staff should always reference EPA’s AirNow at fire.airnow.gov for the AQI. Reference the closest ‘permanent monitor’ (large circle) for the most accurate government certified AQI.
Air Quality Guidance for Childcare/Daycare Providers
Guía para usar el Índice de Calidad del Aire (AQI) para Proveedores de Cuidado Infantil/Guarderías
Upcoming Events with Quality Care Connections
Wildfire Smoke Preparedness
How can you be Wildfire Smoke Ready? Use the following resources to prepare your program with practices to track, respond to, and teach about wildfire smoke when working with young children.
Subscribe to Air Quality Alerts for your area. Suggested: AirNow EnviroFlash Alerts.
Monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) for your area regularly using one or more of the following websites:
Who's Checking? Make sure you have clear policies and expectations about who is checking air quality and how frequently.
Protect children's health by following recommendations by Lane County Public Health (LCPH) and Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) to determine when they can play outside, when calmer play is needed, and how to prepare your space to protect clean air.
Air Quality Guidance for Childcare/Daycare Providers
Guía para usar el Índice de Calidad del Aire (AQI) para Proveedores de Cuidado Infantil/Guarderías
- Clean air based on facility:
- Air Purification:
- Guidance on selecting an Air Cleaner:
- Certified Air Cleaners:
- Making your own Air Cleaner:
- Weatherization:
- AirNow.gov Resources
- For Students: Picture Books for Young Children & Activities for School-Age Children
- Air Quality Flag Program
- Sesamse Street Resources
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
- PBS SoCal
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
- Children’s Health Impacts
- Child Care Specific Resources
- Additional information & Resources: