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
Smoke Ready Child Care Community of Practice
Join a Community of Practice for Child Care & Early Education Program Leaders to create or further develop your program practices to ensure safety of children on poor air quality days.
Spring/Summer 2026
Community Conversation: Wildfire Smoke Preparedness
Learn about resources for wildfire smoke preparedness and join the conversation on preparing child care spaces with clean air practices. FREE Set 1 ORO Hours Provided. HYBRID. Spanish Interpretation Provided.
Monday, May 4th 6-7:30 pm
Smoke Ready Workshop
Local experts will present about impact, prevention, and practices relating to wildfire smoke exposure with children. FREE Set 1 ORO Hours Provided. ZOOM. Spanish Interpretation Provided.
Tuesday, June 2nd 6-8:00 pm
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 using one or more of the following websites:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality
- 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