Winter Childcare Tips for Daycare Families in Regina SK | Daisy Days Daycare

Regina SK winters are among the most extreme in Canada — with temperatures regularly dipping below -25°C and wind chills making outdoor conditions genuinely dangerous. At Daisy Days Daycare, we follow rigorous winter outdoor protocols to keep children safe, active, and enjoying Regina’s beautiful winter season. Here’s everything Regina SK daycare families need to know about winter childcare.

Do Licensed Daycares Go Outside in Winter in Saskatchewan?

Yes — and it’s an important part of child development. Saskatchewan’s ECE guidelines recognize that outdoor play is essential for children’s physical health, gross motor development, and mental wellbeing, even in winter. Licensed daycares in Saskatchewan are expected to provide outdoor time year-round with appropriate weather accommodations.

Research shows that children who play outdoors in winter develop greater cold tolerance, stronger gross motor skills, and better self-regulation than children who stay indoors all winter. “Risky” outdoor play in manageable cold conditions builds resilience.

Temperature Guidelines for Outdoor Play in Regina SK

At Daisy Days Daycare, our outdoor play decisions in winter follow Environment Canada’s wind chill index:

• 0°C to -15°C (wind chill): Regular outdoor play, full duration
• -15°C to -25°C (wind chill): Outdoor play with shortened duration (10-15 minutes), full winter gear required
• -25°C to -30°C (wind chill): Reduced outdoor time, indoor play primary
• Below -30°C (wind chill): Outdoor play cancelled; enhanced indoor gross motor activities

Contact us at 306-807-3233 for our current seasonal outdoor policy.

The Essential Winter Daycare Packing List for Regina SK

Every child attending daycare in Regina SK in winter MUST have properly fitting, labelled winter gear. Here’s the complete list:

• Winter coat: Properly fitted, rated for Saskatchewan temperatures (-20°C or colder), labelled inside
• Snow pants: Waterproof, not just water-resistant. Children sit in snow, roll in snow, and fall in snow.
• Snow boots: Waterproof, insulated, pull-on style for toddlers (Velcro ok for preschool). Labelled inside.
• Winter hat: Knit hat that covers ears — not a ball cap
• Mittens: Waterproof mittens, NOT gloves (toddlers and preschoolers can’t manage individual finger gloves). Two pairs — one at home, one spare at daycare.
• Balaclava or neck gaiter: Covers mouth and chin for temperatures below -15°C
• Snowsuit for infants: One-piece insulated snowsuit for infants attending during winter months

Labelling Winter Gear — Non-Negotiable

Label EVERY piece of winter gear inside AND on the outside. Mittens are the most-lost items in any daycare winter room. Label in permanent marker on the lining. Replace lost items promptly — children cannot go outside without complete winter gear.

Teaching Children to Dress Themselves for Winter

By age 3-4, children can learn to put on boots, zip coats (once you start the zip), and pull on mittens with practice. Teaching this independence at home makes morning daycare arrivals smoother for everyone. Practice at home in October before the cold arrives.

Winter Illness at Daycare in Regina SK

Winter brings increased respiratory illness in group care settings. Review Daisy Days Daycare’s sick policy and keep children home when they’re genuinely ill. Immunization is the strongest protection against the most serious winter illnesses. Review immunization requirements for daycare in Saskatchewan.

Contact Daisy Days Daycare for our current winter schedule and policy.
306-807-3233 | info@daisydaysdaycare.com | 2007 Potts Crescent East, Regina SK S4V 2E5