Golden Plains Shire Council is very pleased to report that early years services in Golden Plains are at the forefront of SunSmart education and participation across the State.
In Victoria, 86% of eligible early childhood services are members of the SunSmart program, but in Golden Plains Shire, participation across early years services delivered by Council and other providers is at 91% – which is well above the State average. Council-managed services are leading the way with 100% membership!
This means childcare centres, family day care services and kindergartens in Golden Plains, particularly those managed by Council, are showing exemplary commitment to SunSmart education and skin cancer prevention to protect and benefit the lives of local children.
Justine Osborne, SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program Co-ordinator, said it was important for new and existing services to keep SunSmart on the agenda.
“Not only do most children attend early childhood services during peak UV times, they’re also at a time in their life when UV damage is most significant for determining future skin cancer risk,” Ms Osborne said.
“Because of this, it’s really important that early childhood services are making sun protection part of their daily routine. Our free program makes this simple by providing the policy advice, resources and education they need to ensure services are meeting their regulatory requirements and duty of care.
A SunSmart member sign at the front gate also shows families that a service is committed to this important health issue.
As part of the 2018 program, SunSmart has undertaken a modern makeover of the iconic SunSmart jingle, aimed at early childhood services and young families.
The new song, ‘You’ve Gotta Be SunSmart’ is performed by beloved children’s entertainer Jay Laga’aia, well-known for his roles on Playschool and Home and Away.
The song features the important ‘Slip! Slop! Slap!’ message alongside its additions to Seek (shade) and Slide (on sunglasses), and emphasises the importance of using all five sun protection measures together for healthy outdoor play.
The 225,000 Victorian children attending SunSmart early childhood services are among the first to hear the new tune, with hopes it will become a catchy call-to-action to get more services involved in the program.
Golden Plains Shire Council’s Early Years services will continue to support and promote SunSmart messages, and looks forward to rolling out the catchy new video.
Watch the video below.