Skin cancer researchers report that a new early childhood education program increases sun safety knowledge and positive attitudes towards sun safety.

Experts from the Sun Safety Alliance and Healthy Childcare Consultants, Inc. recently found that a new sun safety educational program designed for early childhood education settings is successful in increasing sun safety knowledge of early childhood educators. The study also reported an increase in positive attitudes towards sun safety. A survey of parents of participating children indicated that they enjoyed receiving materials from the program and found the program to be effective.

The Sun-Safe Child Care Project was implemented last March in 20 Crème de la Crème Early Childhood Education programs. Combining written and interactive materials, this project was developed to educate young children and their parents and teachers about ways to stay sun safe. Hands-on activities ensured that children had fun while learning. Classroom activities such as “Hats Galore,” and a “Sun Safety Fashion Show” for parents promoted use of hats, sun-safe clothing, and sunglasses.

The need for prevention education stems from the lack of awareness regarding skin cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers in the world. Despite being almost totally preventable, skin cancer has quickly become the most common cancer in the United States. Over 1.2 million people each year are diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States – that is about 2 people every minute. Most people are unaware that the incidence of skin cancer exceeds lung, breast, colon and prostate cancer combined.

Alissa D’Amelio, Program Manager for the Sun Safety Alliance, stated that “Children must be aware of staying safe in the sun. A severe sunburn during childhood can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer later in life.”

“There has not been enough done to educate children about how to stay sun safe while outdoors. Educators and parents must be proactive in this educational effort, which is the main goal of the Sun-Safe Child Care Project,” D’Amelio added.

The educational staff of participating Crème de la Crème programs were instructed on how to incorporate program materials into their educational curriculum, as well as how to teach sun safety to young children. Educators also learned about skin cancer prevention, sun safety techniques, and the truth about sunburns and tanning. Skin cancer knowledge was tested before and after the course to measure the effectiveness of the education.

Both educators and parents indicated that overall children found the program to be fun and were excited to learn about sun safety. Additional research is needed to determine children’s level of comprehension and ability to make decisions related to sun safety.

If you are interested in learning more about the Sun Safe Child Care Project or if you would like to implement this program in your educational facility or organization, please contact Alissa D’Amelio at adamelio@sunsafetyalliance.org or by phone at (703) 481-1414.