An unexpected sore spot for preschools after the fires: sandboxes

A playground at San Marino Community Church Nursery School is still empty, weeks after the nearby Eaton Fire.

With open questions about what's safe for young children, the site's director Jihan Massoud has been keeping kids inside or in another play area instead.

That's because the whole playground is blanketed in sand. Think of a plot the size of two swimming pools, rather than a sandbox. Normally, that's a great thing. The kids love it. But right now, the sand feels more like lava, because it might contain ash and debris.

"It is frustrating and you feel helpless," Massoud said. " You don't want to take the risk."

Cleanup continues

While many daycares have hosed down and wiped off playgrounds, sand poses an extra concern about the hazards and costs of returning to normal programming for young kids.

Childcare centers don't need an inspection to reopen, according to the California Department of Social Services, which oversees childcare licensing. The department told LAist that providers should work with public and environmental health experts for guidance.

L.A. County's Department of Public Health put out a fact sheet for childcare providers that recommended removing and replacing sand in affected areas, "as there is no reliable way to clean it of ash and soot." A department spokesperson clarified that sand needs replacing "if the sandbox has visible ash, soot or debris."

But Victor Soto, the executive director for Pacific Oaks Children’s School in Pasadena, said the guidance still leaves a lot open to interpretation.

" This is a blanket, general statement," Soto said. "If you're 5 miles, 10 miles away, then this might not be applicable to you."

On a recent virtual call for directors of childcare programs, many reported that they had hauled in new sand. Others were keeping kids inside while assessing what to do.

" It's very confusing for parents. It's very confusing for children," said Allegra Inganni, co-executive director for a childcare organization that was replacing some of its sand and mulch.

La Cañada-Flintridge parent Robin Kelley said she had called county and state agencies seeking more safety information on letting her daughter play in sand.

" I've had to spend two weeks to find some information," Kelley said. "And I think that is unacceptable."

Big costs

The sand debacle is not just a question of safety. Replacing sand, mulch and dirt in children's playgrounds is also an unexpected expense for centers and providers already operating on ultra-thin margins.

Victor Soto, executive director of Pacific Oaks Children's School in Pasadena, said that if he replaces his center's sand, he's looking at a potential bill for tens of thousands of dollars — and he doubts any financial support from the state or county is coming.

" Public schools receive tons of funding and help, whereas preschools don't," Soto said. " I would love to see more support for the early child education field that is outside of being part of a school district."

Massoud has decided she has no choice but to replace the sand and mulch in her playgrounds.

The estimate is between $15,000 and $26,000 dollars.