As early childhood learning centers try to make the best of the situation and serve families in their communities despite the prevalence of Omicron, most are being tested on the measures they have put in place to reduce transmission and infection within their center’s walls.

Standard hygiene protocols

By this time, it probably would be second nature to everyone, even children, to wear their masks, wash their hands regularly and/or sanitize it after every activity.
Children will be accustomed to wearing their masks most of the time. They know when to wash their hands or reach for the sanitizer to keep their hands clean. Meanwhile, staff might have fully incorporated regular cleaning and disinfection of their classrooms into their schedule.

Ventilation updates in centers and daycare

Having good airflow has been one of the best defenses against the virus lingering and infecting in indoor environments. Whether it’s an updated HVAC system with the proper filters or more windows opened along with fans and air purification systems, centers help children and staff work in a safe environment that’s fortified enough in terms of air quality against COVID-19.

Alternative learning areas in outdoor settings

Aside from improving indoor ventilation, some have used outdoor settings to conduct classes and sessions with their children. Whether it’s turning the playground into an outdoor classroom or going for walks in nearby parks, centers have certainly used and maximized the use of outdoor areas for learning and safety in the time of Covid-19.

Easily accessible testing and screening students for Covid-19 symptoms

Even when vaccinated and boosted, everyone is still susceptible to getting infected with Covid-19. To prevent widespread infection and transmission, it’s best to have easy access to testing especially for staff and screen infections. Keeping a tight surveillance through routine testing helps in early detection and prevention of transmission.

Working with local health departments

Getting in touch with local health departments help centers access the most recent and updated information about COVID-19 in their community. They, in turn, are able to cascade information to parents and families they are serving.

Activities that help children cope and express their feelings

While most mitigation measures focus on physical aspects of preventing Covid-19, early learning childhood educators have also learned to prioritize and help children cope with this major stressor in their young lives.
According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) report last year, there were at least 140,000 U.S. children who have lost a parent or caregiver to the virus. This translates to unimaginable trauma for a young child who depends on them for almost everything. This adverse childhood event can also be a catalyst for leading the child into a wrong path.
As secondary caregivers, early childhood learning educators quickly realized they had an important role to play in helping children process this traumatic event and addressing the loss. Done right, childcare staff can help in bolstering the child’s resilience and helping them manage their emotions and feelings even if they still don’t have the right words to properly express it.