Daycare centers were ones of the very first essential businesses which had to find a way to deal with coronavirus. Protecting these businesses and the children in their care meant daycare centers’ owners and teachers had to devise their own ways amidst changing guidelines and protocols.
As the economy opens up while new strains of the virus keep on mutating, here are some ways child care providers can take to keep themselves and their child care businesses protected against this unruly virus.
1. Be updated on masking protocols in your community, city, and/or state.
Different states have different mask mandates. For example, in California, the Department of Public Health is leaving the decision to local schools as to whether children need to mask up or not.
In the same vein, New York officials advised parents to assume masks will be worn when in-person classes begin in September.
Meanwhile, in Texas and Iowa, the state dictates that no school can mandate mask wearing for its teachers and students.
2. Ensure complete vaccination of daycare centers’ staff.
Being essential workers who care for children of other essential workers, early learning childhood educators have since been prioritized in the country’s vaccination program.
As part of the effort to help early learning childhood educators get vaccinated, child care business owners can reimburse their staff’s paid sick days in relation to COVID-19 vaccination with the IRS.
3. Develop a hygiene routine for staff and children to follow.
COVID-19 prevention starts with following hygiene protocols set forth by the Center for Disease and Control (CDC).
Having hygiene activities where children and staff all wash hands together or sanitize their spots at the day care center is not only a way to curb the spread of COVID-19.
It’s also a great teaching opportunity to make children aware of the importance of handwashing.
Encourage children to wear their masks properly and use positive reinforcements to promote mask etiquette.
Train children and staff to observe proper physical distancing, especially during naptime.
Assign parents different drop-off and pick up times to prevent crowding and lessen the possibility of transmission.
4. Have a business continuity plan for when a staff or child is sick.
As sick days cannot be forecasted, having a plan in place whenever a staff member becomes unavailable allows you to easily manage the situation without letting the quality of care you provide slide.
Coordinate with child care businesses or substitute staff beforehand and have their contact information ready if and when such a situation arises.
Meanwhile, an empty childcare spot due to sick days is a great opportunity to open it up temporarily for children on your waitlist.
5. Fortify your daycare center against COVID-19.
Get proper ventilation by opening windows and doors to facilitate good air circulation.
If the space is limited, install transparent screens around a child’s desk to protect them from respiratory air droplets which hasten the spread of the virus.
Regularly sanitize high contact surfaces, especially toys and areas where children congregate.
If possible, keep children in small groups with permanent staff assigned to the group to limit the possibility of transmission among various groups.
6. Communicate your COVID-19 protocols and any updates.
As health guidelines, state regulations, and even local protocols change over time, keep parents’ worries at bay by telling them about your daycare center’s COVID-19 protocols regularly.
While many parents are keen on finding childcare, they still can’t stop from worrying about their child’s safety while being in your care.
To help erase their fears and doubts, regularly update them about safety protocols you have in place and hygiene activities you do with the children.
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