Sending your child to daycare can be a source of anxiety, especially during a pandemic. The challenges of ensuring both the general well-being of your little one and the daycare’s COVID safety measures can feel overwhelming. Protecting our precious children is paramount, and no parent wants to see their child unwell. However, for many parents, daycare is a vital necessity.
For instance, Jessica Myers emphasizes this necessity: “I kept my child enrolled in daycare so I could maintain my work schedule,” she shares. “I understand there’s a risk, but it’s essential for both of us.” Similarly, Mark Thompson, an executive director and father of two, recounts his experience: “Working from home with my active toddler was draining. I had to make the tough decision to send him back to daycare for my sanity and his growth,” he explains. Thankfully, there are measures your child’s daycare can implement to ensure a safer environment during these challenging times.
Daily Health Checks and Screenings
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s crucial for teachers, staff, and children to undergo daily health screenings. Anyone exhibiting symptoms such as a fever of 100.4°F or higher should not be allowed into the facility. Parents must also monitor their children for any signs of illness and keep them home if they’re unwell. If your child shows any COVID-19 symptoms—like fever, cough, or shortness of breath—they should be tested and kept at home.
Disinfecting Protocols and Procedures
The National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education (NRC) has long established health and safety guidelines for early education settings. Regular cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting of surfaces and toys are still essential. The CDC reinforces this by advising against the use of toys that cannot be easily cleaned.
Classroom Setup and Social Distancing Policies
Social distancing measures may differ by location, but the CDC recommends spacing out workstations and play areas. Ideally, children should remain six feet apart. Mixing different groups of children is discouraged, and classes should be kept small, something that Mark noted was beneficial in his son’s class, which includes only six children.
Testing and Isolation
In any childcare setting, illness can arise, whether it’s COVID-19 or another ailment. Daycares should have protocols in place for isolating any child who becomes ill during the day. Cleaning and disinfecting must occur promptly, and if a COVID-19 case is confirmed, the facility should follow CDC guidelines, including closing for at least 24 hours for cleaning.
Protective Gear
Teachers and children over the age of two should wear masks at all times except when eating or drinking. However, masks should never be placed on children under two due to the risk of suffocation, as emphasized by the CDC.
Technological Advancements
Many daycare facilities are leveraging technology to enhance communication with parents. For instance, parents can access updates on their child’s activities through mobile apps, which can also facilitate payments. Some facilities have even adopted contactless check-in and check-out processes.
Additional Recommendations
To further enhance safety, daycare facilities should consider implementing contactless payment methods, staggering drop-off and pick-up times, and limiting visitor access. Meals should be served in small groups, ideally within the child’s classroom, and clear barriers can be utilized where possible.
Your child’s health is vital, so keep them home if they exhibit any signs of illness. If they test positive for COVID-19, isolation according to CDC guidelines is essential.
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In summary, while sending your child to daycare during the COVID-19 pandemic can be daunting, understanding and verifying the safety protocols in place can help ease your worries. By staying informed and vigilant, you can ensure a safer environment for your child.