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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>COVID19: If You're Staying Open, What are You Doing to Keep You & Your Group Healthy?
Faith is a gift too 09:12 AM 03-14-2020
The schools & school daycares are closed for 2 weeks here instead of usual 1 for spring break. Child care providers outside of the schools have received instruction from licensing encouraging us to stay open, which I plan on doing, unless we have a confirmed case of Coronavirus, then we close, disinfect, contact the health department, etc....
This has me thinking about social distancing in a childcare setting what that might look like? I myself am trying to keep my distance (although 6 feet is not possible) and still assist the children with what they need. Thankfully I do not have any that are in diapers right now.
At the same time I don't think that it's a reasonable expectation for any child to practice social distancing (I would equate it to torture).
We are washing our hands like usual since we follow standard precautions.
I have a kids Henry the Hand germ video & germ book that we read and talk washing hands about not touching our faces (but they still do-another unreasonable expectation). I've been reviewing these about 1x week since this circus started.
I encourage them to cover their sneezes with her elbows and turn away from their friends if they have a sneeze.
I've removed the cloth/porous toys from the play area and am only keeping toys that can easily be disinfected 2-3x a week. I am cleaning often touched hard surfaces twice as offen.
Besides all this I feel like there is not much else to do and I especially don't want to scare them. I imagine they are concerned since the grown ups are acting strange.
I'm just curious to know what steps everyone else is taking that might be helpful for our kiddos?
This has me thinking about social distancing in a childcare setting what that might look like? I myself am trying to keep my distance (although 6 feet is not possible) and still assist the children with what they need. Thankfully I do not have any that are in diapers right now.
At the same time I don't think that it's a reasonable expectation for any child to practice social distancing (I would equate it to torture).
We are washing our hands like usual since we follow standard precautions.
I have a kids Henry the Hand germ video & germ book that we read and talk washing hands about not touching our faces (but they still do-another unreasonable expectation). I've been reviewing these about 1x week since this circus started.
I encourage them to cover their sneezes with her elbows and turn away from their friends if they have a sneeze.
I've removed the cloth/porous toys from the play area and am only keeping toys that can easily be disinfected 2-3x a week. I am cleaning often touched hard surfaces twice as offen.
Besides all this I feel like there is not much else to do and I especially don't want to scare them. I imagine they are concerned since the grown ups are acting strange.
I'm just curious to know what steps everyone else is taking that might be helpful for our kiddos?
Unregistered 10:02 AM 03-14-2020
I only have one family with a 3 year old and a small baby and possibly the school aged kids of my old family may return if they close school. I will be working as usual unless someone shows symptoms. I plan to wash hands a lot, sanitizer door knobs, encourage use of tissues and not sneezing on people, etc. and just go about business as usual since there won't be a lot of people in and out here.
Valerie928 10:39 AM 03-14-2020
Zero, I mean ZERO illnesses aloud in my home. Not even the common runny nose, nada. My parents get it.
Faith is a gift too 11:23 AM 03-14-2020
Originally Posted by Valerie928:
Zero, I mean ZERO illnesses aloud in my home. Not even the common runny nose, nada. My parents get it.
Zero, I mean ZERO illnesses aloud in my home. Not even the common runny nose, nada. My parents get it.
Originally Posted by Valerie928:
Zero, I mean ZERO illnesses aloud in my home. Not even the common runny nose, nada. My parents get it.
.Zero, I mean ZERO illnesses aloud in my home. Not even the common runny nose, nada. My parents get it.
My illness policies are ok w runny nose for 2 days if there's no fever.
Is this something new in addition to your existing policies, did you send a letter?
Our responsible governor who wouldn't want to cause any panic....said in his recent press conference that most of us we'll probably get it at some point. (then he also laid down under a bus why he told us we would all get it, jk)
Then he rationally explained
how we need to slow the process down so we don't overwhelm our health system. Hmmmm?, I wonder what the takaway was for the folks who are hoarding toilet paper was.
I've also decided to do drop offs outside and I will be signing the kids in and out. The sign in sheets seem like a good hotspot. I'm expecting some of us in our group or extended
family might get it. I just don't want us to all get it at the same time.
Valerie928 03:56 PM 03-14-2020
Originally Posted by Faith is a gift too:
.
My illness policies are ok w runny nose for 2 days if there's no fever.
Is this something new in addition to your existing policies, did you send a letter?
Our responsible governor who wouldn't want to cause any panic....said in his recent press conference that most of us we'll probably get it at some point. (then he also laid down under a bus why he told us we would all get it, jk)
Then he rationally explained
how we need to slow the process down so we don't overwhelm our health system. Hmmmm?, I wonder what the takaway was for the folks who are hoarding toilet paper was.
I've also decided to do drop offs outside and I will be signing the kids in and out. The sign in sheets seem like a good hotspot. I'm expecting some of us in our group or extended
family might get it. I just don't want us to all get it at the same time.
This is new. I usually don't exclude for a clear runny nose or little cold. But I changed that the other day. Talked to each of my daycare families. They totally understand..
My illness policies are ok w runny nose for 2 days if there's no fever.
Is this something new in addition to your existing policies, did you send a letter?
Our responsible governor who wouldn't want to cause any panic....said in his recent press conference that most of us we'll probably get it at some point. (then he also laid down under a bus why he told us we would all get it, jk)
Then he rationally explained
how we need to slow the process down so we don't overwhelm our health system. Hmmmm?, I wonder what the takaway was for the folks who are hoarding toilet paper was.
I've also decided to do drop offs outside and I will be signing the kids in and out. The sign in sheets seem like a good hotspot. I'm expecting some of us in our group or extended
family might get it. I just don't want us to all get it at the same time.
Blackcat31 04:15 PM 03-14-2020
Originally Posted by Valerie928:
This is new. I usually don't exclude for a clear runny nose or little cold. But I changed that the other day. Talked to each of my daycare families. They totally understand.
I did the same. Everyone agreed. One mom was mad This is new. I usually don't exclude for a clear runny nose or little cold. But I changed that the other day. Talked to each of my daycare families. They totally understand.
I told her I’d rather tick one mom off than risk everyone’s health.
She’s still mad
I’m not really caring
Ariana 06:59 AM 03-15-2020
Originally Posted by Valerie928:
Zero, I mean ZERO illnesses aloud in my home. Not even the common runny nose, nada. My parents get it.
I wrote this to my families right before the schools shut down here and I decided to close. Zero tolerance for illness.Zero, I mean ZERO illnesses aloud in my home. Not even the common runny nose, nada. My parents get it.
Cat Herder 07:09 AM 03-15-2020
I am following my usual illness policy and cleaning routine. I did minimize toys, but I never wanted as many as QRIS required out, anyway. We already learned this lesson, silly to have gone backwards to begin with. I am also prepared to shelter in place with all 6 kids for up to three weeks in a worse case scenario.
twirlerzmom 10:01 AM 03-15-2020
I just posted a message this morning updating families on my new policies. All drop offs and pick ups are at the door, I will bring the kids up and down. Parents are not entering my home. I'm also taking temps at drop off and if it's over 100 the child must go back home. Illness policy states unwell for ANY reason they can't come, and cannot come back until 48 hours after symptoms subside WITHOUT meds. I also added that I may enforce a child to stay home if more than 2 household members are sick. I've deep cleaned and sanitized everything yesterday. Rotated toys in and out. Eliminated some toys to make daily cleaning easier. (Really, who needs 2 totes of legos?? lol) I also had an air purifier filter and UV lamps installed in my furnace. The UV bulbs will kill any bacteria, fungi and virus in my home. I am blessed to have one of my families be in the HVAC field and was awarded the top dealer in the nation this year. They had it installed within 20 mins of me calling and asking to buy a new regular filter. He wanted my house to be as safe as possible.
Gemma 10:29 AM 03-16-2020
Originally Posted by Cat Herder:
I am also prepared to shelter in place with all 6 kids for up to three weeks in a worse case scenario.
That was my first thought, and all the parents would've been on board, but hubby said "Hell no"!I am also prepared to shelter in place with all 6 kids for up to three weeks in a worse case scenario.
So I tighten my illness policy, removed toys that are not easily sanitized, brought the disinfecting way up, and only allow parents at the entrance for quick pick up and drop off.
I don't know what else to do.
BumbleBee 12:53 PM 03-14-2020
We've slightly increased hand washing and sanitizing. I say slightly because we already wash hands multiple times a day and sanitize regularly.
My illness policy is, I feel, solid. From what I understand of this virus my illness policy covers the symptoms already. I have kept it the same but sent a reminder copy of it to all parents.
We don't go to group activities anyways so no change there.
Reminders to cover coughs, use tissues, etc. As we do regularly.
Pulled out books about germs again and we've read those. They will be on the bookshelf.
My illness policy is, I feel, solid. From what I understand of this virus my illness policy covers the symptoms already. I have kept it the same but sent a reminder copy of it to all parents.
We don't go to group activities anyways so no change there.
Reminders to cover coughs, use tissues, etc. As we do regularly.
Pulled out books about germs again and we've read those. They will be on the bookshelf.
Jupadia 01:36 PM 03-14-2020
Schools are closed, as well as daycare centers located in schools or city run buildings in addition any city run centers have been closed.
This leaves private centers and home daycares still open.
I plan to stay open till I'm either ordered closed or one of us family members gets sick. I've only got two kids comming right now,, and will have a sibbling which aged out comming some days for the next 3 weeks cause there no school or March break camps. I will sign up anyone wanting a permanent spot, but not sure if I'll do any additional drop ins.
I'm cleaning toys a bit more during the week, taken out soft toys, and costumes / masks. As well I'm sending home at first sign of any sickness.
This leaves private centers and home daycares still open.
I plan to stay open till I'm either ordered closed or one of us family members gets sick. I've only got two kids comming right now,, and will have a sibbling which aged out comming some days for the next 3 weeks cause there no school or March break camps. I will sign up anyone wanting a permanent spot, but not sure if I'll do any additional drop ins.
I'm cleaning toys a bit more during the week, taken out soft toys, and costumes / masks. As well I'm sending home at first sign of any sickness.
PB&J 03:18 PM 03-14-2020
https://www.cdc.gov/Coronavirus/2019...checklist.html
We are mostly following this, considering also that we have only 22 kids (not 120+ like centers) and that we have no documented cases in our county. We will get more strict as the situation worsens. Otherwise we are being vigilant about our sickness policy, hand washing (even upon arrival for kids), and sanitizing all surfaces constantly.
We are mostly following this, considering also that we have only 22 kids (not 120+ like centers) and that we have no documented cases in our county. We will get more strict as the situation worsens. Otherwise we are being vigilant about our sickness policy, hand washing (even upon arrival for kids), and sanitizing all surfaces constantly.
TomCopeland 02:27 PM 03-17-2020
I'm offering a free webinar on "Dealing with the Financial Side of the Coronavirus" on Monday, March 23rd starting at 8pm Eastern Time.
To register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/reg...15680744315403
This webinar will help you cope with the financial impact of the virus crisis
• Can you get covered by insurance for loss of business income?
• Are you eligible for unemployment benefits if you shut down?
• Can you exclude children if you think they are too sick to attend?
• How to change your contract/policies to cover you when parents temporarily keep their children home
• What can you do financially if you shut down temporarily?
The webinar is sponsored by the National Association for Family Child Care.
To register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/reg...15680744315403
This webinar will help you cope with the financial impact of the virus crisis
• Can you get covered by insurance for loss of business income?
• Are you eligible for unemployment benefits if you shut down?
• Can you exclude children if you think they are too sick to attend?
• How to change your contract/policies to cover you when parents temporarily keep their children home
• What can you do financially if you shut down temporarily?
The webinar is sponsored by the National Association for Family Child Care.
injaymama 09:22 AM 03-22-2020
Originally Posted by TomCopeland:
I'm offering a free webinar on "Dealing with the Financial Side of the Coronavirus" on Monday, March 23rd starting at 8pm Eastern Time.
To register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/reg...15680744315403
This webinar will help you cope with the financial impact of the virus crisis
• Can you get covered by insurance for loss of business income?
• Are you eligible for unemployment benefits if you shut down?
• Can you exclude children if you think they are too sick to attend?
• How to change your contract/policies to cover you when parents temporarily keep their children home
• What can you do financially if you shut down temporarily?
The webinar is sponsored by the National Association for Family Child Care.
Will this be recorded and available since the webinar is full?I'm offering a free webinar on "Dealing with the Financial Side of the Coronavirus" on Monday, March 23rd starting at 8pm Eastern Time.
To register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/reg...15680744315403
This webinar will help you cope with the financial impact of the virus crisis
• Can you get covered by insurance for loss of business income?
• Are you eligible for unemployment benefits if you shut down?
• Can you exclude children if you think they are too sick to attend?
• How to change your contract/policies to cover you when parents temporarily keep their children home
• What can you do financially if you shut down temporarily?
The webinar is sponsored by the National Association for Family Child Care.
delferka 08:48 AM 03-18-2020
Originally Posted by Faith is a gift too:
The schools & school daycares are closed for 2 weeks here instead of usual 1 for spring break. Child care providers outside of the schools have received instruction from licensing encouraging us to stay open, which I plan on doing, unless we have a confirmed case of Coronavirus, then we close, disinfect, contact the health department, etc....
This has me thinking about social distancing in a childcare setting what that might look like? I myself am trying to keep my distance (although 6 feet is not possible) and still assist the children with what they need. Thankfully I do not have any that are in diapers right now.
At the same time I don't think that it's a reasonable expectation for any child to practice social distancing (I would equate it to torture).
We are washing our hands like usual since we follow standard precautions.
I have a kids Henry the Hand germ video & germ book that we read and talk washing hands about not touching our faces (but they still do-another unreasonable expectation). I've been reviewing these about 1x week since this circus started.
I encourage them to cover their sneezes with her elbows and turn away from their friends if they have a sneeze.
I've removed the cloth/porous toys from the play area and am only keeping toys that can easily be disinfected 2-3x a week. I am cleaning often touched hard surfaces twice as offen.
Besides all this I feel like there is not much else to do and I especially don't want to scare them. I imagine they are concerned since the grown ups are acting strange.
I'm just curious to know what steps everyone else is taking that might be helpful for our kiddos?
I'm in Mass and open, but most of the parents of my kids are in the school system. They are home and getting paid. I'm not sure what they expect from me. Whether I'll be charging them or notThe schools & school daycares are closed for 2 weeks here instead of usual 1 for spring break. Child care providers outside of the schools have received instruction from licensing encouraging us to stay open, which I plan on doing, unless we have a confirmed case of Coronavirus, then we close, disinfect, contact the health department, etc....
This has me thinking about social distancing in a childcare setting what that might look like? I myself am trying to keep my distance (although 6 feet is not possible) and still assist the children with what they need. Thankfully I do not have any that are in diapers right now.
At the same time I don't think that it's a reasonable expectation for any child to practice social distancing (I would equate it to torture).
We are washing our hands like usual since we follow standard precautions.
I have a kids Henry the Hand germ video & germ book that we read and talk washing hands about not touching our faces (but they still do-another unreasonable expectation). I've been reviewing these about 1x week since this circus started.
I encourage them to cover their sneezes with her elbows and turn away from their friends if they have a sneeze.
I've removed the cloth/porous toys from the play area and am only keeping toys that can easily be disinfected 2-3x a week. I am cleaning often touched hard surfaces twice as offen.
Besides all this I feel like there is not much else to do and I especially don't want to scare them. I imagine they are concerned since the grown ups are acting strange.
I'm just curious to know what steps everyone else is taking that might be helpful for our kiddos?
Meadow 08:27 AM 03-21-2020
I know many of you have a "nothing back and forth" policy already in place, but I have not implemented that in my home. I was wondering if I should be excluding diaper bags, infant carriers, and blankets from home with what is happening right now. Would it be better to have less coming into my home, or should I just be disinfecting what I can?
CeriBear 06:11 AM 03-22-2020
My center is checking each child’s temperature as they come to the door. Anything over 99.5 and they are sent home before entering the building. So far we have not had to turn anyone away.
Staff members are also required to have a temperature check.
In my classroom the kids are having to wash hands a lot more often than usual.
I have also put away toys like stuffed animals and dress up clothes. If a toy is not easy to dunk in sanitizer it’s on “ vacation” for a while. Even our classroom buddy Sam the Sloth has been put away.
It’s surprising that a few kids know exactly why I am being a lot more strict about cleanliness and germs. One child asked me why I was making him go wash his hands after he touched his cheek and another child said “you don’t want to get Coronavirus. You need to get the germs off.”
I’m also discouraging the children from hugging each other or climbing on me and my assistant.
I’m setting cots further apart and having kids lie head to feet instead of head to head.
Weather permitting I try to spend a lot of time outside. It’s even nice to have circle time outside where the kids have more room to spread out as well as breathe fresh air.
Staff members are also required to have a temperature check.
In my classroom the kids are having to wash hands a lot more often than usual.
I have also put away toys like stuffed animals and dress up clothes. If a toy is not easy to dunk in sanitizer it’s on “ vacation” for a while. Even our classroom buddy Sam the Sloth has been put away.
It’s surprising that a few kids know exactly why I am being a lot more strict about cleanliness and germs. One child asked me why I was making him go wash his hands after he touched his cheek and another child said “you don’t want to get Coronavirus. You need to get the germs off.”
I’m also discouraging the children from hugging each other or climbing on me and my assistant.
I’m setting cots further apart and having kids lie head to feet instead of head to head.
Weather permitting I try to spend a lot of time outside. It’s even nice to have circle time outside where the kids have more room to spread out as well as breathe fresh air.