There is a lot of anxiety among parents and preschools because of the uncertainty surrounding us due to the COVID – 19. But, since we know that this is not going to end soon, it is better to prepare ourselves for the days to come.
It is necessary to a set of guidelines have to be prescribed with respect to children, teaching staff, helpers and everyone involved. Especially in view of the fear among parents about sending their children to schools and daycare centres.
We should all be thankful that with rare expectations, COVID – 19 is not claiming the lives of young children. However, it is important to adopt certain measures to maintain social distancing in trying to avoid the spread of the virus. One thing is for certain, education and child care are essential and we must find reasonably safe ways to restore these services so that our children can be cared for, educated and parents/guardians can return to work.
Social Distancing Strategies :
- Have employees maintain hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness and sanitation rigorously
- Child care should include the same group of children with the same caregiver everyday
- Limit the mixing of children, such as keeping groups separate for playtime, art, music and
- Halt group activities that might increase the chances of transmission.
- High touch surfaces made of plastic or metal, such as grab bars and railings should be cleaned
- Cleaning and disinfection of wooden surfaces (play structures, Benches tables )
- Ensure that nap time mats and cribs are spaced out as much as possible, ideally 6 feet
- Minimize time standing in lines and have children wash and sanitize their hands immediately after using play materials.
Modify Child Care Ratios
- 0 – 11 months: one caregiver per group of 3
- 12 – 17 months: one caregiver per group of 4
- 18 – 23 months: one caregiver per group of 5
- 2 years: one caregiver per group of 8
Group sizes should be stable with the same children and caregivers in the same group every day.
Parent drop off and pick up.
- The pickup and drop off of the children should be completed outside the entrance.
- Caregivers could go outside the facility to pick up the children.
- Hand hygiene facility should be set up outside at the entrance.
- Provide sanitary wipes to the children if water usage is a constraint.
In addition to the regular cleaning, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures should be taken as per the COVID – 19 guidelines. Routinely clean, disinfect and sanitize surfaces and objects that are frequently touched, especially toys and games. All bathrooms should be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly throughout the day. Have to be equipped with sufficient toys to rotate among the groups when a set of toys are being washed and disinfected.
Cleaning and disinfecting infant bedding should be done with utmost care. Diapering, washing and holding a child should be taken care of with hygiene. Bottles and bottle-feeding equipment should be thoroughly cleaned according to the COVID – 19 guidelines.
These are challenging times and we have to be mindful as we start to return to normal. Anxiety is high, emotions are high and we so desperately want normal back. Parents and caregivers have to create steps to maintain health and safety and move forward together.
