Children returning to daycare?
Daycares and preschools are reopening across the country including Delaware and Maryland. But are they safe as COVID-19 cases still exist? Here’s what you need to know about the safety measures daycares are taking to protect your children.
Safety Measures Daycares Are Taking to Lower the Risk of COVID-19
Kids will be screened daily.
- Children and staff who are sick or who have tested positive for COVID-19 will be required to stay home.
- Pickup and drop-off times will be staggered and done outside of the facility, with one parent or caregiver being designated to come to the center at a given time. Parents must wear a face covering.
- Temperatures of children and staff will be taken and recorded daily, and may be repeated throughout the day; those with 100.4 and over will not be able to enter.
- Parents will also be asked whether or not the child has recently been near someone with COVID-19 or if anyone at home is sick. If the answer is “yes,” they will not be able to enter.
Social distancing and hand-washing will be enforced.
- Staff may be required to wear cloth face masks, and it may be recommended for children over the age of 2.
- Hand-washing will be implemented immediately upon entering the center, and frequently throughout the day.
- Social distancing will be reinforced as much as possible, with children split into smaller groups. They will remain with the same caregiver and group all day, which means no communal eating, playing with other classes, or assemblies.
- Visitors will be prohibited.
- Outdoor time is suggested as much as possible, but social distancing should continue. Any outdoor toys will be disinfected before the next group comes out to play.
Cleaning will be taken up a notch.
- Surfaces and objects that are frequently touched will be even more thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
- Toys will be disinfected between use.
- Sensory play (think water tables or sandboxes), plush toys, and anything that would not easily be cleaned between uses will not be permitted.
- Every child should have their own supplies to limit contact. Shared crayons or scissors, for example, would be harder to clean during an activity.
Still not sure if you’ll be sending your kids back to daycare? Our directors are available and happy to go over any questions you may have about current procedures. You’ve got to trust your gut and do what feels right for your family—whether that means sending them or keeping them home.
