Ensuring a safe environment in your daycare center is essential to protect both the children and staff. By implementing proper hygiene, health checks, and social distancing practices, you can create a safe space for everyone.
1. Increase Hygiene at Your Daycare Center
Hygiene is critical to preventing the spread of germs. Begin by ensuring that children regularly wash their hands. Display helpful posters in prominent areas to encourage proper handwashing. Handwashing stations should be accessible and easy for children to use.
Disinfecting and Cleaning
Frequent cleaning of surfaces and toys is essential. Disinfecting high-touch areas like door handles, light switches, and toys should be part of your daily routine. Consider reducing the sharing of items that are difficult to clean, ensuring that each child has their own set of materials when possible.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation helps reduce the spread of germs. If possible, open windows to increase airflow and encourage outdoor play. Fresh air can significantly reduce the concentration of germs inside classrooms, keeping kids healthier.
2. Teach Children How to Cover Coughs and Sneezes
Coughs and sneezes can spread viruses. Educate children about covering their mouth and nose with their elbows or tissues. Having tissues and hand sanitizer readily available in classrooms encourages good respiratory hygiene.
3. Socially Distanced Drop-Off and Dismissal
To minimize contact between parents and staff, consider implementing a socially distanced drop-off and pick-up system. Parents can stay in their vehicles while the staff brings the child to the car. Digital systems like Pikmykid can help streamline this process, allowing for staggered pickup times and keeping the parking lot organized.
4. Stagger Drop-Off and Dismissal Times
Staggering drop-off and pick-up times helps reduce congestion at the entrance. You can adjust times based on age groups and use digital tools to manage these changes, ensuring children are picked up at designated times.
5. Be Aware of State, District, and National Health Guidelines
Stay informed about local health regulations to ensure your daycare is compliant. Websites like the CDC or local health departments provide updates on daycare center guidelines. Additionally, consider using emergency alert software to quickly communicate with health officials if there’s an outbreak at your facility.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- The World Health Organization (WHO)
- USA Education Departments
6. Conduct Daily Health Checks
Daily health checks should be a routine practice when children arrive at daycare. This helps identify any symptoms early on, preventing illness from spreading to other children or staff. If a child appears ill, ensure they stay isolated from others until they can be picked up.
7. Encourage Staying Home When Sick
Encourage both staff and children to stay home if they are feeling ill. Implement flexible leave policies that make it easier for individuals to stay home when they’re unwell, which can prevent the spread of germs and viruses.
8. Face Coverings for Daycare Staff
While children under two should not wear face masks, daycare staff should wear them when possible. Masks help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets and keep staff and children safer. Ensure that the staff is trained on how to wear masks properly.
9. Keep Children and Staff in Separate Groups
Smaller groups of children (or “pods”) are easier to manage and limit exposure. Keeping the same children together in one group reduces the risk of spreading illnesses. Daycare staff can also focus on fewer children, ensuring they provide proper care.
10. Prepare for Future Health Concerns
It’s essential to always be prepared for future health crises, whether it’s a second wave of a virus or a new illness. Daycares should have a clear plan in place to ensure they can remain open or reopen safely when necessary. Make sure you have flexible systems in place that can be adjusted quickly if needed.
By focusing on hygiene, social distancing, and daily health checks, your daycare can create a safer environment for children and staff. It’s important to stay informed, implement safety protocols, and remain adaptable to changing circumstances.
