Precautions to have in a Daycare against COVID-19
As we all know, the coronavirus paralyzed the world and put the entire world population at risk. It stopped jobs and forced people to work from home. However, for children’s centers, face-to-face attendance is necessary. Early childhood education needs physical play, songs, mime, and children must learn to socialize. That is why daycare centers must adapt to this new reality. Here are some tips and precautions to have in a daycare against COVID-19.
Several studies suggest that children’s centers do not spread the virus because children aren’t usually infected. And if proper safety and cleanliness measures are taken, there is nothing to worry about. Let’s take a look at the tips proposed by the authorities for disease control and prevention:
Cleaning and disinfection procedures as precautions to have in a Daycare
Cleaning and disinfecting are mandatory when we talk about COVID. This is because objects can take and spread the virus by touching their infected surfaces, and next, have contact with some sensitive parts of the body like the eyes, mouth, and nose. Usually, daily cleaning is sufficient to remove viruses that may be on surfaces if no kid or adult caregiver with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 has been on site.
The best we can do to protect our children, who tend to put all kinds of objects in their mouths by the nature of their age, is to have all their toys and accessible things clean and disinfected before they arrive at the daycare. In our daycare for infants Chicago, we prefer to do it after the children finish playing with their toys, so we can make sure everything it’s clean.
Handwashing
Also, it is necessary to teach the children and the personnel how to wash their hands correctly. It’s essential for everyone to clean their hands for every activity and contact between the children and their teachers. Children under one year of age who cannot wash their hands themselves need to be helped every time they have to clean them.
Key moments for kids to wash their hands:.
- Before and after eating something
- After using the bathroom
- Teachers have to do it after changing diapers or cleaning a child who has gone to the bathroom.
- Later of blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing
- Afterward touching an animal, animal food, or animal droppings
- Next to handling pet food or treats
- After touching garbage
- Later of sharing their toys
What to do with visitors?
Visitors to the daycare center should be healthy persons. To avoid contagion from an asymptomatic or symptom-free visitor, it may be important that if that person is going to talk to the children, he can do it virtually. On the other hand, if the guest must enter, he should initially register with all his credentials. Then he should have proper hand hygiene, clean their shoes and wear a mask at all times.
Daily Routines and precautions to have in a daycare
The daily routines that the children practice every day should take place in a biosecure environment. If the daycare center has outdoor spaces, it is best to develop several activities in this environment. The classroom is not always necessary for the children to play and receive their instructions. Children enjoy the sun and nature, and open spaces help them avoid transmitting the virus to each other. Each routine depends on the age of your child and the kindergarten. If you haven’t selected a place for them to study, look for the best daycare in Chicago, and contact us.
Meals, Snacks and Naps
Infants should be held when being fed, and staff should always avoid the fixed positioning of bottles. If toddlers remain in the same small group all day and during meals and snacks, it may not be necessary to keep them 6 feet away when eating. When infants take naps, their mats should be positioned head to toe, and they should not wear a mask while sleeping.
Protection for kids
Children under 2 years of age should not wear a mask. This can cause choking or respiratory problems in them. Children of two years of age and older should wear face masks, and their teachers should teach them to use them correctly in enclosed spaces.
If you are looking for a safe daycare center where your children can be and feel safe, we recommend that you inquire about Infant Care Chicago. In our Daycare Chicago, we educate children from Infant to School Age, with an integral method. We love to help them grow in the best way possible, respecting their identity as their skills and talents. Don’t hesitate anymore, and contact our daycare for infants Chicago.
