43: Using Daycare or school during the pandemic
Q: What should I do if I have to put my baby/child in childcare or school during the virus outbreak?
💁Tracy: First, if possible, avoid using a facility with a group setting especially with a large number of children together, as the risk of exposure and infection is much higher in such facilities. Instead, use home-based daycare with as few as possible children together whenever possible. This could be a licensed facility, or home of a friend or family member. Be sure that the caregiver follows the required hygiene standards and official guidelines issued by your local government and regulatory agencies.
Q: Should I change childcare providers?
💁Tracy: If you cannot switch to home-based daycare or school, staying with the same facility is the best option, as this facility may know you well and understand your child's needs. Switching to new daycare may add additional stress to you and your child. But be sure to ask about the facility's plans for protecting the children from COVID-19. The facility should be able to tell you how often surfaces are cleaned as well as procedures for handwashing and other hygiene for the children and the staff. They should also have a plan for contacting families and healthcare facilities in case of an emergency. As an extra precaution, disinfect items that come home with your child and bathe your child right away after returning home.
Q: What if the facility we’re using closes because of a COVID-19 case?
💁Tracy: If someone at the facility tests positive for COVID-19, you must follow official guidelines from the local health department and keep your child home before being allowed to return to the facility or finding a new one. Before placing your child in a new facility, make sure that no one there has been infected or exposed to the virus.
Q: How do I decide on a new caregiver if I need to?
💁Tracy: Follow the same guidelines as above and similar steps in selecting your original caregiver. Also, ask to see their COVID Prevention and Preparedness Plan, make sure that the plan has been followed through in the facility.
Q: Is there anything else I can do to help my child?
💁Tracy: If your child is old enough to understand the steps, teach them how to wash their hands properly, and how to cover coughs and sneezes. Be patient and repeat the process until it becomes their habit. Make sure they learn to separate their personal items and not to share them with other children. Help them practice at home.
Simple Facts about COVID-19:
Children are less likely to develop severe symptoms of COVID-19, but they do get sick and can transmit the virus to others. To prevent the virus from spreading, it is important that families keep their children socially distant from others. This includes avoiding going to facilities with crowded group settings or poor hygiene practices.
Resources:
💁Tracy: First, if possible, avoid using a facility with a group setting especially with a large number of children together, as the risk of exposure and infection is much higher in such facilities. Instead, use home-based daycare with as few as possible children together whenever possible. This could be a licensed facility, or home of a friend or family member. Be sure that the caregiver follows the required hygiene standards and official guidelines issued by your local government and regulatory agencies.
Q: Should I change childcare providers?
💁Tracy: If you cannot switch to home-based daycare or school, staying with the same facility is the best option, as this facility may know you well and understand your child's needs. Switching to new daycare may add additional stress to you and your child. But be sure to ask about the facility's plans for protecting the children from COVID-19. The facility should be able to tell you how often surfaces are cleaned as well as procedures for handwashing and other hygiene for the children and the staff. They should also have a plan for contacting families and healthcare facilities in case of an emergency. As an extra precaution, disinfect items that come home with your child and bathe your child right away after returning home.
Q: What if the facility we’re using closes because of a COVID-19 case?
💁Tracy: If someone at the facility tests positive for COVID-19, you must follow official guidelines from the local health department and keep your child home before being allowed to return to the facility or finding a new one. Before placing your child in a new facility, make sure that no one there has been infected or exposed to the virus.
Q: How do I decide on a new caregiver if I need to?
💁Tracy: Follow the same guidelines as above and similar steps in selecting your original caregiver. Also, ask to see their COVID Prevention and Preparedness Plan, make sure that the plan has been followed through in the facility.
Q: Is there anything else I can do to help my child?
💁Tracy: If your child is old enough to understand the steps, teach them how to wash their hands properly, and how to cover coughs and sneezes. Be patient and repeat the process until it becomes their habit. Make sure they learn to separate their personal items and not to share them with other children. Help them practice at home.
Simple Facts about COVID-19:
Children are less likely to develop severe symptoms of COVID-19, but they do get sick and can transmit the virus to others. To prevent the virus from spreading, it is important that families keep their children socially distant from others. This includes avoiding going to facilities with crowded group settings or poor hygiene practices.
Resources:
- https://cscce.berkeley.edu/statement-on-the-provision-of-emergency-child-care-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/
- https://www.healio.com/pediatrics/emerging-diseases/news/online/%7Bb089a06c-dc41-413e-b197-a8353e73e44b%7D/qa-is-in-home-child-care-safe-during-covid-19-pandemic
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-schools.html
Writing: Debbie Vilardi; Proofreading: Li Ou, Shan Chen, Helen shih; Artwork: Astro
