Little Flower Child Development Centre
Covid19 Health and Wellness Policy
Updated August 2020
Covid19 Health and Wellness Policy
Updated August 2020
Recognizing that childcare programs may be the only option for essential service workers to secure childcare to work, our program has elected to remain open (with reduced services 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to families at this time.
As of September 8 2020 we will return to our regular hours of 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Please remember that the Covid 19 public health emergency is rapidly changing, and our ability to remain open may change without notice; or we may be ordered closed in the upcoming weeks by BC’s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and/or our licensing officer. Additionally, due to the need for staff to also stay home when symptomatic, we may have temporary interruptions to service delivery due to staffing shortages.
Dr. Henry maintains that, as of today, childcare centres can safely care for children if they are following the prescribed health protocols.
As of August 31 2020 the Temporary Emergency Funding we have been receiving will come to an end. As of todays, date there has not been any information provided to us if there will be any help from the government this fall if we should get hit with a second wave of COVID 19.
You will need to pay to hold your child’s spot ,therefore, parents will be asked to provide post dated cheques 5 months at a time, (September – January due by August 31 2020) (February 2021 -June 2021 due by January 15 2021) .
If things take a turn and we get hit with a second wave and must close your cheques WILL NOT be cashed. If we remain open and you choose not to bring your child, you will either have to pay to hold your spot or give your spot up, if you decide to give up your spot we will require 2 weeks written notice. We encourage families to apply for the affordable childcare benefit as this will help with your fees. I believe families are eligible if the household income is less than $111,000.00.
In the event of a second wave if WE GET the Temporary Emergency Funding again you will only have to pay for the days your child attends.
Parents with children with any underlying health concerns need to evaluate if their children should attend childcare programs during the Covid19 pandemic.
Accordingly, please note the following Covid 19 Health and Wellness policy, which applies to all staff and children within this facility.
On arrival, you will be asked to read the Parent Confirmation of Child Wellness form that is attached to the outside of the entry door, by signing in your child you are also signing and agreeing with this form. If a child has any symptoms, they must return home as per the health policy. (There is a copy at the bottom)
By signing this form you are also confirming that your child is symptom free and that your child has not been given acetaminophen or ibuprofen in the last 12 hours.
CHILDREN & PARENTS: Drop off and Pick Up
> Parents are asked to drop their child off just inside the door and not enter the centre past the cubbies. Same will be for pick up.
> There will be a container of clean sanitized pens to use for sign in /out. Please place the used pen in the used pen container so that we can sanitize them for the next person.
> Children and parents will be asked to sanitize their hands as they enter the room, and we will be asking parents to remain at the door, but to NOT enter the classroom area past the cubbies.
> Children will say their goodbyes and then proceed to the washroom to wash their hands with soap and water before playing with other children.
> We will also wash hands before and after eating, and any other necessary times through the class time.
> We will do our best to encourage social distancing, but it will not be required with the children.
> Due to cross contamination we are not to put lunch bags and water bottles in the fridge. Therefore each child will need an ice pack in their lunch bag.
EXTRA CLEANING:
> We will have all surfaces and toys disinfected at the beginning of each class/day.
> A thorough disinfection routine will be done at each transition and at the end of the day.
>Teachers will clean surfaces and toys throughout the day (more than usual) as they have the ability to, or as the need arises.
SICK/ILLNESS POLICY:
> Parents are advised to keep their children at home if the following conditions occur:
> Complaints of unexplained pain • excessive runny nose • fever over 100F or 38.3 C • sore throat or trouble swallowing • infected skin or eyes • headache or stiff neck • severe itching of body or scalp • unknown or suspected communicable diseases • vomiting and diarrhea
> Right now, if your child or ANYONE in your immediate family/household has ANY of the following symptoms, parents or caregivers must keep their child at home until they have been assessed by a health care provider to exclude COVID-19 or other infectious diseases, AND their symptoms have resolved. Cough, sore throat, fever, runny nose, shortness of breath
> A doctor’s note may be required in order to come back
> If we feel that your child is exhibiting any symptoms during daycare time, we will call you to come get them
> If ANYONE in your household has travelled outside of Canada), you need to self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days, and if any symptoms occur in that time period, then you need to remain home for 10 days from the onset of those symptoms, or until ALL symptoms are gone.
> If ANYONE in your household has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone who has tested positively for COVID-19, the mandatory 14 day isolation period applies, and your child cannot attend Little Flower until those 14 days are up and NO symptoms have occurred.
> Children must be well enough to participate in ALL program activities both indoors and outdoors.
Symptom
May return when
Temperature of 100 F / 37.8 C or higher (orally) or 99 F / 37.2 C or higher (under the arm)
May return to childcare after a doctor’s note or negative COVID-19 test is provided AND or when symptom free
Runny nose
May return to childcare after a doctor’s note or negative COVID-19 test is provided AND or when symptom free
Cough
May return to childcare after a doctor’s note or negative COVID-19 test is provided AND or when symptom free
Sore throat
May return to childcare after a doctor’s note or negative COVID-19 test is provided AND or when symptom free
Difficulty breathing or wheezing
May return to childcare after a doctor’s note or negative COVID-19 test is provided AND or when symptom free
Unexplained fatigue, aches or cold/flu-like symptoms
May return to childcare after a doctor’s note or negative COVID-19 test is provided AND or when symptom free
Sinus congestion
May return to childcare after a doctor’s note or negative COVID-19 test is provided AND or when symptom free
Children who have, or children with others living in the same home who have just returned from international travel
May return after self-isolating for 14 days and being symptom free
Children who have, or children with others living in the same home who have been identified as at-risk of potential Covid19 exposure
May return after self-isolating for 14 days and being symptom free
(Reference: Health Authority memo; COVID19 in childcare)
Additionally, our regular health and wellness policy stands:
Children may not attend childcare programs while they have any of the following symptoms:
Parent Confirmation of Child Wellness
I __________________________ confirm that my child ___________________________
(check all that apply):
__ has had their temperature taken and is currently fever free
__has no been given any fever reducing medications in the past 12 hours
__does not have a runny nose OR has a runny nose, but has received a recent negative Covid test and is well enough to participate in daily childcare activities
__does not have a cough OR has a cough, but has received a recent negative Covid test and is well enough to participate in daily childcare activities
__does not have sinus congestion OR has sinus congestion, but has received a recent negative Covid test and is well enough to participate in daily childcare activities
__does not have difficult breathing or wheezy breathing
__does not have unexplained fatigue, aches, or cold/flu-like symptoms
__has not been in contact with anyone that may have been exposed to Covid19 in the last 14 days to the best of my knowledge
__has not left the country in the last 14 days
Signature________________________________
Date____________________________________
© Child Care Professionals of BC
This policy template can be freely edited and copied for use in child care programs within BC. This policy may not be redistributed or shared without referencing the Child Care Professionals of BC.
COVID-19 Information
> COVID-19 virus has a very low infection rate in children. In B.C., less than 1% of children and youth tested have been
> COVID-19 positive. Most children are not at high risk for COVID-19 infection.
> Children under 1 year of age and older children with immune suppression and medical complexity are considered more vulnerable and at higher risk for illness (visit the BCCDC Priority Populations page for further details).
> Children who are considered more vulnerable can attend childcare. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to consult with their health care provider to determine if their child should attend childcare if they are uncertain.
> Children and youth typically have much milder symptoms of COVID-19 most often presenting with low-grade fever and a dry cough. GI symptoms are more common over the course of disease, while skin changes and lesions, are less common.
> Many children have asymptomatic disease. However, there is no conclusive evidence that children who are asymptomatic pose a risk to other children or to adults.
> Evidence indicates transmission involving children is primarily limited to household settings, and from COVID-19 positive adults to children. Most cases in children have been linked to a symptomatic household member.
> Clusters and outbreaks involving children and youth are unusual and tend only to occur in areas where there are high levels of community spread.
> Children are not the primary drivers of COVID-19 spread in childcare facilities, schools or in community settings. Childcare facility closures have significant negative mental health and socioeconomic impacts on vulnerable children and youth.
> Prevention measures and mitigation strategies involving children and youth must be commensurate with risk.
>Adolescent children should physically distance themselves where possible when outside the family unit or household.
> For younger children maintaining physical distance is less practical and the focus should be on minimizing physical contact instead.
As of September 8 2020 we will return to our regular hours of 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Please remember that the Covid 19 public health emergency is rapidly changing, and our ability to remain open may change without notice; or we may be ordered closed in the upcoming weeks by BC’s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and/or our licensing officer. Additionally, due to the need for staff to also stay home when symptomatic, we may have temporary interruptions to service delivery due to staffing shortages.
Dr. Henry maintains that, as of today, childcare centres can safely care for children if they are following the prescribed health protocols.
As of August 31 2020 the Temporary Emergency Funding we have been receiving will come to an end. As of todays, date there has not been any information provided to us if there will be any help from the government this fall if we should get hit with a second wave of COVID 19.
You will need to pay to hold your child’s spot ,therefore, parents will be asked to provide post dated cheques 5 months at a time, (September – January due by August 31 2020) (February 2021 -June 2021 due by January 15 2021) .
If things take a turn and we get hit with a second wave and must close your cheques WILL NOT be cashed. If we remain open and you choose not to bring your child, you will either have to pay to hold your spot or give your spot up, if you decide to give up your spot we will require 2 weeks written notice. We encourage families to apply for the affordable childcare benefit as this will help with your fees. I believe families are eligible if the household income is less than $111,000.00.
In the event of a second wave if WE GET the Temporary Emergency Funding again you will only have to pay for the days your child attends.
Parents with children with any underlying health concerns need to evaluate if their children should attend childcare programs during the Covid19 pandemic.
Accordingly, please note the following Covid 19 Health and Wellness policy, which applies to all staff and children within this facility.
On arrival, you will be asked to read the Parent Confirmation of Child Wellness form that is attached to the outside of the entry door, by signing in your child you are also signing and agreeing with this form. If a child has any symptoms, they must return home as per the health policy. (There is a copy at the bottom)
By signing this form you are also confirming that your child is symptom free and that your child has not been given acetaminophen or ibuprofen in the last 12 hours.
CHILDREN & PARENTS: Drop off and Pick Up
> Parents are asked to drop their child off just inside the door and not enter the centre past the cubbies. Same will be for pick up.
> There will be a container of clean sanitized pens to use for sign in /out. Please place the used pen in the used pen container so that we can sanitize them for the next person.
> Children and parents will be asked to sanitize their hands as they enter the room, and we will be asking parents to remain at the door, but to NOT enter the classroom area past the cubbies.
> Children will say their goodbyes and then proceed to the washroom to wash their hands with soap and water before playing with other children.
> We will also wash hands before and after eating, and any other necessary times through the class time.
> We will do our best to encourage social distancing, but it will not be required with the children.
> Due to cross contamination we are not to put lunch bags and water bottles in the fridge. Therefore each child will need an ice pack in their lunch bag.
EXTRA CLEANING:
> We will have all surfaces and toys disinfected at the beginning of each class/day.
> A thorough disinfection routine will be done at each transition and at the end of the day.
>Teachers will clean surfaces and toys throughout the day (more than usual) as they have the ability to, or as the need arises.
SICK/ILLNESS POLICY:
> Parents are advised to keep their children at home if the following conditions occur:
> Complaints of unexplained pain • excessive runny nose • fever over 100F or 38.3 C • sore throat or trouble swallowing • infected skin or eyes • headache or stiff neck • severe itching of body or scalp • unknown or suspected communicable diseases • vomiting and diarrhea
> Right now, if your child or ANYONE in your immediate family/household has ANY of the following symptoms, parents or caregivers must keep their child at home until they have been assessed by a health care provider to exclude COVID-19 or other infectious diseases, AND their symptoms have resolved. Cough, sore throat, fever, runny nose, shortness of breath
> A doctor’s note may be required in order to come back
> If we feel that your child is exhibiting any symptoms during daycare time, we will call you to come get them
> If ANYONE in your household has travelled outside of Canada), you need to self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days, and if any symptoms occur in that time period, then you need to remain home for 10 days from the onset of those symptoms, or until ALL symptoms are gone.
> If ANYONE in your household has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone who has tested positively for COVID-19, the mandatory 14 day isolation period applies, and your child cannot attend Little Flower until those 14 days are up and NO symptoms have occurred.
> Children must be well enough to participate in ALL program activities both indoors and outdoors.
Symptom
May return when
Temperature of 100 F / 37.8 C or higher (orally) or 99 F / 37.2 C or higher (under the arm)
May return to childcare after a doctor’s note or negative COVID-19 test is provided AND or when symptom free
Runny nose
May return to childcare after a doctor’s note or negative COVID-19 test is provided AND or when symptom free
Cough
May return to childcare after a doctor’s note or negative COVID-19 test is provided AND or when symptom free
Sore throat
May return to childcare after a doctor’s note or negative COVID-19 test is provided AND or when symptom free
Difficulty breathing or wheezing
May return to childcare after a doctor’s note or negative COVID-19 test is provided AND or when symptom free
Unexplained fatigue, aches or cold/flu-like symptoms
May return to childcare after a doctor’s note or negative COVID-19 test is provided AND or when symptom free
Sinus congestion
May return to childcare after a doctor’s note or negative COVID-19 test is provided AND or when symptom free
Children who have, or children with others living in the same home who have just returned from international travel
May return after self-isolating for 14 days and being symptom free
Children who have, or children with others living in the same home who have been identified as at-risk of potential Covid19 exposure
May return after self-isolating for 14 days and being symptom free
(Reference: Health Authority memo; COVID19 in childcare)
Additionally, our regular health and wellness policy stands:
Children may not attend childcare programs while they have any of the following symptoms:
- unusual, unexplained loss of appetite, fatigue, irritability, or headache
- eye infections
- unexplained rashes or any rash that is not confirmed by doctor to be non-contagious
- known or suspected communicable diseases (measles, chicken pox, pink eye, hand foot and mouth, etc.)
- ear infection
- nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea in the last 48 hours
Parent Confirmation of Child Wellness
I __________________________ confirm that my child ___________________________
(check all that apply):
__ has had their temperature taken and is currently fever free
__has no been given any fever reducing medications in the past 12 hours
__does not have a runny nose OR has a runny nose, but has received a recent negative Covid test and is well enough to participate in daily childcare activities
__does not have a cough OR has a cough, but has received a recent negative Covid test and is well enough to participate in daily childcare activities
__does not have sinus congestion OR has sinus congestion, but has received a recent negative Covid test and is well enough to participate in daily childcare activities
__does not have difficult breathing or wheezy breathing
__does not have unexplained fatigue, aches, or cold/flu-like symptoms
__has not been in contact with anyone that may have been exposed to Covid19 in the last 14 days to the best of my knowledge
__has not left the country in the last 14 days
Signature________________________________
Date____________________________________
© Child Care Professionals of BC
This policy template can be freely edited and copied for use in child care programs within BC. This policy may not be redistributed or shared without referencing the Child Care Professionals of BC.
COVID-19 Information
> COVID-19 virus has a very low infection rate in children. In B.C., less than 1% of children and youth tested have been
> COVID-19 positive. Most children are not at high risk for COVID-19 infection.
> Children under 1 year of age and older children with immune suppression and medical complexity are considered more vulnerable and at higher risk for illness (visit the BCCDC Priority Populations page for further details).
> Children who are considered more vulnerable can attend childcare. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to consult with their health care provider to determine if their child should attend childcare if they are uncertain.
> Children and youth typically have much milder symptoms of COVID-19 most often presenting with low-grade fever and a dry cough. GI symptoms are more common over the course of disease, while skin changes and lesions, are less common.
> Many children have asymptomatic disease. However, there is no conclusive evidence that children who are asymptomatic pose a risk to other children or to adults.
> Evidence indicates transmission involving children is primarily limited to household settings, and from COVID-19 positive adults to children. Most cases in children have been linked to a symptomatic household member.
> Clusters and outbreaks involving children and youth are unusual and tend only to occur in areas where there are high levels of community spread.
> Children are not the primary drivers of COVID-19 spread in childcare facilities, schools or in community settings. Childcare facility closures have significant negative mental health and socioeconomic impacts on vulnerable children and youth.
> Prevention measures and mitigation strategies involving children and youth must be commensurate with risk.
>Adolescent children should physically distance themselves where possible when outside the family unit or household.
> For younger children maintaining physical distance is less practical and the focus should be on minimizing physical contact instead.