We are living in a different world than we were living in before March 2020. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Child’s Play has had to rethink how we operate as an organization, as a team and as educators/caregivers. What we are faced with is a dramatic and important shift to how we operate in order that children and staff are kept healthy to the greatest extent possible while ensuring we are meeting children’s needs and forming deep connections.
The California Department of Social Services in collaboration with the California Department of Education issued a Provider Information Notice (PIN) to childcare providers with new guidance around social and physical distancing and healthy practices in response to the global coronavirus pandemic (PIN 20-06-CCP). Child’s Play has reviewed PIN 20-06-CCP, in full, and has implemented the suggested practices to the greatest extent possible. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our ongoing health and safety protocols.
COVID Vaccine
Our entire staff is fully vaccinated and boosted. Yay!
Outdoor Drop Off/Pick Up
Drop off and pick up happens outside, one family at a time. Ideally, families assign one family member to drop off and pick up to minimize exposure to multiple people. Families that arrive around the same time must stand at least six feet away from each other. Teachers and families are required to wear masks when interacting with each other. As part of the drop off process, we administer a visual/wellness check, which includes a temperature check. (Note: We do this daily for staff as well). Children (and staff) with a temperature over 100 degrees F are excluded from the facility. Parents check their child in/out using the Brightwheel QR code posted outdoors. Before entering the facility, children (with the help of their parent) clean hands using hand sanitizer. Immediately after entering the facility, children (with the help of a Teacher/Aide), wash their hands with soap and water.
Restricted Classroom Access
To minimize potential exposure, we ask that families wait outside of the classrooms when they arrive. If a teacher is not ready to greet you, please ring the doorbell or send a message via Brightwheel that you have arrived. One of the teachers will walk/escort your child inside the classroom (at drop off) or bring out your child to you (at pick up). Classrooms are reserved for teachers and children only. We are hoping with more people getting vaccinated, we’ll be able to open our doors to families soon.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Teachers wear face masks at all times – while interacting with parents during drop off/pick up and interacting with children throughout the day. Teachers also wear gloves when diapering and handling food.
Cleaning/Sanitizing Toys and Frequently Touched Surfaces
Teachers frequently clean high contact surfaces (i.e., doorknobs, gates, shelves) and toys. In addition, mouthed toys are removed from the classroom and cleaned and sanitized at the end of the day.
Frequent and Thorough Hand Washing
Children and teachers wash hands with soap and water before and after eating, drinking, touching eyes/noses/mouth, toileting or diapering and physical contact with each other.
Socially Distanced Naptime
Cribs and cots are spaced 3-6 feet from each other, as the space allows, and arranged in opposite directions.
Personal Items
Personal items deemed unnecessary (e.g., books, stuffed animals, toys) will be left at home. Remaining personal items will be clearly labeled and bagged, as appropriate.