General Preparedness & Planning
Everything has quickly changed as COVID19 has evolved. Our normal and daily routines have been interrupted and we all have to now adapt to a new norm. All About Kids is committed to providing a sense of normalcy and familiarity as we navigate through these changes. Our priority remains the same; providing a safe and healthy environment for children to grow, learn, and explore within.
We are working closely with our local public health units/officials, ministry education, and following the direction from our Provincial and Federal leaders to determine the most appropriate plan and actions to be taken. Our plans continue to protect staff, children, and their families from the spread of COVID-19. The following preventive measures have been taken while operating as an emergency childcare center at our Markham location for our frontline workers.
Preventive Action Plan
- Ensuring adequate supplies to support hand hygiene behaviours, cleaning/disinfecting of the center, and personal protective equipment (PPE) available for staff (such as gloves, masks gowns and/or eye protection).
- Outbreak level disinfectant will be used for disinfection; bleach and water (1:10 ratio)
- Frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, toilet handles and tabletops must be disinfected at least twice a day
- Cleaning and disinfecting large structures daily
- Completing screening health checks of all children and staff upon entry
- Hand-washing often and frequently throughout the day with staff supervision
- Hand-washing stations are cleaned and disinfected at least twice per day and/or as often as necessary
- Practicing proper coughing/sneezing etiquette
- Discussing the topic of germs in a friendly manner with children and how to avoid spreading them
- Limited sensory play – more dry materials will be used and if equipment/items are single-use and immediately discarded after use.
- Toys disinfected after use/daily
- Rotations of toys, materials, and supplies for activities
- Linen materials such as dress-up clothes/costumers or toys will not be available
- Encourage more physical space between children by spreading children out in different areas of the classroom and implementing more individual activities.
- All About Kids’ playgrounds will be the only space used for outdoor play (no neighbourhood walks or community playgrounds will be used).
- Increase distance between cots – if its limited space, children will be placed in head-to-toe or toe-to-toe positions
- Cots will be disinfected after each use
- Cot sheets/linen will be washed daily
- Meals and snacks will be portioned into individual size by the staff until self-serving is permitted by York Region
Changes to our Sick Policy
Our sick policy has also been updated to reduce exposure to and transmission of respiratory illness. Children and/or staff who exhibit ill symptoms will be required to be 48 hours symptom-free before returning to the center. Ill symptoms include fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhea and/or runny nose. If one appears “under the weather”, we highly recommend for them to stay home and allow time to rest and cover. We will also be documenting any absences of children and following with families should a child be away for more than a few days from the center. We also require staff or children who have travelled outside of Canada to self-isolate for 14 days when they return from their travels before returning to the center.
Students & Volunteers
Initially, students from Seneca/Centennial College and/or volunteers will not be permitted on the premises. Conditions will be reevaluated and direction received from the Ministry of Education will help determine when it is deemed safe for their return into our programs.
Tours
Only 2-3 scheduled tours will be permitted per day/week. Visitors will be requested to wear masks and gloves during the visit.
Tours will be limited to 2 individuals (no group visits) and request to keep young children at home if possible.
Other Visitors
Only scheduled individuals will be permitted to enter the center (ie. Kindermusik teacher, maintenance workers and etc). They too will have to complete the screening process prior to entry