While we have been preparing to open, we have paid very close attention to the practices and enhanced measures put in place to protect children, staff, and families in childcare settings. We want to assure you that the safety of both our children and our team of educators will be our top priority.
About COVID 19
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Novel coronaviruses are new strains of the virus that have not been previously identified in humans.
A new type of coronavirus, abbreviated COVID-19, is causing an outbreak of respiratory (lung) disease. The severity of this illness can vary , and there is evidence that this virus can be spread person-to-person. At this time, it appears the virus is transmitted by larger droplets, from coughs or sneezes.
Current evidence indicates it is not airborne through long distances or times. However, it can survive up to a few days on various surfaces so frequent environmental cleaning is an important part of health and safety measures against the virus.
Symptoms for the novel coronavirus are mostly similar to those for influenza or other respiratory illnesses. They can range from mild to moderate and can include fever/feverish, new cough or worsening chronic cough, runny nose, headache, sore throat, new onset of fatigue, new onset of muscle pain, diarrhea or loss of taste or smell. Symptoms can sometimes lead to severe illnesses.
We know that choosing the right childcare for your little one was already a tough decision, and we appreciate the added anxiety you may be feeling during these unprecedented times.
As such, we want to advise you in advance regarding what you should expect from Laugh & Learn ELCC, and what we will do to ensure your little one, and our team of dedicated educators are safe. Obviously, there will be necessary changes from the normal procedures generally seen in childcare.
Here is a detailed breakdown of what we intend to implement:
INFECTION PREVENTION & CONTROL
Most importantly, there will be strict adherence to our Infection Prevention & Control policy, specifically the exclusion of ill children, and personal hygiene etiquette.
ACCESS TO THE CENTRE
Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and we ask that you use it when entering the building. To minimize potential exposure, we will ask that families remain in the lobby and not walk their child to their classroom when you arrive.
Instead, please check in with staff in the lobby, and they will walk your child to their classroom. Classrooms will be strictly reserved for educators and children only.
When there is more than one family arriving at the same time, it is still important to implement a 2-metre separation. We will provide markings, both inside and outside, to help implement this. However, it may be necessary that families wait outside or in their car should a family already be present in the lobby of the centre.
At this time, we ask that families designate one family member to be responsible for the drop-off and pick-up of their child or children at the centre. If this is not possible, we ask that parents call the center upon arrival and a staff member will escort the children to and from the centre.
Essential Visitors
Visitors (other essential staff such as Ministry of Education Advisors and Public Health Inspectors) must also follow the pre-screening protocol described above. They must also wash their hands upon entry in the first aid room and must maintain physical distancing as much as possible.
Tours
Tours will be strictly by appointment on weekends and evenings only. There will be only one family allowed in the centre per tour. Based on current gathering size limitations, only 3 individuals per family will be allowed to attend the tour at a time.
HEALTH SCREENING
All staff members and educators will be asked to take their temperature each day and must be fever-free before arriving at Laugh & Learn ELCC.
We ask that parents take their child’s temperature before coming to Laugh & Learn ELCC. When families sign in for the day in the lobby, they will need to confirm their child is well before their child can be escorted to their classroom.
As an added safety precaution, our educators will also complete an on-site temperature check, using an infrared thermometer. Educators will also monitor all children’s health throughout the day.
For reference, normal temperatures are:
- Mouth:
- 35.5-37.5°C (95.9-99.5°F)
- Underarm:
- 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°)
- Ear (not recommended for infants under 2 years of age):
- 35.8-38.0°C (96.4-100.4°F)
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
All educators will be required to wear masks while at Laugh & Learn ELCC. Infant and toddler teachers will also wear smocks during close contact in the classroom.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Physical Distancing has been an important part of the preventative measures against COVID-19, and will continue even when your child is at Laugh & Learn ELCC.
We’ll continue to use physical distancing as much as we can to reduce the risk. To minimize potential exposure, children will also keep a distance from children and educators in other classrooms.
Our classrooms have been organized to allow for multiple small group interactions, as we believe that small group sizes and activities allow for better engagement between children and educators.
Lessons & Activities
However, in order to further enforce physical distancing, circle time and mealtime will also be done in small group sizes. For now, ‘family buffet style’ dining will not be permitted. While these changes are necessary, our educators will continue to facilitate engaging conversations and interactions throughout mealtime.
To help children understand what physical distancing looks like, lesson plans and visual cues will be provided. Our educators have also been empowered to implement activities that provide quality learning and engagement while ensuring space between the children.
In addition, our educators utilize work mats throughout our programming and curriculum which encourages children to work independently, and gives them external order of their own play space. The use of work mats will make implementing physical distancing more practical.
For now, group sensory activities will not be permitted. Instead, our educators will implement individual activities that promote individual experiences.
We will only use materials that can be easily cleaned and disinfected.
Outdoor Learning
Transitions to engage in outdoor learning will also be staggered to eliminate waiting, congestion times, and to limit interaction between the classrooms.
Each classroom will have set play materials to engage with while on the playground.
FIRST AID ROOM
Did you know that Laugh & Learn ELCC has a designated first aid room for sick children?
In this room, educators will be able to care for sick children while being separated from others until a family member arrives.
This room is located right at the entrance of the centre and will allow for easy pick-up.
ENHANCED CLEANING & DISINFECTING
Increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces is significant in controlling the spread of viruses, and other microorganisms.
High touch surfaces, such as door handles and handrails, will be disinfected after each transition.
Play materials and playground equipment will be regularly disinfected and rotated throughout the day. Play materials that children may put in their mouth will be rinsed with water after they have been cleaned and disinfected.
Bedding and blankets will be laundered nightly, and cots and cribs will be disinfected after each use. Water bottles will be sanitized every night.
PERSONAL HYGIENE & ETIQUETTE
Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from getting sick from COVID19 and other germs, and we will ensure handwashing facilities and/or hand-sanitizing products are readily available. Children will be monitored to ensure they are washing their hands correctly, and will be encouraged to do so frequently throughout the day.
Laugh & Learn ELCC will ensure that your child receives the best care possible during these unprecedented times. We are determined, dedicated, and committed to fulfilling our purpose, and promise to you and your family.
