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Gan Chabad Preschool

COVID-19 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Common symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include muscle aches, fatigue, headache, sore throat, runny nose, and loss of smell and taste. The virus typically spreads by droplet through coughing and sneezing, personal contact with an infected person, or touching an infected surface and then the face ‐ mouth, nose, or eyes.

The Ministry of Education and the local Health Unit provided all child care operators with strict enhanced policies and procedures for the safe re-opening of child care centres. In addition to the added responsibilities of our management team and our front line educators, our families will need to follow the new protocols in order to keep everyone as safe as possible. Operators will be notified by the appropriate authorities when these protocols can safely be lessened and/or lifted and this information will then be shared with our families.

Gan Chabad Preschool has developed policies and procedures to comply with the Ministry of Education requirements. This document has been designed for use in conjunction with the Child Care Licensing Manual, the CCEYA and its regulations and the existing Gan Chabad Policy and Procedures Handbook. While the focus of this guidance document is on the new health, safety and operational measures that are required in order to safely re-open child care, please note that every effort will be made to uphold the welcoming and caring environment that child care provides for children and families.

Protocols for the Safe Re-opening of Gan Chabad

Licensing Requirements

Licences will be required to be amended, if necessary, to ensure director approvals and conditions on the licence align with new restrictions. Gan Chabad would like to have 1 DECE teachers, and 2 RECE teachers approved at the Overbrook location.

 

Inspections

 

Ministry staff will conduct in-person monitoring and licensing inspections of child care centres where necessary.

Ministry staff must:

  • be screened prior to entering the premises following the protocol

  • wear personal protective equipment

  • Ministry staff will use technology (e.g., telephone, video conferencing) to complete virtual monitoring and licensing inspections where appropriate.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Group sizes for Re-opening

  • Children will be grouped together in “cohorts.” A cohort is defined as a group of children and staff members assigned to them, who stay together throughout the duration of the program for a minimum of 7 days.

  • Cohorts will not mingle with any other cohorts throughout the program in order to prevent cross contamination

  • Cohorts will be separated during outside play times but using the playground at scheduled times.

  • Cohorts will not be able to join together in the mornings or the evening –Overbrook location has reduced hours of 8:00AM- 5:30PM for full day children as we do not have staffing available for early opening and have left time at the end of the day for enhanced cleaning.

  • Other educators are now allowed to mix cohorts to cover a lunch break. In the event that another educator may be requested to cover in a cohort, (sudden staff illness, etc.) that educator will maintain social distancing and wear a face mask and PPE.

Staffing

Overbrook location

Toddler class

ECE: 8:30AM- 12:30PM  
Assistant: 8:00am-1:10pm
Assistant 8:45AM-5:30 lunch @ 12:40-1:10
ECE: 12:30-5:30pm
 

Nursery class

ECE: 8:30AM-2:30PM
ECE: 8:30AM-5:30PM  lunch @ 2:00-2:30pm
Assistant/Afternoon: 2:30-5:30pm

As much as possible, supply staff will be assigned to a specific cohort.

 

Working with the Local Public Health

While the Ministry of Education is providing guidance on how to operate child care during the COVID-19 pandemic, child care centres must follow the advice of local public health officials when establishing health and safety protocols, including how to implement the provincial direction.

 

 

Health and Safety Protocols

 

Gan Chabad has developed policies and procedures outlining our health and safety protocols which include directions set out by the local public health, and how the child care setting will operate during and throughout the recovery phase following the pandemic. Gan Chabad will submit an attestation to the Ministry that confirms new policies and procedures have been developed and reviewed with employees and providers.

 

Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting policies and procedures

Gan Chabad will utilize an enhanced daily cleaning practice to ensure a sanitary environment for children, families and staff. Enhanced cleaning measures will include daily toy/resource disinfection procedures.

 

We will be required to adhere to the following cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

 

Definitions

 

Cleaning: refers to the physical removal of foreign material (i.e. dust, soil) and organic material (i.e. blood, secretions, microorganisms). Cleaning removes, rather than kill microorganisms. Warm water, soap and mechanical action (i.e. wiping) is required to clean surfaces. Rinsing with clean water is required to complete the cleaning process to ensure the soap film is removed.

 

Disinfecting: describes a process completed after cleaning in which a chemical solution, is used to kill most disease-causing microorganisms. In order to be effective disinfectants must be left on a surface for a period of time (contact time). Contact times are generally prescribed by the product manufacturer. Any items children may come into contact with, requires a final rinse after the required contact time is observed.

 

 

Procedures

 

All cleaning products must be out of reach of children, labelled, and must have Safety Data Sheet. (SDS) Educators will need to wear nitrile gloves.

 

Cleaning;

  • Use soap and warm water to clean visibly soiled surfaces

  • Rinse the surface with clean water (warm to tepid temperature preferred) to ensure soap is removed

 

 

Disinfecting:

  • For general environmental disinfection of high touch surfaces, large toys and equipment that cannot be immersed in a bleach disinfectant solution use Oxivir Tb Ready to Use Spray or Wipe.                          Contact time for Oxivir Tb Ready to Use spray or wipe is 1 minute. (Oxivir Tb is a hydrogen peroxide product – please read SDS before use)

Rinse after contact time is complete – spray with a clean water bottle

  • For all other toy cleaning & disinfecting, immerse fully in a bleach solution.                                       Contact time for bleach is 10 minutes.                                                                                                                     Rinse after contact time is complete – either immerse in clean water or spray with a clean water bottle

  • Let the surface air dry

  • Spray bottles will be identified by colour bands in order to reduce the number of times a spray bottle is touched

  • Red band – Diluted bleach and water

  • Yellow band – soap and water

  • Blue band – water for rinsing

 

Cleaning and Disinfection Frequency Requirements

 

  1. Clean and disinfect upon ENTRY to child care (for staff items):

Any hard surfaces such as water bottles, travel mugs, cell phones, lunch containers, purses, handbags

  1. Clean and disinfect upon children's ENTRY to child care (for child’s items):

Any hard surfaces such as water bottles, containers etc.

 

  1. Clean and disinfect frequencies for other surfaces and items:

Cleaning and disinfecting routines must be increased for the following, as the risk of environmental contamination is higher:

  • Tables and countertops: used for food preparation and food service must be cleaned and disinfected before and after each use

  • Highchairs: must be cleaned and disinfected before and after serving food

  • Spills must be cleaned and disinfected immediately

  • Washrooms: staff and children washroom areas must be cleaned and disinfected after every use: toilets, sink and toilet handles

  • Floors: cleaning and disinfecting must be performed as required, i.e., when spills occur, and throughout the day when rooms are available, i.e., during outdoor play and on a daily basis

  • Outdoor play equipment: must be disinfected before use, and as required (e.g., visibly dirty). Any outdoor play equipment that is used must be easy to clean and disinfect

 

  1. High‐touch surfaces: any surfaces that have frequent contact with hands(e.g., light switches, shelving, containers, hand rails, door knobs, sinks toilets etc.,) should be cleaned at least two times per day and as often as necessary (e.g., when visibly dirty or contaminated with body fluids) The “runner” will clean these areas.

 

  1. Other shared items: (e.g., phones, IPADs, attendance binders etc.) must be disinfected between users.

 

  1. Clean and disinfect daily:

  • Low‐touch surfaces (any surfaces that have minimal contact with hands), must be cleaned and disinfected daily (e.g. Window ledges, doors, sides of furnishings table legs, chairs, etc.)

  • Floors to be vacuumed and cleaned daily and/or when the rooms are available. Cleaners will deep clean the centers 3 times a week.

 

 

  1. Clean and disinfect as required:

Blood/Bodily Fluid Spills: Using the steps outlined below, the surface must be cleaned first then disinfected:  (Blood/Bodily Fluid Spills Kits have been prepared)

1. Isolate the area around the spill so that no other objects/humans can be contaminated

2. Gather all supplies, perform hand hygiene, and then put on single-use nitrile gloves

3. Scoop up the fluid with disposable paper towels (check the surrounding area for splash/splatter) and dispose of in separate garbage bag

4. Clean the spill area with detergent (soap), warm water and single-use towels

5. Rinse to remove detergent residue with clean water and single-use towel

6. Discard used paper towels and gloves immediately in a tied plastic bag

7. Spray the bleach spray bottle solution in and around the spill area and allow for the appropriate disinfecting contact time

8. A final rinse is required if children come into contact with the area

9. Remove gloves as directed and discard them immediately

10. Perform hand hygiene as directed

 

If the spill includes broken glass, ensure a brush and dustpan is used to pick it up and discard. Disinfect the brush and dustpan after use. NEVER use your hands to clean up the glass

 

  1. Cot cleaning and disinfecting:

  • Cots must be labelled and assigned/designated to a single child per use

  • Cots must be cleaned and disinfected before after use.

  • High touch surfaces on cots, must be disinfected at least twice per day and as often as necessary. (cots in playroom must remain covered)

  1. Before naps

  2. After naps

  • Cots must be stored in a manner which there is no contact with the sleeping surface of another cot (store without sheets or blankets)

  • Bedding must be laundered daily, (sheets and blankets), they will be sent home to be laundered and brought back daily.

  • Additional Infection Prevention and Control Practices For Hygiene Items

  • Bottles and Pacifiers must be individually labelled and stored separately (not touching each other), they must not be shared among children.

  • Mouthed toys should be cleaned and disinfected immediately after a child uses it.

  • Label individual hygiene items and store them separately.

  •  For creams and lotions during diapering, never put hands directly into lotion or cream bottles, use a tissue or single-use gloves. Upon arrival to the centre, wipe the cream/lotion container with a disinfecting wipe

  • Cots should be arranged with as much distance between them as possible.

  • It is even more important now to ensure that children are placed head to toe on their cots.

  • Consider using a receiving blanket as a barrier between you and the children when it is not possible to social distance. (i.e. comfort, reassurance) Receiving blankets can only be used for each interaction. When the contact is over, discard the blanket in a separate bin for laundering.  Receiving blankets will be provided for each classroom.

  • Educators should continue to supervise and hold bottles for infants not yet able to hold their own bottle to reduce the risk of choking and should use a receiving blanket as a barrier for these circumstances.

  • Ensure that proper protective gear, chemical apron and goggles is used for mixing bleach.

  • Consider assigning one educator to use the tablet each day. Otherwise, the tablet will need to be sanitized between users.

  • Pens need to be sanitized between each user.

  • You will be required to clean and disinfect the children’s toilets after every use using disposable paper towels. You will need to sanitize all toilet handles and sink faucets after every bathroom routine. Please use Oxivir Tb Ready to Use spray for bathroom sanitization. Rinse with clean water after contact item.

  • We are requesting that all educators clean and sanitize the staff bathrooms after every use – spray toilets and disinfect toilet and sink handles before you leave. . Please use Oxivir Tb Ready to Use Spray for staff bathroom sanitization. Rinse with clean water after contact item.

  • Climbers are closed until further notice. Each cohort of children and staff will be provided with a “bin” of toys to use in the playground. All items (i.e. shovels, pails etc.) need to be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

 

 

 

 

 

Glove Use

Gloves should be worn when it is anticipated that hands will come in contact with mucous membranes, broken skin, blood, bodily fluids, secretions, and excretions. Gloves do not replace the need for proper hand hygiene.

Nitrile gloves (blue gloves) should be used for:                                                                                            

  • Changing diapers or assisting with bathroom routines (each child is 1 use and then gloves changed – proper hand hygiene needs to be exercised with glove use)

  • Clearing and disinfecting toys

 

Latex gloves (clear gloves) should be used for:                                                                                            

  • Applying sunscreen – hand hygiene and new gloves are required between each child

  • Clean and disinfect the sunscreen container before and after each member of the cohort has received sunscreen.

 

Gloves and Hand Hygiene

 

Hand hygiene shall be practised before applying and after removing gloves. Gloves shall be removed and discarded after each use.

  • Gloves are single use only, and must be task specific such as nitrile gloves for diaper changes

Note: remove gloves from wrist and peel inside out prior to disposal in a safe and secure location which cannot be accessed by children.

Gloves when Cleaning/Disinfecting

 

Gan Chabad will provide staff with the necessary gloves/protective equipment when required to mix bleach for the purpose of cleaning or disinfecting – nitrile gloves, goggles and protective aprons. Also, employees must wear nitrile gloves when immersing toys in diluted disinfectant when toy washing

 

Guidance on the Use of Masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Masks are not recommended for children, particularly those under the age of two.

Gan Chabad follows the local public health guidelines regarding the use of masks and uses masks:

  • In the screening area and when an educator not of their cohort accompanies the children from and to the screening area.

  • When changing diapers or assisting with toileting and any other time where there is a prolonged contact of over 15 minutes in which social distancing cannot be maintained

  • WDCC has created a spill kit, which includes masks, gloves, gowns, goggles and a disposable bag for use when cleaning and disinfecting blood or bodily fluid spills if there is a risk of splashing.

  • When caring for a sick child or a child showing symptoms of illness. Isolation kits, which includes masks, gloves, gowns and goggles have also been prepared for the isolation rooms for caring for sick children

  • When wearing a mask, you should wash your hands before donning the mask and before and after removing the mask.                                                                                                                                 

Masks will be provided for every educator who wishes to wear masks during the course of the day. There is evidence that supports the effective use of masks when social distancing cannot be maintained and Gan Chabad Day Care supports the use of masks for daily interaction with the children.

Recommended Training Videos

The Seven Steps of Handwashing                                                        

 https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/videos/7-steps-handhygiene                                                                    

Putting on Gloves                                                                             

 https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/videos/ipac-gloves-on 

 Putting on Mask and Eye Protection                                       

 https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/videos/ipac-maskeyes-on            

 Taking off Mask and Eye Protection                                          

 https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/videos/ipac-maskeyes-off          

 Taking off a Gown and Gloves                                                     

 https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/videos/ipac-gowngloves-off               

 Putting on Full PPE                                                                             

 https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/videos/ipac-fullppe-on                                                                           

Taking off Full PPE                                                                         

https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/videos/ipac-fullppe-off

Hand Hygiene

Gan Chabad will ensure that all staff maintain proper hand hygiene to minimize the spread of germs and contamination.  Staff will also ensure that all children maintain proper hygiene and provide additional opportunities throughout the day for handwashing routines with the children.

 

Hand Hygiene is a general term referring to any action of hand cleaning. Hand hygiene relates to the removal of visible soil and removal or killing of transient microorganisms from the hands. Hand hygiene may be accomplished using soap and running water or a hand sanitizer (60-90% alcohol based). Hand washing with soap and running water must be performed when hands are visibly soiled.

 

Hands carry and spread germs. Touching your eyes, nose, mouth or sneezing or coughing into your hands may provide an opportunity for germs to get into your body or spread to others. Keeping your hands clean through good hygiene practice is one of the most important steps to avoid getting sick and spreading germs.

 

Staff will implement strict heightened hand washing practices:

 

Alcohol based hand sanitizer may be used when hand washing is not possible but washing with soap and water is preferable. Hands should be cleaned using soap and water or hand sanitizer before and after:

  • Entering the Child Care Centre (starting a shift) Staff will use hand sanitizer at the front screening desk and will then wash their hands with soap and water when they enter their playroom

  • Screening children prior to their entry to the Child Care Centre

  • Before and after direct physical contact with children

  • After each transition within the building, whenever possible

  • Preparing, handling, serving and eating food (children should not be permitted to self-serve food during the COVID-19 outbreak to reduce potential for contamination)

  • Handling animals

  • Touching a cut or open sore

  • Changing diapers

  • Accessing the bathroom

  • Handling soiled laundry, dishes, toys or other items

  • Coming into contact with bodily fluids

  • Coming into contact with any soiled/mouthed items

  • Sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose

  • Glove use 

  • Before and after giving medication (i.e. – inhalers)

  • Outdoor play

  • Handling or taking out garbage

  • Before and after staff lunch/breaks

  • Applying sunscreen or other ointment to a child (please use 1 pair of latex gloves for each child when applying sunscreen – practice hand hygiene when changing gloves between each child)

  • Exiting the Child Care Centre (completing a shift)

 

When hands are visibly soiled, follow these steps for cleaning hands (staff and children – please supervise all children’s hand washing procedures): Remove jewelry before washing your hands.

  • Wet hands

  • Apply soap

  • Lather for at least 20 seconds. Rub between fingers, back of hands, fingertips, under nails

  • Rinse well under running water

  • Dry hands well with paper towel

  • Turn taps off with paper towel

  1. Please use a timer to ensure the 20 seconds. This will also keep children interested to wait for the ding of the timer to be finished.

When hands are not visibly soiled and handwashing is not available, staff will follow these steps for cleaning hands:

  • Apply hand sanitizer (60-90% alcohol-based)

  • Rub hands together for at least 15 seconds

  • Work sanitizer between fingers, back of hands, fingertips, and under nails.

  • Rub hands until dry

Hand sanitizer cannot be used for children under 2 years of age. Hand sanitizer cannot be used for older children without parental/guardian permission and only done so under adult supervision.

 

Covering Your Cough Procedure

 

Germs, such as influenza, Covid-19 and cold viruses, are spread by coughing and/or sneezing. When you cough or sneeze on your hands, your hands carry and spread these germs. If someone is exhibiting symptoms including coughing and sneezing, they should be excluded from the Centre.

Attempt to keep your distance (preferably more than 2 metres/6 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing.

Follow these steps to stop the spread of germs:

  • If you have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose when you cough, sneeze or blow your nose

  • Put used tissues in the garbage

  • If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not in your hands

  • Encourage children to learn to cough or sneeze into their sleeve

  • Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer (60-90% alcohol-based) regularly and after using a tissue on yourself or others

 

Space Set-Up and Physical Distancing

 

The Ministry recognizes that physical distancing between children in a child care setting is difficult and encourages child care staff and providers to maintain a welcoming and caring environment for children.

 

When setting up the play space, physical distancing of at least 2 metres must be maintained between cohorts and should be encouraged, where possible, between children within the same cohort: i.e.

  • spreading children out into different areas, particularly at meal and dressing time;

  • incorporating more individual activities or activities that encourage more space between children

  • using visual cues to promote physical distancing – placing only 2 chairs at tables with adequate space between

 

Recognizing that physical distancing is difficult with small children and infants, additional suggestions include:

  • when possible, moving activities outside to allow for more space; and

  • avoiding singing activities indoors

  • planning activities that do not involve shared objects or toys

 

Toys and activities within each cohort must of a nature that is easily cleaned and disinfected. It is recommended that books, puzzles, cardboard items etc. that are absorbent and cannot easily be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, be limited or removed from the classroom

 

Indoor sensory activities should be avoided – no indoor sand play, water play, playdough

  • The only exceptions would be if you could guarantee single use. i.e. playdough in individual baggies meant for 1 child only, water play in a single bin that is cleaned and disinfected between each user

 

 

Playground strategies

  1. Outdoor play in the playground will happen in small groups/by cohort in order to facilitate physical distancing. As our play area is large enough to accommodate multiple groups, we may divide the space with physical markers to ensure cohorts remain separated by at least 2 metres.

  2. Cohorts will have designated toys and equipment (e.g., balls, loose equipment) to use outdoors. Toys and equipment must be cleaned and sanitized before use in the afternoon play period. 

  3. Educators will be responsible for applying sunscreen to every child. You will use latex gloves for applying sunscreen. Remember that proper hand hygiene should be exercised before putting on gloves and after taking gloves off. Gloves should be changed between each child.

  4. Sunscreen bottles should be cleaned and disinfected before and after applying sunscreen.

 

Staff Room Etiquette

Gan Chabad Preschool will ensure that additional cleaning and sanitizing requirements will be maintained for use of the staff room during the re-opening phase. Every staff will be responsible for the areas that they individually use in the staff room.

 

Meetings with New and Existing Families

In person meetings with new and existing families will be kept to a very bare minimum. HiMama communication, telephone calls and Zoom meetings will replace in person meetings during the re-opening phase as much as possible.

Screening for Symptoms

All individuals including children attending child care, staff, parents/guardians, and visitors must be screened each day before entering the child care setting, including daily temperature checks.

  • Parents and guardians will be informed of this requirement and reminded through visible signage at the entrances and drop-off areas.

  • Screeners will take appropriate precautions when screening and escorting children to the program, including maintaining a distance of at least 2 meters (6 feet) from those being screened, and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) (i.e., surgical/procedure mask and eye protection (goggles).

  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol content should be placed at all screening stations. Dispensers should not be in locations that can be accessed by young children.

  • WDCC will maintain daily records of screening results and records are to be kept on the premises.

 

Attendance Records

 

Gan Chabad Preschool will be responsible for maintaining daily records of anyone entering the centre and the approximate length of their stay (such as cleaners, people doing maintenance work, people providing supports for children with special needs, those delivering food). Records are to be kept on the premises. A new log for monitoring has been formatted and will be available in the front office of each building

  • These records will include name, contact information, time of arrival/departure, screening completion/result, etc. These records must be kept up-to-date and available to facilitate contact tracing in the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case or outbreak.

 

Protocols When a Child or Staff Demonstrates Symptoms of Illness or Becomes Sick

 

Staff, parents and guardians, and children must not attend the program if they are sick, even if symptoms resemble a mild cold.

  • Symptoms to look for include but are not limited to: fever, cough, any shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, new smell or taste disorder, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, chills and a general feeling of being unwell. (refer to screening tool)

If a child or staff member becomes sick while in the program, they should be isolated and family members contacted for pick-up.

  • The resource room in each location will be the isolation room. Staff must use all personal protective equipment that is provided in an isolation kit within the isolation room. (mask, goggles, gown and gloves)

  • The sick person should be provided with tissues and reminded of hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and proper disposal of tissues.

  • If the sick person is a child, staff should remain with the child until a parent/guardian arrives. If tolerated and above the age of 2, the child should wear a surgical/procedure mask. Staff should also avoid contact with the child’s respiratory secretions.

  • All items used by the sick person should be cleaned and disinfected.

  • The Toronto Public Health Unit will be notified, and their advice and direction will be followed.

  • The TPH will provide any further direction on testing and isolation of any close contacts.

 

Serious Occurrence Reporting

 

Child care centre licensees have a duty to report suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 under the Health Protection and Promotion Act. The centre will contact the Health Unit to report a child or staff is suspected to have COVID-19. The Health Unit will provide specific advice on what control measures should be implemented to prevent the potential spread and how to monitor for other possible infected staff members and children.

  • Where a staff is suspected of having or has a confirmed case of COVID-19, the centre must report this to the ministry as a serious occurrence.

  • Where a room, centre or premises closes due to COVID-19, the centre must report this to the ministry as a serious occurrence.

  • The centre will be required to post the serious occurrence notification form as required under the CCEYA, unless local public health advises otherwise.

 

Communication with Families

 

Gan Chabad Preschool will provide communication for families in regards to the enhancement of health and safety measures as well as direction about keeping children home when they are sick. This will help to keep all children and staff safe and healthy. Families will receive the screening sheet prior to returning and will be reminded about the importance of picking up their ill children immediately.

 

Drop-Off and Pick-up Procedures

 

Drop Off

  • Parents should not go past the screening area. Staff will wear appropriate PPE and will be available for taking the child from the screening table to the child’s program room.

  • Parents are encouraged to use HiMama to connect with their child’s educator about the drop off routine. We would appreciate any information about the child’s evening and night to be communicated to us through HiMama as well.

  • Educators are encouraged to use HiMama to communicate any information about the drop off routine as well.

Pick Up

  • Parents should not go past the front entrance and should obey social distancing while waiting for their child to be brought to them. Staff will wear appropriate PPE and will be available for bringing the child from the child’s program room to the parent.

  • Parent’s patience is appreciated as we go through the process of returning their child/children to their care.

  • Educators are encouraged to use HiMama more frequently during the re-opening phase. As you will not be greeting your families in the morning or having communication with them at pick-up, it will be more important to make those connections with families during the day. Families may be anxious about this re-opening phase and will require more assurance and connection from you. Lots of pictures of happy play and fun stories will take precedence for a while.

 

Visitors

 

  • There will be no non-essential visitors at the program (specialists such as music and sports will be allowed at the program).

  • The provision of special needs services will continue.

  • Use of video and telephone interviews will be used to interact with families where possible, rather than in person.

  • Ministry staff and other public officials (e.g. fire marshal, public health inspectors) are permitted to enter and inspect a child care centre at any reasonable time.

  • There will be no volunteers or placement students at the program.

 

Program Statement/Activities

 

Gan Chabad Daycare will continue to implement our program statement. It is recognized that there may be approaches outlined in the program statement which may not be possible due to physical distancing.

We will not be required to make updates to our program statement during the re-opening phase.

 

Provision of Special Needs Resources (SNR) Services

 

It is recognized that children with special needs and their families continue to require additional supports and services in child care settings. The provision of in-person special needs services in child care settings should continue where appropriate.

  • Maximum capacity rules do not apply to SNR staff (consultants and enhanced staff) on site (i.e., if they are not counted towards staff to child ratios they are not included in the maximum capacity rules).

  • All SNR staff must be screened before entering the child care setting, as per the protocol in the screening section above.

 

Fire Drills and Walks

During the re-opening phase, we will not be going on any walks with the children as it is difficult to social distance and maintain safety measures simultaneously. Monthly fire drills will continue. It is recognized that children cannot be social distanced while walking to the designated place to wait in a fire drill procedure. There will be 2 members of the management team conducting a fire drill in order to cut down on wait times for clearing to go back inside.

Cohorts must social distance by 2 meters (6 ft.) at all times during a fire drill.

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