Changes Due to COVID-19
First Experiences Response to Covid-19 (Updated 7.16.2020)
The Centers for Disease Control and State Licensing for Childcare has issued new policies in response to COVID-19. As such, the following policies and precautionary measures will be strictly enforced for the safety of all children and staff in our facility.
Face coverings: All staff members will be required to wear a face covering.
Health screenings: Staff and children will be screened for any symptoms of illness before entering the facility. Temperatures will be checked and recorded of all staff, children, and family members upon arrival. Any staff member showing any symptoms of illness or having a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be admitted and will not be permitted to return until that person is symptom free for 7 consecutive days without medication. Any child or family member showing symptoms of illness or having a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will not be admitted and will not be permitted to return until that person is symptom free without medication for 7days. As always, children or staff with any gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea will not be admitted. Any possible exposure or any possible cases of COVID-19 will be documented and reported to the local health department and families will be notified. Children, parents, caregivers and staff will be excluded from the program if they are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be permitted to return until they have met CDC criteria to discontinue home isolation.
Entering and exiting the facility: Persons entering the facility will be limited to staff and children only at this time. Staff members will conduct health screenings as they collect the children at the designated check in location. A staff member will escort the children at end of day for pickup. Parents will be reminded to bring their own pens to sign their children in and out daily.
Social Distancing: Class size will be 10 children or less per class and these groups will not comingle if possible. Snack and meal times will be outside in the shade to ensure 6ft distance between children (weather permitting.)
Cleaning: Our daily cleaning and handwashing practices already in place are with the intention to prevent the spread of any infectious diseases. New cleaning practices and procedures have been added to further protect children. Toys and activities will be disinfected before and after each use and will be bagged and labeled for each individual child. Many toys will be removed such as soft toys, dress up toys and kitchen toys. Outside toys such as play structures will be disinfected before and after each use. Frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, light fixtures and faucets etc. will be disinfected every hour on the hour.
Naptime: Children’s bedding should be brought in a plastic bag labeled with their name. After nap time a staff member will put the bedding back into the plastic bag and the sleeping cots will be disinfected daily. Children must bring their own water bottles daily labeled with their name.