Covid-19 Policy

Effective  August 28, 2020

 

        At Red Balloon Daycare our first priority is the health and well being of all the children in our care. With the presence of the novel Coronavirus, we have been taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of everyone by following the lead and recommendations set in place by Interior Health, Licensing Direct, and leading health authorities. As Red Balloon Daycare follows the progress of Coronavirus, we will be adjusting policies and procedures as necessary.

 

       All staff, children and family members are asked NOT to attend or enter the premises if they experience any of the following symptoms (Taken from government of Canada website, www.canada.ca):

• new or worsening cough

• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• temperature equal to or over 38°C

• feeling feverish

• chills

• fatigue or weakness

• muscle or body aches

• new loss of smell or taste

• headache

• gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting)

• feeling very unwell

 **Children have been more commonly reported to have abdominal symptoms, and skin changes or rashes**

 

Amended October 1st, 2020: Children/staff are able to attend the center with symptoms of CLEAR runny nose and a mild cough. If any other symptoms accompany these, runny nose is green or dark yellow, and cough is persistent and/or severe, children/staff will be asked to refrain from being at the center.

  

       At this point in time, Red Balloon will continue to/implement the following in response to Covid-19:

 

• Sanitizing all surfaces thoroughly at the end of day and as often as needed (doors, light switches, toys, tables, counters, etc.)

• Continuously ensuring and encouraging that children and staff are thoroughly washing hands between all transitions, before and after eating,after using the washroom, immediately after touching eyes, mouth, nose or anyone’s face, dealing with bodily fluids, and any other times where handwashing is deemed necessary

• Encouraging as much social distancing and contact as is possible within the center

• Limiting entry to daycare for only staff, supporting staff for children and families enrolled

• Continuously monitoring the health of staff and children on a day to day basis

• Contactless temperature readings will be taken and logged when staff and children first arrive, and in the afternoon/after school. Families and staff are asked to do a more thorough self screening before arriving at the center (also posted outside out center doors).

 

       If during drop off/arrival any child exhibits any of the aforementioned  symptoms, or gets a temperature reading for screening, they will be asked not to attend for the day by any member of staff, and only return when all symptoms improve/resolve, OR as advised by a healthcare authority. 

If the child exhibits any of the aforementioned symptoms during their stay at the center, staff will place calls in order of primary and emergency contacts until someone is reached to pick up the child immediately. The child will only only return when all symptoms improve/resolve, OR as advised by a health care authority.

 

       If any staff member exhibits any of the aforementioned symptoms at any point before or during their shift, they will be asked to leave immediately, and only return when all symptoms improve/resolve, OR as advised by a health care authority.

 

       All staff and children experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms during their attendance at the center will be distanced from everyone else immediately in the safest way possible for the entire group. Staff will need to wear masks if unwell or helping a sick child. Handwashing will be exhibited constantly by any member involved with sick persons, and a thorough disinfecting of the area and all equipment used will be done immediately after the sick person leaves. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, staff and families of children may be advised to contact a health care official and asked to keep the center updated on the recommendations they were given.

 

       Any child or staff member may be asked to follow a 14 day isolation period by a health official if any Covid-19 related symptoms are observed, they are waiting on the results of a COVID-19 test, they are confirmed positive for COVID-19, they are a close contact to a person confirmed for COVID-19, OR they have travelled outside of Canada. If this occurs, they may only return to the center once their isolation period has ended.

 

       If Red Balloon Daycare experiences a shortage of staff due to staff members becoming ill, the center may unexpectedly decrease the capacity amount for children in the program, or temporarily close the program down until a suitable and qualified replacement is found or the staff member is able to return once more. It is the responsibility of the child’s parent/guardian to make arrangements for alternate care, or to stay home during this time.

 

      In the event that Red Balloon Daycare is exposed to any persons testing positive for Covid-19, the center will follow the direction of Interior Health. If advised to by public health, staff members will contact families of all the children to notify them on how the center will proceed. It is the responsibility of the child’s parent/guardian to make arrangements to STAY HOME should public health advise of any program/center closures and isolations.

 

       If a program or center shut down is required, the center facility will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected during the closure time. In order to set a safe reopening date, Red Balloon Daycare will continuously assess the situation and proceed according to public health advisement. All families will be updated via email or phone as needed on the situation or any new developments.

 

       It is the responsibility of the staff and child’s parent/guardian to inform the center of any travel to any known affected areas/hot spots, any travel outside of Canada, any symptoms that they may be exhibiting (mild or severe), pending of a COVID-19 test, or any advisement given to them by public health. It is also the responsibility of the staff and a child’s parent/guardian to make arrangements to STAY HOME in accordance with our policies.

 

       Red Balloon Daycare and all its members are NOT responsible for any loss of work for staff, shortage of staff, or time needing to be taken off by parents/guardians due to any COVID-19 related events.

 

       Red Balloon Daycare reserves the right to terminate any contract between their staff and/or families if they feel any important information, resulting in putting the health and well-being of the children in their care in jeopardy, has been withheld or falsified. 

 

       We would like to thank everyone for their support and cooperation during these times. We understand that these times are not easy for anyone, but we firmly believe that by working together and communicating openly, we can continue to provide the best possible care for all our children and continue to keep all our families and staff safe.