COVID-19 Parent Policy

COVID-19 Parent Policy – Updated January 2022

This policy is in addition to policies within our regular parent handbook and the updated illness policy.

As public health continues to review emerging evidence and monitor cases and transmission trends of COVID-19, this updated version of COVID 19 Parent Policy outlines important strategies for Echo Childcare to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and maintain safe operations.

This policy was created based on BCCDC’s Public Health Guidance for Childcare Settings, sciences of ECE, and parents’ input. Thank you for choosing Echo to provide safe, high-quality preschool and childcare for your child. We are grateful for your patience and willingness to adapt with us. Please take note of the following policies:

Entry policy:

Entry to Echo Childcare by parents or caregivers remains restricted. Volunteers supporting activities that benefit children’s development and wellbeing may enter Echo Childcare. All volunteers are required to wear a well-fitting mask when in the daycare.

Drop off and pick up.

Before leaving home all parents are required to perform a health check on their own child. Parents and children will hand sanitize in their own cars prior to entering. MASKS MUST BE WORN AT DROP OFF AND PICK UP even if you are outside. Please wear your mask as children cannot be expected to socially distance themselves and the mask provides an extra layer of protection.

One family may pick up/drop off at a time. If more than one family arrives, please maintain physical distancing.

For Academy, the location is at the middle street-side door by Sutherland Ave and outside of the building. For Belgo, the location is at the main door at the rear of the centre.

Pre-entry Screening before the child may enter the classrooms:

Staff will conduct pre-entry screening upon arrival using the daycare’s thermometer. If the temperature is at or above 100F or the child has symptom(s), no matter how mild the symptom is, the child will be asked to stay home. Entry will be restricted for 24 hours past the end of symptoms. For example, if the child’s entry is restricted on Monday, the child may return to daycare on Wednesday as long as the child doesn’t have any more symptoms.

What to do if your child has ANY symptoms:

Children can return to daycare 24 hours after ALL symptoms have resolved without the use of medication. The list of symptoms is changing constantly, we will follow the current BCCDC list. As per BCDCC dated January 18, 2022, Symptoms of COVID-19 include new or worsening:

Fever or chills
Cough
Loss of sense of smell or taste
Difficulty breathing
Sore throat
Loss of appetite
Runny nose
Sneezing
Extreme fatigue or tiredness
Headache
Body aches
Nausea or vomiting or diarrhea

If symptoms begin during the day at daycare we will notify a parent to pick up their child immediately. Children can return to daycare 24 hours after ALL symptoms have resolved without the use of medication.

Covid 19 testing:

It is no longer a requirement to get a negative test before returning to daycare. Echo will follow evolving testing requirements by BCCDC/Interior health.

Covid 19 positive diagnosis:

In some circumstances where a COVID test is required, positive results can be from either a PCR test, Rapid Antigen Test or interior health designation.

Covid 19 positive child:

If a child tested positive, the child can return to daycare when ALL three of these conditions are met:

At least 5 days have passed since their symptoms started, or from test date if they did not have symptoms. The first day of symptoms or testing is day 0.
Fever has completely resolved without the use of fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. After almost two years of taking your child’s temperature you know what their normal is. Please keep them home until their temperature has completely returned to normal not just dropped below 100F
All symptoms have resolved.

Covid 19 positive family member in the same household:

If the healthy child can remain completely out of contact from the ill family member, they may continue to attend daycare. If the COVID-positive family member cannot maintain a separation, the child can return to daycare 48 hours after the sick family member ends their isolation AND the child does not have any symptoms. For example, if the isolation ends on Monday, the child may return to daycare on Thursday.

Parents are responsible to notify your child’s teacher of the positive case and the child’s expected return date.

Covid 19 positive staff:

Staff who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 will stay home symptoms have resolved. Staff who test positive for COVID-19 will follow the guidance on the BCCDC website as to how long they should self-isolate. They can return to child care when they no longer need to self-isolate and are symptom free.

Covid 19 exposure:

Children who are exposed can continue to attend daycare unless the Covid positive person is in the same household and can not completely isolate.

Covid 19 isolation:

Echo will follow the guidelines set out by the BCCDC for up-to-date requirements.

What happens if a child or staff at one of the facilities test positive:

Children and staff who are exposed to Covid-19 will not be required to isolate unless they have symptoms or live in the same household as the person they were exposed to. The daycare will not be notifying contacts of exposures.

Facilities experiencing illness amongst staff may need to close for operational reasons if we are unable to maintain staff to child ratios as required under the Child Care Licensing Regulation.

Travel Restrictions :

Will follow the BCCDC guidelines at the time of return from travel.

Cleaning and Disinfection:

Regular cleaning and disinfection can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious agents.

Frequently touched surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected regularly
We will clean and disinfect cots and sleeping surfaces weekly if dedicated to a single child or between uses if shared between multiple children.
We will clean and disinfect any surface that is visibly soiled.
Diaper changing station will be disinfected after each use.
We may use objects made of materials that are not easily cleaned (e.g., foam, playdough, etc.) or typically cleaned intermittently (e.g., fabrics, soft toys, etc.) We will clean these objects according to regular practices.
Good hand hygiene is practiced throughout the day (e.g. Immediately after changing diapers or assisting with toileting). Before and after meal times.
Commercially available detergents and disinfectant products will be used.

Monthly tuition fees:

There will be no reduction in fees due to missing daycare due illness or isolation.

Masks on teachers:

Teachers will wear masks around all other adults when distance cannot be maintained. They may remove their masks when in the classroom with their group of children. This is a well thought out decision taking into account the risk between germ transmission and importance of the social emotional connection with children with whom we spend up to 45 hours a week.

We provide care for the world’s next generation of diverse ages and abilities who require visual cues, and facial expressions as one of the means to communicate and bond with adults in their life. A positive interpersonal relationship is crucial for the holistic development of children. Without human connection, we will lose the heart and soul of Early Childhood Education.

Substitute teachers and volunteers will keep their masks on or maintain a distance at times such as meal times when masks must be removed.

Withdrawal policy:

Effective September 1 2020 we will revert back to the original withdrawal policy from our parent handbook. Withdrawal works the same as a rent. If you would like to give notice, please do this by email to Kelly or Robi on or before the first of your last month. For example if you would like you child’s last day of daycare to be October 31, you must give notice on or before October 1st. Failure to give notice will result in the charge of one months .

If there is anything you have questions on please contact us as we are here to help.

Thank you

Robi Reid, GM Echo Academy and Kelly Coolin, GM Echo Early Learning Center (Belgo)