Preparing to Open Staff Onboarding and Training Staff working with children were updated regularly on the current CDC and DCF guidelines for COVID-19 cleaning/disinfecting, as well as social distancing and PPE protocols. Additional and ongoing online training from the YMCA will be provided.
Supplies/PPE Staff will be required to wear masks during the duration of their shift. We will continue to use household bleach to sanitize materials and surfaces, as well as provide staff with disposable gloves. Disinfectant wipes and alcohol-based hand sanitizer will be supplied.
Health and Wellness Precaution Children and staff will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering or being admitted each day. Screening includes temperature checks (may not exceed 100.4 degrees F) and symptom checks. These checks are required to be recorded and reported to the state of New Jersey. Preparing the Center for Children Classrooms and halls required social distancing preparations. Halls and classrooms must be limited to one group at a time. Classrooms requiring more than one staff person will be limited to eight children. Appropriate, compliant signage is posted as well. All cubbies were moved into classrooms to limit cross exposure of items from different classes and to help speed up drop off and pick up procedures.
Play areas were marked for children to be able to play six feet apart, to the best of our ability. Play areas requiring the sharing of toys were removed from the classrooms and will be gradually introduced as social distancing measures loosen.
Bright tape was used to demark spaces. Classroom rugs have been temporarily removed for easier daily cleaning and sanitizing.
“School kits” were pre-assembled for children to contain their own regular-use supplies, including art materials and tools. Furniture, including tables, were moved around to make sure there are ways to properly distance children during mealtimes.
Changes to daily routine Extra handwashing will be added into the schedule.
COVID-19 Health and Wellness Curriculum was developed for sharing and collaboration with children. Children will need time to learn, process and understand what, how and why the rules are so strict. Children will be invited to participate in the discussion and creation of new classroom “norms” especially in the older rooms where children know a lot about COVID-19 and social distancing. Teachers will approach the return of children to the center in the same mindset as we would plan the first day of school. Children will take time to adapt back into the setting, made more unfamiliar with the COVID-19 conditions. Schedule and routine will be vital from day one, but within the set schedule and routine, we will be prepared to be flexible as per their social emotional and intellectual needs. Opening the center Entry Health Screenings – Staff and Children
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