Story by: Norton Children’s on September 2, 2020
If you’re considering sending your child to day care, or camp and activities, there are questions you can ask to make sure the facility is following guidelines to protect you and your family.
Kentucky issued requirements for child care programs prior to their June 15, 2020, reopening during the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition to some frequently asked questions addressed by the state, here are some questions to ask before sending your child to a day care or camp setting.
How many children are allowed?
Kentucky requires groups of children be kept to no more than 10 and that children stay in their group throughout the day.
Are staff members prevented from moving between groups of children during the day?
The state advises that the same staff members should work with the same children each day, including staff members who cover breaks. Limiting mingling between groups of children helps reduce exposure.
What about playtime?
Child care programs are required to stagger playground time so different classroom groups don’t intermingle. Field trips are not allowed.
How are pickup and drop-off handled?
The state requires child care programs to centralize pickup and drop-off locations so there is no unnecessary traffic to classrooms. The timing of the drop-offs and pickups should be scheduled by the groups of 10 children, and 6 feet of separation should be maintained while adults wait to pick up children.
What restrictions are in place regarding “high-touch” surfaces?
Lost-and-found bins must be eliminated. Water fountains should not be used, and children should bring their own water bottles. Door knobs, handles and other high-touch surfaces must be disinfected regularly.
How often is the facility cleaned?
Child care programs are required to post a cleaning and sanitizing plan. Cloth toys should not be used, and any toys that are contaminated by bodily fluids should be set aside in a clearly marked container until a gloved staff member can clean them by hand.
Staff and children must clean their hands frequently. Times for hand hygiene should include:
Being a Norton Children’s Super Kid means pledging to:
Be sure to post pictures of your Super Kid wearing a mask by tagging @NortonChildrens and #NortonChildrensSuperKid.
Hand sanitizer must be provided.
What about staff or kids with symptoms?
Screenings for fever and contagious symptoms must be performed upon entry. Staff members with symptoms of COVID-19 must be tested. If a child shows symptoms of COVID-19 they must be removed from the classroom to a separate area and picked up within one hour.
Families and staff must be notified of any diagnosed case of COVID-19.
Does everyone wear a mask?
Everyone who enters the child care facility must wear a face covering unless they are legally exempt. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states children younger than 2 should not wear face masks for safety reasons. Anyone required to wear a mask who refuses must be asked to leave.
Child care providers should wear gloves while serving food and preparing bottles. Gloves should be changed between bottle feedings.
Children older than 6 months and all staff should receive vaccination for influenza A/B. Flu symptoms can be similar to COVID-19. Flu shots will mean not only do fewer people get sick, but also the need for examination and testing for COVID-19 will decrease.