The health and safety of our children and staff is our number one priority. EduCastle Childcare does everything possible to provide a safe environment for our employees and the children in our care. ​

---

HEALTH & SAFETY MEASURES

• EduCastle Childcare is a "well-child” facility. We have put in place a Health Policy that identifies and informs parents if their child gets sick during the day.
• We have a sickness/injury Reporting system in place to ensure you are provided with all necessary details of any incident.
• We have Security Cameras installed at the center for internal usage; video footage can be viewed upon request.
• We use PIN controlled door release system for entryways for security purposes.
• Our staff are First aid trained.
• We conduct monthly Fire/Earthquake Drills; children in our care learn to understand what to do in case of emergency.

---

HEALTH & SAFETY PLAN

*Stay home if you are sick and unable to participate fully in routine activities or are required to self-isolate. 
*Seek a health assessment by calling 811 or a primary care provider.

Access to the Facility & Health Awareness

• Posters are put up in the lobby to remind anyone entering the center to do a self health check to prevent spread of communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, within the center.
• Staff, children, and parents must not enter the center if they have Sickness symptoms or are asked to self-isolate.
• In the event that a child becomes ill while at the facility, parents will be contacted for an arrangement to pick up the child within one hour.
• Children/staff with possible contagious symptoms are to return after 24 hours symptom free or follow instructions from 811 health assessment or a primary care provider.​​

Pick up & Drop Off

• Sanitize your hands prior to using the pin pad.
• Please use your family PIN numbers to gain acccess to the main entrance for Drop off and pick up.​
• Have ONE person from your family enter the centre for drop off or pick up.
• Please ensure to keep everyone safe by not allowing others in behind you after you enter your PIN.​

Hand Hygiene

• Staff and children are encouraged to wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and/or use alcohol-based hand rub containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Children are supervised or assisted in using hand sanitizer.
• Hand sanitizer is not used on infants.​

Respirtory Etiquette​
​Children and staff practice routine respiratory etiquette: 

• Cough or sneeze into their elbow sleeve or a tissue.  
• Throw away used tissues and immediately perform hand hygiene (“Cover your coughs”).  
• Not touch their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands (“Hands below your shoulders”).

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• To help stop the spread of communicable diseases, Adults (including staff, practicum students, volunteers and visitors) follow PHO order on mask wearing during the regular course of work/visit.
• Staff are required to wear disposable gloves when cleaning body fluids and when diapering.
• Parents are required to follow PHO order on mask wearing at drop-off and pick-up.​
• Staff supervises and supports children to ensure safe and proper use of masks if a child or their family chooses to wear a mask.

Ventilation & Air Exchange

• Continue to ensure all mechanical heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are designed, operated, and maintained as per standards and specifications for ongoing comfort of workers (Part 4 of OHS Regulation), and that they are working properly.

Cleaning & Disinfecting

• Regular cleaning and disinfection can help prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Cleaning of frequently touched surfaces occur in line with regular practices and when visibly dirty. 
• Sensory activities (e.g. activities with water) and use of sensory objects (e.g. playdough) continue. Sensory objects are cleaned according to regular practices. 

School Bus Transportation

• The School Bus used for transporting children is cleaned and disinfected according to the guidance provided in the BCCDC’s Cleaning and Disinfectants for Public Settings guidance.

Food & Beverages

• Certain programs have hot lunch and/or afternoon snacks included. 
• ​For food contact surfaces, any sanitizers or disinfectants used are approved for use in a food service application. 
• Reusable dishware, cups and utensils are cleaned and sanitized after each use in the dishwasher.  

WE'LL GET THROUGH IT TOGETHER!