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. We have put into enhanced protocols and procedures to keep everyone safe during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
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 all First aid trained.
We conduct monthly Fire/Earthquake Drills; children in our care learn to understand what to do in case of emergency.
ENHANCED SAFETY PLAN FOR COVID-19
*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 symptoms of COVID-19 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 contigious 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
Drop off and pick up occur in the lobby only during the pandemic.
One family is allowed in the lobby at one time.
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 Covid-19, 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.
Children over two years old in the center may wear a mask based on personal or family choice.
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.
