Dear Parents,
(Scroll down to “What You Can Do” for updated BC CDC childcare guidelines)
The health and safety of children, families, and child care professionals is government’s top priority. We have continue to receive updated correspondence from Vancouver Coastal Health concerning the COVID-19 virus. The Ministry of Education is in close contact with the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Health is taking the virus very seriously. They recognize daycare centers as an essential service for the front line workers keeping the City of Vancouver operating - from the food clerks to the paramedics and nurses. Parents who are able to work from home, should keep their kids home. This helps keep the enrollment of kids low and allows us to safely care for parents that need childcare.
While updated guidelines are in place to support child care centres, we know parents continue to have questions as they transition back to work.
A virtual town hall is being held for parents on Wednesday, March 27 at 3pm, with Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care, Dr. Trevor Corneil, Medical Lead, Office of the Provincial Health Officer, and moderator Jinny Sims, MLA. Parents can watch live on the Government of BC Facebook page or the BC YouTube channel.
FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL OF OUR KIDS AND STAFF:
Parents & kids who have travelled outside of Canada are asked to stay away from the Daycare for 14 days upon arrival
Parents & kids who have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 are asked to stay home for 14 days after their last encounter
WHAT GINGERBREAD HOUSE DAYCARE IS DOING:
Implemented BC CDC Guidelines for Child Care Settings: Sept 25, 2020
Increased frequency of cleaning with medical grade disinfectant in high touch areas (door handles, toddler toys, etc.)
Frequent sanitization of all equipment
Staff and children are reminded to wash their hands frequently
Staff who are not well are to remain home and self-isolate if required
WHAT CAN YOU DO:
Monitor your child/children daily for symptoms, referring to the BC CDC Daily Health Checklist (key symptoms: cough, fever, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, nausea/vomit)
Physical distance and wear a mask during drop-off and pick-up
Frequent hand washing, hand sanitizing and covering your mouth when coughing/sneezing
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
If your child feels sick, please keep them at home and avoid all public spaces, including the Daycare, for the duration of their illness (Refer to the BC CDC Guidelines)
If your child has mild symptoms and no fever, keep them at home for 24 hours. If their symptoms improve and they have no fever, they can return to the Daycare
If your child has fever, cough, difficulty breathing, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea - keep them at home and contact 8-1-1 (Refer to the CDC Daily Health Checklist)
Older adults and people who have chronic medical conditions should take the necessary precautions to avoid exposure to others
Avoid close contact with individuals who are ill
Stay informed via the World Health Organization (WHO), Vancouver Coastal Health, Dr. Bonnie Henry and Adrian Dix as well as the BC CDC
We are committed to keeping our kids & staff healthy and will continue to monitor the situation.
Sincerely,
Teachers & Directors for Gingerbread House Daycare
