Sending Your Child Back to Daycare? There are some basic precautions that can help minimize the dangers of transmission once you send your child back to daycare.
M
any Monterey Bay parents who have been working from home since we began sheltering in place in mid-March are now looking at a return to their workplaces shortly. Some have family in the area to care for their children or one parent staying at home. But for many parents, daycare or another form of childcare is a necessary component to their ability to work outside of the home. The risk to children and babies, and the role children play in transmitting COVID-19 is not yet completely clear. The rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases among children has so far been low compared to the broader population. According to the Monterey County Health Department, nine children under the age of 18 have contracted Covid-19 as of May 15. But many studies have suggested that children can be asymptomatic carriers of the coronavirus. In addition, an emerging inflammatory syndrome which may also be connected to the coronavirus is adding to parents’ worries. Pediatric inflammatory, multisystem syndrome, which appears to be related to having had COVID-19, has been diagnosed in 93 New York children and has been reported in a few other states. Overall, though, severe illness has been less frequent in children than adults with COVID-19, researchers say. Whether you’re sending your child back to the daycare they attended before or require a new center for your children; some basic precautions can help minimize the dangers of transmission.
28
montereybayparent.com
According to Dr. Mathew Trokel, Medical Director of Pediatric Services at MoGo Urgent Care: “While coronavirus is very transmissible and children are well known for their lack of adherence to social distancing, with just a few simple techniques, daycare centers can reduce the ability for the virus to spread within their facility.”
NEW PROCEDURES FOR CENTERS AND PARENTS
Both daycare providers and parents will need to adapt to a new set of procedures. While centers need to adopt strict new guidelines, it is equally important that parents observe the guidelines for implementation. Parents: don’t rely on the center staff to keep you up to date, ask lots of questions, and observe. They will not be offended to have you taking an active role in your child’s health and wellbeing. If they aren’t forthcoming or you see questionable behavior, you may want to consider changing providers.
household or room or been together for a while) with anyone who has a confirmed case of the coronavirus or is showing symptoms? 4 If someone in the household of you or one of your staff has recently recovered from the coronavirus, do you have proof of medical clearance? 4 Are you aware of the newest guidelines from the Monterey County Department of Health for daycare providers, and have you implemented their procedures?
WHAT TO ASK BEFORE SENDING YOUR KIDS TO DAYCARE
Care.com is advising parents to add the following questions to caregiver interviews: 4 Have you or anyone on your staff been diagnosed with the coronavirus? 4 Have you or anyone on your staff been in close contact (e.g., shared a
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • june 2020
