Many child care professionals and centers have enhanced their health and safety protocols to keep children, their families and themselves safe and help you come out of quarantine and into childcare It is inevitable that there will be a high need for more child care spaces as parents begin to return to work.
The Real question is how are children affected by COVID and what are their chances of becoming ill. The Mayo Clinic has a very good article about babies and toddler and COVID. It outlines the likelihood which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports is that among nearly 150,000 cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. between Feb. 12 and April 2, only about 2,500, or 1.7%, were in children.
Are Infants art Risk from COVID?
Although rare, Babies under the age of 12, are at higher risk of severe illness with COVID. Likely it is caused by immature immune systems and smaller airways. Making them more likely to develop breathing problems.
How to find quality child care during COVID?
For a quality childcare look for small group size, access to educational programming, flexible hours and a safe environment with oversight and supervision. With a warm, safe and stimulating environment where self-confidence is encouraged and an interest in learning is promoted through play,
Some of the changes you will notice as Childcare centers open in COVID times and you begin to come out of quarantine and into childcare.
- drop off and pick-up routines might be staggered or altered
- meals being more “disposable”
- a reduced number of children at the center
- some activities and play will differ to keep children in smaller groups and more separated
- restrictions types of toys and use of more plastic and metal toys which reduce the risk of spread and are more easily cleaned
Children will still receive the human connection they need but in a safer way from licensed childcare trained providers.
What do you think, is it safe to send your child to a childcare center?
According to the CDC.gov a true answer below means your child’s ( family) COVID risk is high. goto the full risk assessment tool: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community/schools-childcare/back-to-school-decision-checklist.pdf
| COVID Risk Assessment | Does Not Apply | False | Unsure | True |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| My child has an underlying condition that increases the risk for severe illness from COVID-19. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| I live with someone, or my child’s caregiver, is at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 due to age or underlying medical conditions. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| The level of community spread in my area is high. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Does your job require you to leave the home so you must find outside childcare?
Can an employer can’t fire you because you are unable to find child care?
No, under Emergency Sick Leave and Expanded FMLA Child-Care Leave
employers must give you a two-week emergency paid leave for COVID-19 related quarantines and sickness and unavailability of child-care providers.
You can’t be fired under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave for the care of children whose school is closed or when a child care provider is unavailable for COVID-19 related reasons. Both of these mandates apply only to employers with fewer than 500 employees.
These new laws became effective April 1, 2020, and expires December 31, 2020. The DOL will not, however, bring enforcement actions based on FFCRA violations occurring through April 17, 2020, provided that employers have made reasonable, good faith efforts to comply with the law.
More Information here: American Bar Association
Child care options to consider:
- childcare center
- at home childcare
- friend or relative
- neighborhood daycare coop
Are you having problems finding childcare? Have you considered switching to a home childcare provider?
