11 Jun Safe Restart Agreement Childcare

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact daily life, many families are struggling with how to safely manage childcare responsibilities. With schools and daycare centers closed or operating at limited capacity, parents are facing new challenges in balancing work and family life. One solution that has emerged is the concept of a “safe restart agreement” for childcare.

A safe restart agreement is a written agreement between families and their childcare providers that outlines safety protocols and expectations for all parties involved. This can include measures such as daily health checks for both children and caregivers, frequent hand washing and sanitizing, social distancing practices, and the use of face masks.

The goal of a safe restart agreement is to provide a clear and consistent approach to childcare that prioritizes the health and safety of everyone involved. By establishing clear guidelines and expectations, families and their childcare providers can work together to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission while still providing essential care for children.

Some of the key elements of a safe restart agreement for childcare may include:

1. Health and safety procedures: These may include guidelines for hand washing, sanitizing, and disinfecting surfaces, as well as protocols for dealing with any potential exposure to COVID-19.

2. Social distancing practices: Depending on the age of the children and the size of the childcare setting, social distancing may be challenging but still necessary. The agreement can set expectations for how close caregivers will be to children, and whether group activities will be limited or eliminated.

3. Screening procedures: Parents and caregivers may be asked to complete daily health checks, including temperature checks, before entering the childcare setting. These checks can help identify potential cases of COVID-19 early, and prevent the spread of the virus.

4. Use of face masks: Depending on the age of the children and local guidelines, face masks may be required for both caregivers and children. The agreement can establish how and when masks will be used, and whether they will be provided by the childcare provider or families.

5. Communication protocols: A safe restart agreement should include clear communication protocols for families and their childcare providers. This can include how and when to update each other on any potential exposures or symptoms of COVID-19, and how to handle any necessary changes to the childcare arrangement.

By establishing a safe restart agreement for childcare, families can feel more confident in their ability to manage their childcare responsibilities during the pandemic. With clear guidelines and expectations in place, parents can focus on their work, knowing that their children are being cared for in a safe and healthy environment. And for childcare providers, a safe restart agreement can help them navigate the new challenges of operating during the pandemic, while still providing essential care for young children.