The Coronavirus has taken over the news recently, and many are concerned about the spread of the illness. All early learning professionals know how important it is to keep yourself and the children in your care as safe and healthy as possible.
If you’re sick, stay home until you have been fever-free for 24 hours.
Wash hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds! Teach children to do the same by having them sing the alphabet song while they wash, and encouraging them to rub hands together to scrub off germs.
Cover coughs/ sneezes and encourage children to do the same by showing them how to use their elbow (like a bat wing or Dracula).
Click here to download a printable poster with the tips above from CQEL.
While you probably already disinfect on a regular basis, you will want to do it even more often. Each time you spray down the tables with disinfectant, you will also want to spray down door knobs, faucets, and anything else that is touched on a regular basis. For an extra clean classroom, you might consider doing extra deep cleaning on your counter tops, floors, refrigerator, or anywhere else that might not have been cleaned recently. Additionally, it is important to be extra vigilant about children mouthing toys! If you see a child put anything in his or her mouth, try to disinfect as quickly as possible to prevent it from getting passed onto another child.
Finally, keep your ears open for any possible negativity between children or parents related to the virus. It is up to us to make sure that no child or family feels ostracized as a result.
Parents are likely to be worried about this virus, and will want to know how you are working to keep their children safe. You might consider sending a memo (via email, Facebook, flyer, or any other preferred method of communication) to parents about everything you are doing to keep your classrooms clean and their little ones healthy. It will help families feel more comfortable to know that you are doing everything in your power to prevent the spread of germs. In the memo, encourage parents to keep their children home if they are unwell.
