Hello Val,
My name is Mary Robinson-Banks, owner of my group daycare, Learn-in-Play Daycare, located in Chester, PA. I have been open since March 23, 2020, for essential workers and will resume servicing all parents on June 15. I have found the masks are more of a headache because you now have to watch for them touching the cover resulting in the need to wash their hands and trace steps to disinfect what they have touched. Before COVID-19, I kept masks on hand for those who would have uncontrollable coughs and refuse to avoid coughing into the air. I will continue with this method.
We have to be their masks and observe and monitor their coughs, sneezes, runny noses, and temperatures closer. I am acclimating them to assigned seats. We have talked about personal space in the past; now, it is a must-have conversation and reminder. The younger children do not understand the daily need; however, they do know if they are sick, the mask is a must. To the children, the covers are like dress-up clothes; they become bored and take them off. Maybe, when all have returned, they will want to mimic the older children and keep them on.
The distancing is our focus and is working well. Currently, I have two children, 3rd shift, siblings, four children, 2nd shift two sets of siblings, and they are cousins. The weekend I have two siblings. When the nonessential only child returns 1st shift, I have his spot at the opposite end of the table from one set of siblings because they are friends. The other nonessentials are older school age, and they attend on the weekend, and they are accustomed to wearing their masks and already practice social distancing.
I have implemented the no outside shoes inside. Parents are required to leave a pair of shoes at the daycare for the child(ren) to change into when they arrive and working with full cooperation. I have the blue shoe covers for adults that need to enter the premises.
Since March 23, 2020, the parents have been doing curbside drop off and pick up and wait while I check the child(ren) temperature. In the event the parent needs to come close, they must wear their mask. I do my healthy verbal check-in when they call and say they are en route.
I feel I have implemented enough changes and tweakings for their young minds to handle. To separate nonessential from essential was a devastating thought for me to execute. I was empathetic and went though feelings of "why can't I sit next to or play with my friend?" Then to add the must wear the mask and "do not touch the mask," Was a stressful thought; I feel it is too much stress for the developing minds.
I hope this helps with your planning. Good luck with your opening.
Mary
------------------------------
Mary Robinson-Banks
Owner
Learn-In-Play Day Care
Chester PA
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 05-30-2020 01:01 PM
From: Val Gelfand
Subject: Masks for 2 years old and up?
Hello, I am the owner of the Montessori and Music daycare center in Mundelein, Illinois. We plan to open our center on June 15th. Many of our parents are concerned about the steps we are about to take to ensure our children have a safe environment, including wearing masks for children 2 years of age and older.
In any case, I do not see the possibility that children aged 2, 3-5 years old should wear masks, and I do not think that it is not safe for their health (psychological and physical).
I would like to know what others providers are doing.
Sincerely Val Gel
------------------------------
Val Gelfand
Montessori and Music Daycare Center
Mundelein IL
------------------------------