We are all adapting to the new normal that Covid-19 has forced. Drop-off and pick-up at child care is one of the first things that comes to mind when we think about Covid, child care, and new normal. Here is an example of how one Wonderschool child care provider has updated her drop-off routines.
A new drop-off
Lauren Fletcher is the owner and director at Village Child Care in San Bernardino County, California. She has the benefit of the Southern California climate to make it easier to make changes to drop-off and pick up. Here’s a photo of her set-up:
Fletcher purchased a table and canopy to create an outdoor drop-off station. She printed Covid-19 posters to hang up. She takes temperatures as kids arrive and again at lunch time. She has hand sanitizer available in bulk.
Changes and updates
Fletcher, like so many of us, is learning as she goes. Initially she was having parents bring their own pens. Since taking this photo, though she’s made a few changes. She now has parents signing in on an iPad. She has purchased a set of stylus pens–one for each child. She stores the pens in individual envelopes with the child’s name on it, so there’s no sharing or disinfecting pens required.
This, too, may change
One of the biggest lessons throughout this time is that nothing is permanent. Child care business owners must adapt as we learn more about the science and the spread of the virus. At Wonderschool, we are working hard to ensure providers have the resources and support they need to run safe, healthy, and stable businesses now and into the future– whatever that may hold.
Related
