Parent Handbook COVID-19 Edition 2020 School Year
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Parent Handbook
COVID-19 Edition
2020 School Year
110 Sherbrooke Street
807-625-6793
daycare@georgejeffrey.com
www.littlegeorgeschildcare.com
1Little George’s Child Care Centre
Parent Handbook
COVID-19 Edition
Introduction 3
A. Enrolling Your Child 4
B. Nondiscrimination Policy 4
C. Extra Hygiene Measures and Procedures 4
D. Inclusion Policy 5
E. Fee and Payment Policy 5
F. Screening and Exclusion Protocols 6,7,8
G. Personal Belongings 9
H. Arrival and Departure Procedures 9
I. Visitors 10
J. Field Trips/Special Events 10
K. Parties and Celebrations 10
L. Food 10
Parent Receipt Form 11
2Introduction
Dear Parents,
Little George’s Child Care Centre has developed this handbook to ensure we all have the same
information related to COVID-19 changes. We understand this may be a fearful time because
we have never experienced a pandemic situation before. The staff and administration at Little
George’s are committed to providing a quality program that is safe, educational, child-friendly,
and fun!
Many things will seem different with new procedures in place for the safety of all. There will be a
daily “active” screen for all children and parents. You can review the attached screening tool to
familiarize yourself with this process. The screening will be set up right at the main entrance into
the building. You will be required to declare any health-related issues (environmental allergies,
food sensitivities, and teething) that mirror the COVID-19 screening symptoms.
This handbook will lay out the changes as we enter the next phase from this COVID-19
pandemic. This situation is unprecedented and is constantly evolving, so all changes included in
this handbook will remain as the “new normal” until further notice. We will make sure that all
changes are realistic and feasible for staff and children by following CDC (Center for Disease
Control) guidelines as well as those put forth by the Ministry of Education, Thunder Bay District
Health Unit as well as Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB). Please
be sure to read through the entire handbook, sign, and return the last page electronically.
Despite the restrictions placed upon us as a result of COVID-19, Little George’s will remain an
environment that fosters fun and learning. It is our goal to draw out and inspire the best in
children as we provide them with opportunities to create, explore, and learn.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the policies and procedures that
are outlined in this Parent Handbook. They are in place to ensure that Little George’s is a safe
and enjoyable place for your family.
Cindy Daniele RECE
Supervisor
Little George’s Child Care Centre
3A. Enrolling Your Child
Before enrolling any child, parents or guardians must register your child (ren) on the Thunder
Bay Childcare Registry (One List) at www.thunderbaychildcare.ca. You may schedule an
appointment with the Supervisor for a virtual tour, and the child (ren) can accompany the
parents in a virtual online interview. We believe this provides both the parent and the Supervisor
the opportunity to clearly convey their expectations of Little George’s and go through our
enrollment package one-on-one. Upon the decision to enroll your child, parents or guardians will
be provided with an application, financial agreement, all health and emergency forms, as well as
a copy of our handbook. All forms would be filled out electronically and sent through email or
mailed in.
In the event of a Cohort (group) being at its full capacity, we will place you on the waiting list.
We are sorry that we cannot always meet the needs of parents or guardians when requested,
however you may call us and request to know where your child is on the waiting list. The
Supervisor will call you when an opening becomes available.
B. Nondiscrimination Policy
Admissions to Little George’s shall be made without regard to race, color, religious creed,
ancestry, national origin, disability, age or gender.
C. Extra Hygiene Measures and Procedures
1. Hand washing: As soon as children arrive to the room, they will wash their hands
properly. Hands will also be washed throughout the day and more frequently with soap
and water for at least 30 seconds. Hand sanitizer will be used for our older children
when soap and water is not available. Sanitizing stations are located throughout our
facility.
2. Sanitizing/Disinfecting: All high touch surfaces will be wiped down twice during the day,
before and after use as well as at the end of each day. Any toys that go into a child’s
mouth will be put into the disinfecting process. This is a normal procedure. All high touch
surfaces and toys will be disinfected prior to leaving the room and throughout the day. All
sensory bins, soft toys, pillows, dress-up clothes will be put away during this phase of
opening.
3. Mask wearing: Masks can be worn by children enrolled; if tolerated. Children 2 years of
age and younger will not wear a mask. Staff may or may not wear a mask, depending
on their comfort level.
4. Social distancing: Each room is considered a “cohort.” A cohort will consist of a
maximum number of 10 this includes staff and children. Each “cohort” will social
distance from other “cohorts” to assure safety. Children will not need to wear a mask
4C. Extra Hygiene Measures and Procedures (Continued)
5. when they are in their “cohort” (playroom), on the playground during their designated
time, or in the bathroom. “Cohorts” will not intermix and will be with the same Educators
as much as possible. All staff will wear masks when not in their “cohort”, and when in
common areas where social distancing may not be possible.
6. Indoor Foot Wear only classroom: All children will take their outdoor shoes off before
entering the classroom. Staff and children will have to bring “indoor shoes” to wear in the
classroom only. Since children spend time on the floor, we want it to be as clean and
safe as possible.
D. Inclusion Policy
To the greatest extent possible, children with disabilities will be included in the full range of
activities and services normally provided to children at our center by making necessary
modifications to meet the child's special needs.
E. Fee and Payment Policy
Little George’s enforces the following policies and procedures for payment of child care
services.
1. An invoice will be mailed to families on the 15th of each month for the current month.
2. A $25.00 per month late fee will be charged when a payment is not received. This charge
will be applied on the following invoice if payment was not received.
3. There will be a late penalty if children are picked up after the closing time of 5:30 p.m.
$15.00 charge per child for every 5-15 minutes, a $25.00 charge per child for 16-30
minutes and a $40.00 charge per child for 31 minutes.
4. Vacation time or days off: The Supervisor (not educator) requires 30 day written notice
prior to time requested off. Written notice via email is accepted.
5. If you need to terminate your child’s enrollment, a two-week notice in writing is to be
given to the Supervisor; otherwise, you will continue to be charged for the remainder of
the month in which you terminate your child’s enrollment. (No reimbursement of fees will
be granted).
6. If you decide to take an extended leave of absence, we can only hold your child’s spot by
paying a 25% per month fee (this would be 25% of what your normal monthly payments
would be). The extended leave of absence also applies to those who choose not to
send their child to school after the reopening from a forced closure, like a
pandemic or emergency-related forced closure.
7. To ensure your child’s enrollment, parents must re-register their child (ren) for the
following year.
8. It is understood that there will be an annual change of fees each January at the start of
the fiscal year.
5F. Screening & Exclusion Protocols
Children who are obviously ill with fever, diarrhea, vomiting, green-runny nose, puss/oozing
eyes, disease or condition (i.e.- ringworm, head lice, chicken pox, measles, mumps, pink eye,
fever over 38c and over, etc.) will not be admitted to the program. It is a danger to other children
and staff members at our facility. If you have any doubts about your child’s health, please call us
at 807-625-6793 to be sure they may attend. If your child appears to be sick or has any of the
above while at Little George’s, we will notify the parent or guardian immediately, and it is
necessary that the child be picked up within one hour of notification.
The child will be permitted to return when his/her temperature is normal for 48 hours without aid
of fever-reducing medication. Your child must have any prescribed medication, such as
antibiotics, in his/her system for at least 24 hours before returning. In the event your child is sent
home with one of the above health concerns, they will not be permitted back to Little George’s
without a doctor’s note. The doctor’s note must be written on their letterhead and read that the
child can return to Little George’s because what they have is no longer contagious.
Medication can be administered provided parent has completed the MEDICATION form. The
medication must be given to a staff member in its original bottle, which contains the
pharmacist’s directions. The medication form must be signed by the parent and the staff
receiving the medication and will be kept on file. Children will be given their medication
according to the prescription specifications only.
If a child is showing COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) OR if you have
been in close contact with a person or child testing positive for COVID- 19, you must keep your
child home.
We ask that all parents and staff let us know of any potential exposure immediately. A potential
exposure means being a household contact or having close contact within 6 feet of an individual
with confirmed or suspected COVID- 19 for at least 15 minutes. The timeframe for having
contact with an individual includes the period of 48 hours before the individual became
symptomatic. If there is a positive case of COVID-19 in a child or an adult who has been present
in the childcare center, we will inform the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and our parents.
6Screening Procedure for Staff, Children and Parents
Instruct everyone who is sick to stay home.
Each day, screen all staff, children, and parents arriving at the Childcare Centre using the
Childcare Screening Tool. If a parent fails the screen, have them leave immediately with
their children and contact the TBDHU.
If a child or staff member fails the screen or develops a symptom while at the centre,
follow these steps:
1. Isolate the person immediately.
if the person is a child, separate them from others in a supervised area and call for the
child to be picked up from the centre immediately.
metres.
2. Contact TBDHU for next steps by emailing cccconsult@tbdhu.com. Please provide
the following information when emailing the TBDHU for direction:
attending the centre.
3. While contacting the TBDHU:
if distance cannot be maintained from a symptomatic child, the child and childcare worker
should wear a surgical/procedure mask (if tolerated). Masks should not be placed on
children under 2 years of age.
up.
disposed of appropriately and hand hygiene is performed.
after the child has been picked up, clean the area where they were waiting.
4. Follow all steps provided by the TBDHU
t the childcare centre who had 15 minutes or more exposure to
a child or staff member who became ill are considered close contacts and must be sent
home with instructions to self-isolate. The TBDHU will provide guidance on testing/isolation
for these individuals. If test the result for symptomatic child/staff member is negative, the
close contacts may return to the childcare centre.
-19 will be contacted by
the TBDHU.
those who test negative for COVID-19 must be excluded from the centre until 24-48
hours (symptom dependent) after symptom resolution.
those who test positive for COVID-19 must be excluded from the centre until 14 days
after the onset of symptoms and clearance has been received by the TBDHU.
7Protocol For If Any Persons Shows Symptoms of COVID-19 while in the Child Care
Centre
Symptoms for COVID-19 include: fever (38°C and over), a new or worsening cough,
shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, decrease or loss
of sense of taste or smell, chills, headaches, unexplained fatigue/malaise/muscle aches,
nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, pink eye, runny nose/nasal congestion without
other known cause. If any person developed symptoms while in the Child Care Centre:
1. Isolate the person immediately.
if the person is a child, separate them from others in a supervised area and call for the
child to be picked up from the centre immediately.
metres.
2. Contact TBDHU for next steps by emailing cccconsult@tbdhu.com. Please provide
the following information when emailing the TBDHU for direction:
ms, child’s name and DOB, parent’s name and contact number, last dates
attending the centre.
Page 6 of 23
3. While contacting the TBDHU:
if distance cannot be maintained from a symptomatic child, the child and childcare worker
should wear a surgical/procedure mask (if tolerated). Masks should not be placed on
children under 2 years of age.
up.
Tissues can be provided to the child for proper respiratory etiquette. Ensure tissues are
disposed of appropriately and hand hygiene is performed.
after the child has been picked up, clean the area where they were waiting.
4. Follow all steps provided by the TBDHU
or staff member who became ill are considered close contacts and must be sent home with
instructions to self-isolate. The TBDHU will provide guidance on testing/isolation for these
individuals. If test the result for symptomatic child/staff member is negative, the close
contacts may return to the childcare centre.
-19 will be contacted by
the TBDHU.
-19 must be excluded from the centre until 24-48
hours (symptom dependent) after symptom resolution.
-19 must be excluded from the centre until 14 days
after the onset of symptoms and clearance has been received by the TBDHU.
5. Communicate with staff, parents/guardians of next steps from the Thunder Bay
District Health Unit.
6. Submit a Serious Occurrence Report to the Child Care Licensing System.
7. Contact the TBDSSAB, Manager of Child Care Early Years to notify that a child is
showing symptoms and a report has been submitted.
8G. Personal Belongings
While in this phase of operation, children may not bring in any personal belongings aside from
what is approved. You will need to bring everything that your child (ren) will need while in our
care. No toys or personal items from home will be permitted at this time. Nothing will be allowed
to go back and forth between the Centre and your home. This means your child will need a few
changes of clothing, and any items needed for toileting, rest and/or outdoor play. Please pack a
sun hat and sunscreen that will stay in your child’s locker. As well as indoor shoes.
H. Arrival and Departure Procedures
Our facility is operational from 7:00 am – 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. All children must be
dropped off by 9:30am. If a drop off and screening has to take place after these times
arrangements will have to be made through the supervisor. If you see another family being
checked in, we ask that you wait until they have completed the screening process and have left
the area. Thank you for your patience during this process.
Drop-Off Procedures-
1. Parents will arrive and park their vehicle.
2. Parents will line up at the entrance following the two-meter
spacing (6 ft.) along the fence at the blue markers, stop signs will
be on the sidewalk. If the line is full, please wait in your car.
3. Bring everything your child needs. Nothing will be allowed to travel
back and forth from home.
4. The two inside entrance doors will be propped open during
morning drop off and afternoon pick up. The screener and porter
will be wearing masks. You and your child (ren) will be screened.
Parents will need to wear a mask.
5. If screening is passed, the porter will take your child to the
playroom. The parent will not be allowed to go beyond the
screening station. However, we encourage your phone calls,
emails, (we are also currently looking into an app called HI
Mama).
6. The porter and child will complete hand washing.
Pick-Up Procedures-
1. Parents will arrive and park their vehicle.
2. The porter will greet parents.
3. Please lineup at the entrance following the two-meter spacing
(6 ft.) along the fence at the stop signs. If the line is full, please
wait in your car.
4. You must wear a face covering/mask.
5. The porter will bring children to the front door for pickup
9.
I. Visitors
Visitors will not be permitted at this time. Exceptions are being made for special needs services.
There will be no volunteers or students.
J. Field Trips/Special Events
There will be no field trips or special events/gatherings at this time. We may go for walks
around the neighbourhood.
K. Parties and Celebrations
Parties and celebrations will not occur at the present time and will be reviewed at a later date.
L. Food
A. Lunch: We ask that you do not bring in any outside food. Lunch is served at
11:30 am
B. Snack: A morning and afternoon snack is included in your child's day. Snack is provided
at 9:30 am and 2:30 pm daily.
C. Food Allergy: We are a peanut-safe facility.
10Parent or Guardian COVID-19 Handbook Receipt Form
Parents or Guardians,
Please thoroughly review the Parent Handbook”COVID-19” edition for 2020-2021. The hand
book contains the policies and procedures for Little George’s while in the process of reopening.
After reading the handbook, please complete this form and return it to the Centre via email at
cdaniele@georgejeffrey.com as soon as possible. Your child will not be permitted to attend until
this waiver is received. This form will be kept in your child’s file.
Should you have any questions or require further clarification please feel free to contact me at
625-6793 or email at cdaniele@georgejeffrey.com
Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Cindy Daniele RECE
Supervisor
Little George’s Child Care Centre
I, ___________________________________________ (print your name), the parent/guardian
of ______________________________________________ (print child’s name), hereby
acknowledge receipt of Little George’s Parent Handbook COVID-19 edition and additional
reference materials. I have read and agree to adhere to all the policies and regulations set forth
in this handbook.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________
Date: ________________________________________________
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