MASK UP MANDATES FOR CHILDREN - A step to protect children at child care centers
Michigan steps up with a call of protective action for children in child care centers, homes (pertaining to licensed family day care) and camps. While this is a step forward - including holding up the banner to protect children in day care programs, it comes with questions from some parents. The order by the Governor, State of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, announced on August 06, 2020, children and staff at child care centers, including camps wear mask. This awaited order for many child care professionals & child advocates, came on the heels of face covering mandates in Michigan schools. It did take effect August 10, 2020. I applaud the Governor’s action. In as much as taking this important stand on behalf of young Michiganders, and all essential individuals who care for & educate our children! In the bargain, Michigan children in day care older than 2 years must wear a mask on a bus or other transportation. Preschoolers 4 years old are to wear mask ‘in hallways and common areas’. Masking up requirements for all staff and older children 12 years, is more restrictive - age appropriate for older students, assuming capable of greater self-management skills. (Children with medical conditions that conflict with wearing a face covering is taken into consideration).
The question parents, including some employees ponder is whether the mandate can be enforced. One simple way of addressing this question, is to weigh whether non-compliance is worth risking children’s safety? What about the possibility of preventing suffering or possible death? Pleading and/or enforcing sanctions certainly should not be necessary here. Are young children 4 years and under likely to be reminded more times than not - keep their mask on, or NO sharing with pal? Absolutely! No doubt! It rank with the number of times early educators ask their students - ‘please keep your shoes on’. Reminders, two sometimes three times - ‘put materials away at clean-up time’. Its all part of the learning process for them. It’s the repetition, reminders, encouraging and definitely role modeling. All are building blocks to teach young children how to be safe, and appreciate what behaviors necessary to stay safe. It is encouraging children to actually wear their special child size mask, and gentle reminders to use soap when washing their hands. Motivating children to practice these actions, helps teach safe self-care, as well as have long-term impact., Early educators like our parent readers want the best for children & families. A safe place for children to explore, learn and not compromise health. In addition staff want to feel protected too while doing the work of their choice. We recognize now that children are not exempt from the COVID-19.
Understandably, numerous parents work outside the home. Many of them are essential workers, as too child care providers. Essential care providers have accommodated families since March 2020, the on-set of COVID-19 spread in the United States. If you are a parent that does not work remote from home, and child care is an option, listen-up! Role model!!! By parents masking up is a first-rate way to help your child feel comfortable wearing their mask regularly. Help them to know what to expect daily - including learn this ‘new normal’ - wear a mask practiced at day care too! My husband John Sr, and I are the parents of three real grown adult children, John Jr., Andrace and Brandon. We’re grandparents too! Grand son, Nashad, 26 years old, and our grand daughter Ahni, who is 15 years - starting 10th grade virtually, Fall 2020. Trust me I empathize with parents. The un-easy feelings many parents with school-age and younger children must be experiencing. Those gut-grumbling feelings of apprehension and frustration. Parents with little ones perhaps question whether day care is a SAFE option. Of course, every family situation is not the same, as every child care program is unique. It is as unique as the individuals responsible for the children in their care. The level of attention paid & adhering to safety regulations, mandates, and taking precautions while staff work - varies from child care program to the next. Parents must be vigilant in their choice of care, as well as to monitor regarding safety & health.
As a professional , I have worked over 30 years with children, parents, families, early childhood educators, and teachers of school-age students. So please know when I say… “get real serious” about safe child care arrangements - it comes from a good place. Avoid making a quickie decision. Particularly during active coronavirus, where medical /research experts continue working diligently to produce a safe vaccine. My comment to get serious, I say respectfully to parents facing a real challenge now, and in the upcoming months. Yet, it also is accompanied with years of successful professional experience, as well as insight raising children. Let me not forget in this blog to mention child care providers deserve great honor and support they are due. We regularly hear the word ‘essential’, coined when referencing professionals like child care providers. Essential indeed, as child care centers, family day care homes stayed open welcoming families even during tough times. Dealing with low enrollment, shortage of PPE supplies, and short in receiving funds. However, these programs continue to open their doors because they are ESSENTIAL! “Psst”… Keep reading! Allow me to share here SIX STAY SAFE Biggies parents should seriously consider. Know this before opting to enroll or return to day care as we work together to back-down coronavirus .
Visit www.cdc.gov regarding ‘Supplemental Guidance for Child Care’ programs remaining open.
READ the child care center’s program safe action plan & commitment that address COVID-19. If there is none its one sure clue to move on! Look for a program that address this issue verbal & written documentation.
ASK center administrator or licensed home child care provider about children & staff wearing mask/face covering while in care. How do staff teach children the IMPORTANCE of their mask wear at appropriate times? Also, a good question that reiterates your concern for your child’s safe care is ‘How do staff or licensed care giver incorporate a PPE theme, such as mask wear into the DAILY schedule of activities?’ Example: Morning greeting of children, during circle time activities, lesson planning about keeping safe. Repetition is crucial with children. Mask wear is still new for most of us. That is why it must be emphasized daily for children in child care settings. It can be presented in most creative & interesting ways children learn best. Examples: Songs, visuals, story books, thematic learning activities, role modeling.
Social distance - Know what the number of children will be in small groups. Plus, parents should know how safe distancing will be managed while in care. For instance while youngsters are at play, as well as where children are seated for meals & table activities. Know how staff position cots at naptime to help minimize coughs & sneezes reaching other children. Care giving staff should ensure children are positioned on cots/sleeping equipment NOT face-to-face.
CLEANING & SANITIZING - What is the schedule of cleaning? Who’s responsibility is it to clean & sanitize regularly - even as needed? Items such as toys, tables, chairs, cots, and small learning equipment? What about disinfecting the bathroom children use? Are there periodic toilet checks for cleanliness, i.e. toilet seat during the day? This question may or may not pose some un-comfort asking, but is appropriate nevertheless. Doorknobs sanitized and high touch surfaces? Finally, what toys and equipment are available for individual use verse sharing throughout the day?
Monitoring - Expect routine child & staff wellness checks by temperature taking. What is the policy on foot traffic - individuals other than authorized employees, or cleared person(s) entering the areas where children are? How are parent-child drop-off & pick-up monitored on the premises? Listen…if the center administrator or family child care provider answers without clarity, or appear not forthcoming regarding safety - it’s best to scratch that program off your list for consideration.
REMEMBER…If your child must go to daycare during the stages of coronavirus, don’t forget they should mask-up too! Regular handwashing! Note: Individuals who are in need of a mask in the Michigan area can call the MI Mask project/ COVID-19 hotline 888-535-6136. Also, check with various human services agencies or community center in your area.
Article by: Eartha L DeYampert, Senior Consultant
EL DeYampert Child Care Brand Consulting LLC