In my own anxiety around Covid-19, I made a blast post on Facebook reaching out to local families to join together in regards to childcare and keeping our children safe. I knew at some point, day cares would reopen but the thought of my daughter being surrounded by more than a handful of children, was more than concerning. Yet, to see her go another day without another child to play with was truly saddening. The response on Facebook for a childcare coop was incredible, so as Brooklynites, we are starting this journey together in the safest way possible. Below are the steps Crown Heights Childcare Collective is taking to keep our families healthy and safe:
- Limiting exposure by limiting each childcare pod/group to three families (including host mom/traveling mom and their child).
- Limiting adult traffic in host mom's home by child drop-off in lobby or front door. Your host mom will sign your child in.
- Traveling mom care giver has access to own transportation or the use of face masks if on public transportation.
- Daily forehead temperature checks for care giver and children.
- No care provided if your child has a fever. For host mom/traveling mom who is sick or whose child is sick, a back-up care giver will be provided.
- All adults must wear a face covering during outdoor activities with children.
- Any adult that is not the primary care giver entering the home (i.e. music teacher or recreational instructor) must wear a face covering.
- All adults and children must incorporate hand-washing throughout the day.
- Disinfecting toys and surfaces (door handles, table tops, faucets, toilet handles, and toilet seats) before care, during care, and after care every day.
