Have any of you developed a plan? Had conversations with healthcare workers? Local government? Parents?
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Have any of you developed a plan? Had conversations with healthcare workers? Local government? Parents?
I have begun to think about it, but have not put much thought into it. One of my familys are travelling to the USA in the next few weeks and my husband is coming home from work in Europe. He will most likely be quarentined for 4 days so its hard to say what will come of it. I will treat it like my illness policy for now and continue to be strict about cleanliness and handwashing, and strict for my family when they return from vacation. I will definetly have a conversation with the parents before they go so we are both on the same page.
Worried about having to close for weeks when it hits us regular folk.... I dont have pandemics in my policies! Hoping all make it out alive when all over is most important of course. Passing it to Grams and Gramps most concern
As things escalate I am genuinely concerned if we are forced to self contain like Italy. If it happened there surely its only a matter of time till everywhere else has to. Having my daycare temporarily close and having zero income is terrifying.
I don't for one minute call into question the need for social distancing and primarily people need to stop travelling out of their region, but the reality of no income for people who are barely making ends meet as it is, that is causing me a lot of anxiety. I have read that a few countries are allowing deferred payments or suspending mortgage payments, taxes and utilities, but the consumer credit crisis that many people are part of...what happens with all of that?? Right now we are reassessing all non essential spending.
I have a situation where one of my daycare kids grandparents are leaving for a cruise on March 23rd. They fly to Australia and then cruise for 30 days. You can bet your life upon returning one of the first things they will want to do is see their grandson. That puts my family and my daycare families at a huge risk. You can say that I should mind my own business, but this is my business and these types of risks effect everyone and global travel is a major part, if not the biggest factor in why this has spread so much. How do I deal with this family? And how do I trust that they are going to do as I ask by keeping their son and themselves away from them for at least 14 days if not more for him to still be able to attend daycare?
I wouldn’t worry too much as cruises are on the advisory for do not travel. They will most likely be put in isolation upon return or the cruise will get cancelled.
If not, you have every right to send a letter voicing your concerns if the cruise happens. :) hopefully the family will respect that!
Terrified also. Government may give EI to self employed businesses affected by corona
I run a home daycare in Nepean, ON and would love to hear more during such an uncertain time. I have been running my daycare for 21yrs now! I'm a 47yr old woman and only in the last couple of years have I really started to stand my ground on daycare policies. I think this is such a crucial time to stand our ground and do our best to protect everyone involved including the kiddos, ourselves and all connected families. I have been up to my eyeballs in the latest COVID-19 news and trying to seek as much advice as possible. Something I have wanted to add to my contract even prior to this was something explaining to parents how our hours work as home daycare providers, and subsequently what exactly parents are paying for. I have too often had parents resentful when I send sick children home, or asked for an occasional 20min early pick up. I've realized how truly unseen/understood we are. I offer care Mon-Friday 7:30-5PM almost All families use max hours, average 9hrs per day. We as Home Daycare Providers work longer hours than pretty much Any parent. Unlike in a school or daycare centre we have no one to cover for us to go on break or to take over the shift at the 6 or 8hr mark. If ever there was work that required good mental health it is this one, Looking after parents most precious beings. Yet somehow I feel all too often taken advantage of or somehow thought less than. The hired help so to speak. What parents don't understand is the are not paying us on an hourly basis, or even on a daily basis, the agreed daycare rate is the rate paid to hold a child's daycare spot. One of only 5 daycare spaces we have available. It Is never an intention to have children at max hours. I see parents home all the time, and still send their children full hours. Our hours are set to accommodate as many families as possible.
Phew.. little rant there! 😁 Now the COVID-19 and home daycare:
This is what I am going to be putting forward to parents:
I have already sent out a letter addressing what our public heath administrator has advised all schools and daycare; vigilant hand washing ✔ teaching kids not to touch their faces ✔ ** Keep your children home when they are sick... and gave them a copy of my sick kids policy. That was Monday. Soooo much has developed since then. Ladies this is where we need to protect ourselves and our livelyhoods!! I am sending a child home today with a cough and cold symptoms newly developed. I'm telling her that under this unusually high risk circumstances she needs to keep her son home. No fever Yet, however children are typically carriers not the ones with high fever etc.. even if not COVID-19, if we all now come down with upper respiratory illness, lower our immunities we will be at even higher risk when the Big Bug hits. 😣 So scary!! We need to be EXtRa Vigilant!! When parents are asked to stay at home to isolate and lessen the spread of illness, I am ready to stand my ground and tell them they need to also keep their children home. We need to lower risk people!! Sending their children to daycare and put Everyone else at risk when they are not working??? So (this is where my rant has relevance) this is when the big question about pay will ofcourse come in. Yes indeed in order to hold your childs spot you will continue to pay unless it's a lay off situation. If parents aren't getting paid and we can't negotiate something, I will still ask to have children at home, and try to hold their spot regardless of pay.
We have to act on behalf of all families involved. Keep our environment as healthy as possible. If parents continue to work I will continue to provide care as long as possible. Crazy hand washing, disposable gloves, masks when necessary. I'm scared people. I am pretty healthy and fit, but I had a terrible case of pneumonia last year. I have 3 wonderful boys 16, 18 & 24.. all living at home. I'm scared, but we can do this!!! ❤❤❤
I don’t think we should be forced to close without pay.
If the local government or health departments mandate closures at some point, that is beyond our control.
Their child’s spot is being held open regardless, so i would expect them to pay.
I will be changing policies to include a no fever policy if the child has cough/cold symptoms( as opposed to sending them home when fever hits 101)
I'm actually starting to get nervous about this whole thing as well. I've had one child off since Tuesday with cough, fever and irritability. It started out as vomiting and diarrhea on Monday. Now, another child is off today with a cough.
I was wondering if any of you have an updated illness policy reflecting COVID-19 that you could share. I am at a loss as to how to word it. Plus, I have a parent that just does not seem to take this pandemic seriously.
I now have a zero fever policy/ no cough/ no congested chest or difficulty breathing.
Also child excluded for 2 weeks if they or parents venture outside of Canada.
Is anyone closing for this?
I had planned to stay open as long as nobody was sick....with the sudden influx of business closures today I'm just curious about whether that's the right call?
Now that the Ontario gov't declared a state of emergency, should home daycares be following suit with daycare centres and close? I also worry about parents and their needs. I have had a couple of children stay home due to concern about this. Is there any official information for us as home daycares?
I'm also really confused about what to do? I'm having neighbourhood parents ask if I'm open as their centres are closed. Any official advice would help. Otherwise, I think we have to make the call on our own depending on our situations.Quote:
Originally Posted by bright sparks
I’m really glad for this discussion...it’s hard to know what to do in this situation. I have one tiny returning from the States, one out with a cough and one whose parents want to keep her home for the next couple of weeks. That’s half my population! I was speaking with another daycare provider in my area who has decided to close for the rest of the month. The reason she gave me was that her home daycare insurance provider recommended it. I hadn’t even thought to ask them! I’m leaning towards finishing this week but then closing for the next two. I just haven’t decided if I will request no fees or partial fees...tricky as I’m single income.
Unlicensed wasn't acknowledged in Fords remarks but I'm feeling great social pressure to close and my contract states if i close for emergency i don't charge unfort Gonna hurt a lot but I think the whole world losing money .Hopefully unlicensed can get govt financial aid for closing but doubt it since they don't officially recognize us
Or another thought was to stay open to parents who are comfortable sending their kids and if I have at least 3 of the 5 I'll stay open but not charge the ones who are too uncomfortable.... not sure what to do.
So far, I'm planning to stay open as long as my daughter and I are healthy. I'm not sure what to do about charging parents if you do close. It's hard because they're paying for a service they're not getting, but at the same time, the spots are being held for them, so perhaps a retaining fee. I have that set up in my Handbook- I believe it's $275/month for them to hold a spot. It's not much money coming in, but I have savings, so I can get by for a couple of weeks to a month. Let's keep giving each other ideas on this. I contacted MPP's on this and am waiting to hear back.
Some parents asking me to please stay open. Not sure what's right thing to do.
I think I will stay open as long as it's safe and everyone is healthy. I don't see the harm in helping out parents and staying open. If the government orders us to shut down as well, then that's another story.Quote:
Originally Posted by ebhappydc
I found this on the Public health website. They specifically state...
"Childcare settings will refer to both licensed and unlicensed childcare programs providing care and education to children from infants and toddlers to preschool age, as well as providing before and after school care for school age children. Childcare programs are located in a variety of settings, including family homes, centre-based care and schools."
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-heal...-programs.html
Personally, I am going to take one day at a time. I don't know how long this is going to drag out and as long as everyone is healthy, I will stay open. Unless of course if Ford declares a province-wide shut down.. I am going to be very strict and prepare to turn away any child at the door who comes in with a runny nose, sore throat, cough or even a hint of a fever.
Problem is you're contagious before showing symptoms
My daycare is closed
Thank you for that website and info. So it looks like we are included in daycare closures. But it's still confusing, so I emailed them directly and will update when I hear back. I also asked about government assistance if we remain closed. One parent brought her son and he's been coughing and has chest congestion. Geez! I even sent an email about the symptoms of COVID 19 and coughing is one of them. I took his temperature, and he's normal. Just feeling very frustrated about that. Keep your kids home!
JUST trying to get a feel of who is closed or closing and if you are charging the parents. Most of my parents ARE GETTING PAID, so would it be selfish to ask to be paid???
The Ministry of Education ontario sent memo that unlicensed daycares and home licensed daycares are NOT included in closures We can stay open
After talking to other providers, nurse friends and my insurance company I’ve decided to close for 2 weeks starting on Monday. I will leave it up to the parents as to if they offer partial fees or not but that’s because my contract states that I don’t charge if I choose to close...and right now it is my choice. But...because it’s still our choice I’m worried that we won’t qualify for financial assistance yet either.
And of course I’m concerned about what will happen past the 2 weeks!!! When I reopen I plan to have reworked my sick policy to include cough etc. I included this in the message I sent to all my families so they’re aware that some changes are coming.
Stay safe and healthy everyone!
Are parents still required to pay you even though they can't bring the kids?Quote:
Originally Posted by ebhappydc
It's such an ethical question. For instance, are gyms asking for monthly fees? It's complicated with services because they're unable to use them and then if they need to pay for them as well, it can be difficult for families. However, we also need an income and dedicate our homes to caring for these children. OHHH, I wish there was a clear answer on what to do. I would really like to close for 2 weeks as well. But not sure what to do about fees.Quote:
Originally Posted by Daisy123
I'm in Ont and after learning the Ministry of Education is allowing home based daycares to remain open (for now), and after I had parents beg me to stay open while they work at home, I have decided to stay open to those families who are comfortable sending their child. Of the 5 kids, one is staying away. During the State of Emerg date set by Ont gov't until March 31, I am not charging during this time if a child does not attend. After March 31 I will have to re-evaluate as I cannot hold a spot open endlessly, and there are lots of people trying to find care now that centres are closed. In hindsight though, a fair measure imo would be to meet half way, parent pays half fees at least to hold a spot during this crisis. An end date needs to be in place for how long a spot will be held as it could be filled with a family in need and who are willing to pay. I also didn't want to close for fear my desperate families who need care would search elsewhere and I'd lose them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fearlessbaby
This situation isn't going away any time soon. All of my families are avoiding visiting the seniors in their families, and basically just staying home. They know if their child is even a little bit ill, they don't come.
Hi Ladies,
This situation is so unfortunate for all of us.
I can see this discussion and calls to my attention that many of you make statements, like this virus won't touch you! Neither your family or loved ones.
Maybe it's because you're a younger generation perhaps (20-40's)
If you read the news many people is getting laid off, being realistic. I'm sure the next thing to do is to start cutting many non basic services, and childcare is only considered basic whIle they have a job and not when they're at home without a job.
Yes, if you decide to still open go ahead.
I had to close because the risk in my groups of families were big. Plus if your "read", children can still be contagious without showing synthoms. That's how China, and currently Italy and EnglaND are in big trouble, this virus is hard to trace and act earlier to prevent it. My heart and my deep feelings go to you, that will be exposed in a daily basis (not knowing ), screen your families, crazy washing hands and disinfecting, and no socializing what so ever.
Call your insurance companies, protect yourselves and your families as much as you can.
At this point it's not matter of discussion to see who pays or who doesn't. We are all called to focus on working towards "FLATTENING THE CURB" and hopefully not ending up like China or Italy.
Unfortunately, Ontario cases still increasing. And if that keeps going they will definitely close everything.
Please, forsee the danger ahead, not just for you. Also for your family and your community.
If parents are working at home and need childcare. It's because, (if you're a parent and noticed), working from home while taking care children is impossible. In this situation they obviously need our support.
I have seen already, contract policies changing and covering the pandemic issue. A paper won't protect you. When there is such risks, adults constantly fail to protect children; the parents for placing kids in care and in groups when there is a warning, the caregivers opening knowing of such danger but finantial gain is the main goal for some people first.
If there aren't jobs (caused due to the spread and increase of this virus) many of us will face the situacion of closing indefinitely. And be sure that desesperate families will be asking their paid upfront deposits back, regardless you having a spot to keep or not.
I'm just hopping I'm wrong. But please take the necessary precautions.
Thank you Peacefulbird. Very wise words in my opinion.
I will definitely be remaining closed for 2 weeks but then will be re-evaluating the situation. My policies will be changed when (I can’t quite bring myself to say if) I reopen whether that be in 2 weeks or more. I had a tiny call in sick with a low grade fever this morning at which point I promptly communicated with the other families who were due to drop off children. The house will be empty from today. This little guy seemed perfectly healthy until he woke from nap yesterday with flushed cheeks. Hopefully it’s nothing more than a slight bug but we just don’t know. This only reiterates that we have no way to tell if a seemingly well child is harbouring germs and what those germs may be.
Stay safe everyone.
Just curious, what did your insurance company say about staying open?Quote:
Originally Posted by Daisy123
Hi everyone.
I am a parent with an unlicensed daycare. Just wondering what unlicensed places have been choosing to do?
My care provider has chosen to close but has advised that fees must be paid as they are being forced to close.
It seems like this is a bit of a grey area because the closures apply to licensed daycare centres.
Looking for other thoughts/opinions on this?
Hi. As you said it's a grey area. If you check her contract agreement it isn't displayed there or is it?
Anyway, here is the message I get : she has CHOSEN to close but, there hasn't been any ENFORCEMENTs to close.
As ridiculous as it might sound HOMEDAYCARES PRIVATE AND LICENSED ones haven't been enforced to close. They left this choise to the providers. So, do not be surprised but some homedaycares licensed or private ones still open.
In regards of pay, obviously people that works in centres will still be paid but some have been let go so they can apply to unemployment benefits, etc.
A private homedaycare cannot claim any benefit but the government is supposed to help them too. I'm not sure when ir how they will process this.
I think you should probably talk with your provider and negotiate. Many parents currently disregards a homedaycare service open, are choosing to keep safe their children and follow the government advice "social-isolation";
Obviously, if this takes longer than the originally suggested closing weeks then a provider can not expect a full rate pay(specially when there aren't kids in care ).
After Trudeau's plea today for everyone to do their part and stay home, I have closed. Unfortunately, no pay for me. I don't know why home daycares haven't been shut down officially at this point given how many little groups of kids this could potentially be. Each of those kids is exposed to a life outside of daycare and that's all brought back to the group each day. As mentioned in another thread, daycare spots are opening for essential workers only , which is problematic given their exposure to the virus. But essential workers cannot stay home with their children. So there is no choice. Now that so many more people are getting infected daily, I felt was time to close. And I think it's going to be a long closure..
My insurance company didn’t outright say that I had to close but they were very clear that it would be in my best interest. If there were to be any covid related incidence then the liability could be huge. It would be very difficult to prove that any illness originated from my house but the potential for a lawsuit is there. They went through a list of what I should be doing if I were to remain open...disinfecting of hands of anyone coming through the door, sanitizing of all toys, dishes and so forth.
But insurance aside...I felt it was something that I needed to do. It will be interesting to see what the Ford government lists as non essential...I’m hoping for some clarification as to if we can get government help.
I'm not sure if at this point the government can help. They are dealing with bigger HEALTH related challenges and they're doing the best they can.Quote:
Originally Posted by Daisy123
We are adults and I think this time it is up to us to decide and value our and our loved ones lives. It is time for you to evaluate pros and cons (and if something goes wrong don't try to find a scape goat or blame someone else, they're giving you the choice to decide)
It is a MUTATING VIRUS, God forbide it doesn't pass and endangers our own children's lives.
I think at this stage (perhaps I'm wrong), we are all working together towards "lowering the curve", unfortunately this keeps increasing. Following the information and stadistics, now it's time for you to decide. It's a critical time for all of us.
So since home daycares with under 6 is considered essential by Fords list, does that mean we would not be entitled to any of the Government benefits for small businesses if we choose not to open. I don’t know about you guys but I’m not comfortable with all that’s happening to opening my home. If regular licensed daycares are not considered essential then why do we have to open. I thought the whole point of this was to flatten the curve by continuing to social distance. I know a lot of parents are also apprehensive with sending their children to daycare at this point as the numbers in our communities keep going up. I’m wondering also if our full time parents choose not to send their children would we be entitled to Government subsidies since we won’t have an income coming in?
This is an emergency and we need to be treated fairly while being flexible with parents. I had one parent who was part time (2 days a week) pull her child out the 2nd week in March. She told me he will no longer come to the daycare in April and can't afford to pay as his dad lost his job due to the virus. I was fine with that. I've chosen to stay open. 2 parents have not been bringing their children. In April, I will only have 1 child. My question is: Do I charge the other parents for the April fees, even though their children aren't coming? I need some advice, because I'm torn.
Insurance companies are the biggest fear mongers out there. I wouldn't trust an insurance company to scare me into closing. I would listen to the facts and the experts. Of course a parent can't sue you!
It just makes me angry that we are now considered essential workers without the benefits of licensed childcare employees. The Government barely recognized us before except to pass regulations. Now the Province of Ontario expects us to operate as essential businesses, SERIOUSLY??!!!