The developing issue- COVID-19

[ebhappydc]

Some parents asking me to please stay open. Not sure what's right thing to do.

[Fearlessbaby]

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.

[Elly]

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.

[Fearlessbaby]

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!

[susansmith]

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???

[Kelley]

This is a situation beyond everyone's control. Literally so. At this point in time I am asking for parents to pay if they want to hold their child's spot. As a caregiver this feels impossible to ask of... we are generally caregivers by nature. I know I am doing what is right for my business, but I have to be honest I haven't had a good night's sleep since it all started. I also ask to abide by my 4 weeks notice if they are withdrawing. We have zero protection here. One of my families just stopped paying me. 3 other families are hanging on, but only 1 has been 100% supportive. Our only option at this point- the government is tweeking and changing policies almost daily. However our only other option is to shut down. Zero pay and live off of 2000 dollars a month. If the parents want to hold the spot they need to pay. If they leave apply for the emergency fund. It Is the very last scary resort for me. The government is supplementing all families with an extra 500 per child as well "To help ensure that families can resume life as usual when this passes over" a part of that is childcare. Hoping there could be some other funding available so I can reduce the holding rate, but it's looking unlikely. Hope you're hanging in ok!

[ebhappydc]

Problem is you're contagious before showing symptoms
My daycare is closed

[Fearlessbaby]

Problem is you're contagious before showing symptoms
My daycare is closed

Are parents still required to pay you even though they can't bring the kids?

[ebhappydc]

Are parents still required to pay you even though they can't bring the kids?

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.
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.

[ebhappydc]

The Ministry of Education ontario sent memo that unlicensed daycares and home licensed daycares are NOT included in closures We can stay open