The Director’s Guide to COVID-19 Childcare Center Operations

In light of the global pandemic, COVID-19 is making headlines everywhere, but what exactly is it? To get a real-time view of COVID-19 cases worldwide, check out this Johns Hopkins resource. Undeniably, our way of life has been upended within a short space of time. And, many professionals in the childcare field are wondering what this means for them.  In order to help directors respond more effectively to the ongoing crisis, we have created a COVID-19 childcare center operations guide for you.

What is COVID-19?

Though it’s unclear, evidence and data are pointing towards an animal source as the origin of the devastating virus. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified COVID-19 as a contagious respiratory illness.

The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, shortness of breath, and a cough. In elderly patients with comorbidities (the simultaneous presence of two chronic illnesses), pneumonia and multi-organ failure may result. Medical experts have advised people to practice social distancing as a form of deterrence.

COVID-19 Info Sheets and Videos

For more information about COVID-19, check out these resources from the CDC:

• What to do if you’re sick (CDC)
• COVID-19 fact sheet (CDC)
• Health promotion materials for daycare centers (CDC)
• Guide for daycare administrators (CDC)
• Guidance for school settings in light of an outbreak and considerations for school closings (CDC)
• NAEYC Resources For COVID-19
• Childcare Aware Resources for COVID-19
• Childcare Aware Webinar on COVID-19
• After School Alliance info sheet on COVID-19

Survival Rates: Facts to Know for COVID-19 Daycare Center Operations

How serious is the epidemic? According to research, the survival rate for COVID-19 is about 97%. And, some reports suggest that the mortality rate is less than 1%. Although no vaccine exists for the illness as of this writing, most patients recover after a period of rest. To keep up with coronavirus cases in the United States, please visit the CDC website.

Put a Strategic Plan in Place for Daycare Center Operations

Want to cut through all the hype? First, watch childcare business coach Evelyn Knight’s’ informative video about COVID-19. Knight’s expertise is especially helpful to childcare center directors. In a recent post, Knight stressed the importance of having a strategic plan in place. Essentially, she encourages people to be proactive rather than reactive. She also noted the importance of collaboration.

When families and staff have an open line of communication, panic and confusion decrease during times of uncertainty. Most importantly, flexibility is key as the virus is constantly evolving.

COVID-19 Childcare Center Operations Resources

Childcare owners and directors must navigate many challenges when it comes to COVID-19. They know how much families rely on them, and they understand the financial and logistic burdens many parents face. That said, many childcare centers are doing everything they can to weather the storm. Over the past month, professionals in the childcare field have shared essential tips and tricks for navigating the issues precipitated by COVID-19. Here are some of them:

• Have you decided to close your center for a period of time? If so, use Zoom for videoconferencing with staff. Try to hold digital meetings several times a week to keep everyone updated about new developments.
• Deliver value during a closure by repainting and remodeling (especially if funds allow). Wipe down all surfaces with disinfectants. After completion, take pictures to leverage in new ads.
• Check out childcare business expert Kris Murray’s videos for inspiration and advice on helping your center survive the COVID-19 crisis.
• Use this COVID-19 Daycare Closure Template to send out letters to parents.
• Learn how to keep parents engaged during the COVID-19 lockdown
• Register for Tom Copeland’s seminar on navigating the financial fallout from COVID-19. You can also sign up to get a recording of the seminar if you can’t attend.
• Pursuing a loan is an option to cover unprecedented financial loss. Consider working with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to secure an Economic Injury Disaster Loan.

A Quick COVID-19 Childcare Center Operations Guide for Centers That Stay Open

Many directors are pondering the feasibility of childcare centers staying open amidst the global pandemic. At the moment, several states have allowed daycare centers to remain open. Among them are Oregon, Maryland (with expanded childcare for providers of medical services and law enforcement), New Hampshire, Texas, California, and Florida.

Be sure to follow your state’s guidelines if you choose to keep your childcare center open during this time.

In the event that a childcare director chooses to remain open against a state’s recommendations, we suggest putting an indemnification provision in place. Putting such a provision in place means asking families to formally absolve your center of liabilities during the crisis. This clause would also offer additional legal protections for childcare center owners and directors.

Interestingly, the virus causes fewer complications in children. Children also show greater resilience against COVID-19. Generally, children “do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults,” according to the CDC.

Finally, be sure to visit the WHO website for recommendations for childcare centers that opt to remain open during the crisis. Among other things, WHO recommends that daycare centers clean and disinfect buildings, provide hygiene supplies for children, and increase airflow and ventilation in their buildings. 

State-by-State COVID-19 Info