Health and Safety Policy and Procedures during Covid-19
Pandemic updated on August 18th, 2020
Please note that this Health and Safety Policy apples to all staff and children within Shine-Sign facility.
Dear Parents,
This document is prepared, as per BC CDC Health Guidelines and Dr. Bonnie Henry's
recommendations in order to meet the changes due to the COVID19 Pandemic. It is important to
clarify that Dr. Bonnie Henry has confirmed and encouraged childcares to remain open, where
possible, to serve families that are needing childcare. Please remember that the Covid19 public
health emergency is rapidly changing, and our ability to remain open may change without notice.
With strict protocols set out by the government to lessen our risk, we must ensure that all families
are able to follow these protocols. In the event that you feel you are unable to comply with these
requirements; we would sadly have to recommend you seek other programs that may better suit
your child care needs.
These are the Procedures we will follow in accordance to Safety and Health Recommendations
For younger children maintaining physical distance is less practical and the focus will be on
minimizing physical contact and reducing shared items instead.
We will avoid close greetings (high fives, hugs, handshakes) and will be reminding children to keep
their “hands to yourself”. Whenever possible and appropriate we will spread children out into
different areas and allow distance between students and adults
We will be organizing children into smaller groups.
We will be taking children outside more often and stay outside for longer time than in the past.
Please make sure that your child is well equipped for the weather on any given day. We will be
going outside even when it is raining so children will need to have adequate protection for rainy days
too as well as for the hot sunny days.
We will be using the school primary playground once again since playgrounds are now open and
are a safe environment. Children will be practicing appropriate hand hygiene before, during, and
after outdoor play.
We will incorporate more individual activities or activities that encourage more space between
students and staff when possible and appropriate.
There is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted via textbooks, paper, or other paperbased
products. As such, there is no need to limit the distribution or sharing of books or paper
based educational resources to children.
Toys from home will not be permitted to come to daycare at this time. Due to BC Health regulations,
the following items will also not be used: water table, sand table, and any other toys that are not
easily sanitised. There will be a limited number of toys available for the children, due to sanitization
procedures. However, we will have a lot of fun activities and children will be engaged in games,
crafts, and outdoor play.
Cleaning and Disinfection
Shine-Sign facility will be cleaned and disinfected in accordance with the BC CDC’s Cleaning and
Disinfecting for Public Settings document. This includes:
General cleaning and disinfecting of the premises will be done at least once a day.
Frequently touched surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected twice a day.
For disinfecting we will be using Bleach solution and Lysol
We will limit items that are not easily cleaned
We will continue to empty garbage and organic containers daily.
We will be ventilating the room often.
Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette:
Children and staff will be practicing rigorous hand washing with plain soap and water for at least 20
seconds. Children and teachers will wash hands upon arrival at daycare, before and after meals,
after using the toilet, after using a tissue, before and after going to the playground, between
activities and before going home. Teachers will also wash their hands after any cleaning task. If the
water and soap are not available (outside) alternatively we will offer children to use alcohol-based
hand rub containing at least 60% alcohol.
Posters promoting the importance of regular hand washing are posted in the bathrooms.
Children and staff will: Cough or sneeze into their elbow sleeve or a tissue. Throw away used
tissues and immediately perform hand hygiene. Refrain from touching eyes, nose, or mouth with
unwashed hands. Not be sharing any food, drinks, utensils, or any personal belongings.
Teachers will be wearing masks and gloves only as part of regular precautions for the hazards
normally encountered in our regular course of work and it will be their personal choice.
Health check procedures
Please understand that is parents responsibility to assess their children daily before sending them to
daycare. Each day, prior to sending the child to Shine-Sign, parents are asked to take the
child’s temperature at home and send a text message to Shine-Sign confirming that the child
is well, symptom free and that their child has not been given any medications in the last 12
hours. Staff will be also assessing themselves daily for symptoms of common cold, influenza, or
COVID-19 prior to coming to work. We will also be taking teachers’ and children’s’ temperature
twice a day to ensure that there is no rapid change in the health status of individuals. That will be
done with a touchless thermometer.
Liability
According to the Liability Order issued by the Attorney General, child care providers cannot be held
liable if an employee or child is exposed to the COVID-19 virus. This protection only applies to
providers who are following the specific protocols of the provincial health officer and other applicable
regulatory body. As Shine-Sign is and will continue to follow all updated protocols and procedures
as outlined by the Health Authorities and BC CDC, this Liability Order applies.
Illness and attendance policy
Staff and students who are ill, including children of essential service workers, will not be permitted to
attend Shine-Sign. When someone is symptomatic, they must self-isolate and follow directions
provided by their health care provider. Self-isolation is also advised for those who are considered a
close contact of a confirmed case and are waiting to see if they develop COVID-19 illness.
Bellow is the chart with symptoms and instructions for the return to daycare. These rules
apply for both children and teachers
This document is prepared, as per BC CDC Health Guidelines and Dr. Bonnie Henry's
recommendations in order to meet the changes due to the COVID19 Pandemic. It is important to
clarify that Dr. Bonnie Henry has confirmed and encouraged childcares to remain open, where
possible, to serve families that are needing childcare. Please remember that the Covid19 public
health emergency is rapidly changing, and our ability to remain open may change without notice.
With strict protocols set out by the government to lessen our risk, we must ensure that all families
are able to follow these protocols. In the event that you feel you are unable to comply with these
requirements; we would sadly have to recommend you seek other programs that may better suit
your child care needs.
These are the Procedures we will follow in accordance to Safety and Health Recommendations
For younger children maintaining physical distance is less practical and the focus will be on
minimizing physical contact and reducing shared items instead.
We will avoid close greetings (high fives, hugs, handshakes) and will be reminding children to keep
their “hands to yourself”. Whenever possible and appropriate we will spread children out into
different areas and allow distance between students and adults
We will be organizing children into smaller groups.
We will be taking children outside more often and stay outside for longer time than in the past.
Please make sure that your child is well equipped for the weather on any given day. We will be
going outside even when it is raining so children will need to have adequate protection for rainy days
too as well as for the hot sunny days.
We will be using the school primary playground once again since playgrounds are now open and
are a safe environment. Children will be practicing appropriate hand hygiene before, during, and
after outdoor play.
We will incorporate more individual activities or activities that encourage more space between
students and staff when possible and appropriate.
There is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted via textbooks, paper, or other paperbased
products. As such, there is no need to limit the distribution or sharing of books or paper
based educational resources to children.
Toys from home will not be permitted to come to daycare at this time. Due to BC Health regulations,
the following items will also not be used: water table, sand table, and any other toys that are not
easily sanitised. There will be a limited number of toys available for the children, due to sanitization
procedures. However, we will have a lot of fun activities and children will be engaged in games,
crafts, and outdoor play.
Cleaning and Disinfection
Shine-Sign facility will be cleaned and disinfected in accordance with the BC CDC’s Cleaning and
Disinfecting for Public Settings document. This includes:
General cleaning and disinfecting of the premises will be done at least once a day.
Frequently touched surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected twice a day.
For disinfecting we will be using Bleach solution and Lysol
We will limit items that are not easily cleaned
We will continue to empty garbage and organic containers daily.
We will be ventilating the room often.
Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette:
Children and staff will be practicing rigorous hand washing with plain soap and water for at least 20
seconds. Children and teachers will wash hands upon arrival at daycare, before and after meals,
after using the toilet, after using a tissue, before and after going to the playground, between
activities and before going home. Teachers will also wash their hands after any cleaning task. If the
water and soap are not available (outside) alternatively we will offer children to use alcohol-based
hand rub containing at least 60% alcohol.
Posters promoting the importance of regular hand washing are posted in the bathrooms.
Children and staff will: Cough or sneeze into their elbow sleeve or a tissue. Throw away used
tissues and immediately perform hand hygiene. Refrain from touching eyes, nose, or mouth with
unwashed hands. Not be sharing any food, drinks, utensils, or any personal belongings.
Teachers will be wearing masks and gloves only as part of regular precautions for the hazards
normally encountered in our regular course of work and it will be their personal choice.
Health check procedures
Please understand that is parents responsibility to assess their children daily before sending them to
daycare. Each day, prior to sending the child to Shine-Sign, parents are asked to take the
child’s temperature at home and send a text message to Shine-Sign confirming that the child
is well, symptom free and that their child has not been given any medications in the last 12
hours. Staff will be also assessing themselves daily for symptoms of common cold, influenza, or
COVID-19 prior to coming to work. We will also be taking teachers’ and children’s’ temperature
twice a day to ensure that there is no rapid change in the health status of individuals. That will be
done with a touchless thermometer.
Liability
According to the Liability Order issued by the Attorney General, child care providers cannot be held
liable if an employee or child is exposed to the COVID-19 virus. This protection only applies to
providers who are following the specific protocols of the provincial health officer and other applicable
regulatory body. As Shine-Sign is and will continue to follow all updated protocols and procedures
as outlined by the Health Authorities and BC CDC, this Liability Order applies.
Illness and attendance policy
Staff and students who are ill, including children of essential service workers, will not be permitted to
attend Shine-Sign. When someone is symptomatic, they must self-isolate and follow directions
provided by their health care provider. Self-isolation is also advised for those who are considered a
close contact of a confirmed case and are waiting to see if they develop COVID-19 illness.
Bellow is the chart with symptoms and instructions for the return to daycare. These rules
apply for both children and teachers
If you are unsure of if they or the child should self-isolate are advised to use the BC COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool, contact 8-1-1 or the local public health unit to seek further input. You are also advised to contact a family physician or nurse practitioner to be assessed for COVID-19 and other infectious respiratory diseases.
Teacher who become sick while at Shine-Sign will be sent home immediately.
Children and who become sick while at Shine-Sign will be isolated from others, placed on the couch
while attended by a teacher wearing a mask. Teachers will inform parents and parents are expected
to pick up their child as soon as possible. Sick child will be provided with tissues to cover their
coughs or sneezes while waiting for parents to arrive. Once the sick child is picked up, area will be
sanitised and attending teacher will practice diligent hand hygiene. Manager will contact the local
public health unit to notify them of a potential case and seek further input. Please note: fees are not
being refunded for absences due to illness.
Provision of care in case of staff illness
As teachers are also required to stay home when exhibiting illness symptoms, until they have
received a negative Covid-19 test, this presents a significant limitation to our operation in the event
of staff illness. We will be addressing staff illness in the following way: we will attempt to engage a
substitute teacher if at all possible. If that this will not be possible, the program will be unable to
operate until the staff test is completed and the teacher is able to return to work.
In case of closing the facility due to lack of staff fees will be returned.
Arrival Time
Parents are currently not allowed to access our facility. We will be expecting children to come in the
room by themselves. If you anticipate a difficult drop off transition, please discuss this with teachers.
All communications with teachers should be done through e-mail, texting, and phone calls.
Signing children in and out will be done by teachers same as before.
Upon the entering the room, children will remove their outdoor shoes, put their backpack in the
assigned cubby, and wash their hands before doing anything else.
Pick up Time:
Parents are expected to show themselves on the door and teacher will take a note that parent is
waiting and will let the child to get ready. We expect parent to step away from the door but to stay
visible for the teacher, so we can be sure that child joined the parent.
Meals
Children and teachers will be observing social distancing during the meals. If there are lots of
children, we will stager meals so one group will eat after the other one. We will continue to warm up
lunches that needs to be wormed up in our microwave with sanitising the microwave after each food
container. Until the pandemic is over fridge will not be used for children lunches.
Personal Items
Children must have a backpack to keep all their belongings in it. Children must have their own water
bottle, utensils hat and sunscreen. In order to reduce close contact with children, we ask parents to
send only spray sunscreen if your child is unable to rub the cream by himself. Please make sure to
clearly mark all your child’s belongings to avoid accidental sharing.
Please send a blanket for your child to rest after lunch. Children will not be able to use the couch
during the pandemic so they will be resting only on their own blankets. Those blankets must be
stored in the plastic bag that will be covering blanket completely when not in use. Children will not
be allowed to share blankets. These blankets will be sent home every Friday to be washed. Please
do not send any toys or pillows to the daycare.
Please be aware that there may be changes to these policies as things change and new information
becomes available. If it becomes necessary to amend the current policies, you will receive the
updated version to sign that will either replace or be added to the current pandemic version.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this together.
Dragana Ilic,
Shine-Sign Manager
Teacher who become sick while at Shine-Sign will be sent home immediately.
Children and who become sick while at Shine-Sign will be isolated from others, placed on the couch
while attended by a teacher wearing a mask. Teachers will inform parents and parents are expected
to pick up their child as soon as possible. Sick child will be provided with tissues to cover their
coughs or sneezes while waiting for parents to arrive. Once the sick child is picked up, area will be
sanitised and attending teacher will practice diligent hand hygiene. Manager will contact the local
public health unit to notify them of a potential case and seek further input. Please note: fees are not
being refunded for absences due to illness.
Provision of care in case of staff illness
As teachers are also required to stay home when exhibiting illness symptoms, until they have
received a negative Covid-19 test, this presents a significant limitation to our operation in the event
of staff illness. We will be addressing staff illness in the following way: we will attempt to engage a
substitute teacher if at all possible. If that this will not be possible, the program will be unable to
operate until the staff test is completed and the teacher is able to return to work.
In case of closing the facility due to lack of staff fees will be returned.
Arrival Time
Parents are currently not allowed to access our facility. We will be expecting children to come in the
room by themselves. If you anticipate a difficult drop off transition, please discuss this with teachers.
All communications with teachers should be done through e-mail, texting, and phone calls.
Signing children in and out will be done by teachers same as before.
Upon the entering the room, children will remove their outdoor shoes, put their backpack in the
assigned cubby, and wash their hands before doing anything else.
Pick up Time:
Parents are expected to show themselves on the door and teacher will take a note that parent is
waiting and will let the child to get ready. We expect parent to step away from the door but to stay
visible for the teacher, so we can be sure that child joined the parent.
Meals
Children and teachers will be observing social distancing during the meals. If there are lots of
children, we will stager meals so one group will eat after the other one. We will continue to warm up
lunches that needs to be wormed up in our microwave with sanitising the microwave after each food
container. Until the pandemic is over fridge will not be used for children lunches.
Personal Items
Children must have a backpack to keep all their belongings in it. Children must have their own water
bottle, utensils hat and sunscreen. In order to reduce close contact with children, we ask parents to
send only spray sunscreen if your child is unable to rub the cream by himself. Please make sure to
clearly mark all your child’s belongings to avoid accidental sharing.
Please send a blanket for your child to rest after lunch. Children will not be able to use the couch
during the pandemic so they will be resting only on their own blankets. Those blankets must be
stored in the plastic bag that will be covering blanket completely when not in use. Children will not
be allowed to share blankets. These blankets will be sent home every Friday to be washed. Please
do not send any toys or pillows to the daycare.
Please be aware that there may be changes to these policies as things change and new information
becomes available. If it becomes necessary to amend the current policies, you will receive the
updated version to sign that will either replace or be added to the current pandemic version.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this together.
Dragana Ilic,
Shine-Sign Manager