The COVID-19 pandemic feels like there's no end in sight, but with vaccines already in the works, we may just be turning a corner!
For childcare workers and administrators, how you conduct a post-COVID daycare or preschool classroom is extremely important to consider. What strategies should you use to make sure your kids are safe?
We'll be taking a look at that question today. These classroom social distancing tips can make childcare fun and safe, and help your organization thrive!
First, we've got to take care of some classroom safety logistics. Making sure you're creating a safe environment for kids, administrators, parents, and other educators are important for a thriving classroom.
You can use a digital forehead thermometer to check the temperature of each student for a fever. The regular temperature is about 97 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can do this as each child is entering your classroom.
Taking temperatures is extra reassurance for the safety of your classroom. Couple that with all the other tips on this guide and you should be golden!
Don't forget about the parents! Because escorting kids out of the classroom is going to take a little more time than usual, creating a safe waiting area for the moms and dads is important.
You can also stagger pick-up times so people are never crowding the buildings. Communicate with the parents to make sure these go off without a hitch!
If you've got cots and cribs in your classroom, make sure you set them 6 feet apart. For older kids, try and create individual spaces for kids if at all possible.
This might mean you've got to get creative with the geography and shuffle some things around. Creating extra floor space comes with maybe removing some furniture to optimize space. Try and see what works for you!
On top of the logistics, there are other social distancing techniques you can use to thrive in your classroom while ensuring everyone's safety. Mixing up your kids' daily routine and playtime can still be fun and engaging even in a socially-distant setting!
Show where your kids need to sit and how far apart 6 feet is using creative visual cues. Since you want to direct where you want students to go, use things like traffic signs so they can better understand what's going on.
This might depend on where you live, but setting up outdoor preschool classrooms is no doubt going to be a highlight for your kids' day. Being outside reduces the risk of the virus and makes for a more engaging learning environment.
Make sure everyone's still following social distancing measures while you're outside and keep those masks on!
Keep reminding everyone of what 6 feet apart looks like. Spreading your arms apart like airplane wings so the kids have a frame of reference is a good strategy. Find a visual way of demonstrating these protocols and keep reinforcing them to the kids.
Plan your days around more individual assignments rather than group activities. Because you want to keep everyone socially distant, it's going to be hard for kids to engage in group work anyway.
There's plenty of activities that can keep them engaged and safe - choose the one that's right for you!
Social distancing in daycare can certainly be tricky, but you can employ these strategies to keep the classroom engaging even during these strange times. Leverage this article to find the best socially-distant childcare solutions so you and your kids can thrive.
For more articles on childcare and other information, check out our blog!
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If you come home each day feeling exhausted, stressed, or even angry, you might be experiencing feelings of burn out.
Overcoming burnout in child care is often challenging because the line of work involves a great deal of emotional investment in relationships. You may also put a lot of pressure on yourself and feel that all of the kids, parents, and fellow educators need you each and every day. And while you surely are a valuable asset to their lives, you'll be even more valuable in a better state of well being.
Read on to learn how to combat feelings of burnout in child care.
