Childcare Resources in Response to COVID-19 – March 22, 2020

Iowa Department of Human Services – Childcare Guidance in Response to COVID-19

Bright Beginnings of Osceola County has received new guidance from the Iowa Department of Human Services.  As we implement the new guidelines, please help us with the following recommendations:

HYGIENE AND CLEANLINESS

  • Implement common-sense practices for preventing disease spread, such as: covering a cough, staying home when sick, and washing hands. Childcare providers are an important part of ensuring children maintain personal hygiene best practices. Increase these practices, particularly after eating or using the restroom. Talk to children about these practices. The CDC recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds. Please practice these prevention tactics with your children at home.

  • Remove all plush toys from childcare settings. Do not allow children to bring plush toys from home.

  • Wash blankets daily. Minimize the amount of toys in your childcare settings and clean them daily.

HEALTH

  • Conduct mandatory temperature screenings upon drop-off every day. Send home children with temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher. Do NOT allow children with fever into childcare settings.

  • A staff member will meet you at the door and escort your children to their classroom.  We will begin this new process effective Monday, March 23rd, 2020.

  • Ensure that employees and children are not admitted to a childcare center when ill. If you suspect a child or individual is ill, or their parent is ill, send them home and have them call their primary healthcare provider. Healthcare practitioners are equipped to screen individuals and to refer for additional testing, if needed.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

  • Insist parent(s) drop-off children at the front door, limiting adult entry to the facility.

  • Cancel all gatherings, field trips, staff training and congregate meal settings. Distance children while eating.

Thank you for your support as we navigate through this time.  

Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. You can reach Avera Medical Group at 712-754-3658 during normal business hours or Osceola Regional Health Center at 712-754-2574 after hours.

Avera Medical Group Sibley will keep normal business hours from 8am to 6pm, Monday through Friday, and 8:30am to 10:30am on Saturday.

CDC Guidance

Contacts

Avera Medical Group Sibley – Clinic (712-754-3658)

Osceola Community Health Services – Public Health (712-754-4611)

Osceola Regional Health Center – Emergency Department (712-754-2574)