You’re a parent that worked through the COVID-19 crisis of 2020. (Sometimes with months or weeks of state mandated closures, needing to be flexible with work at home, or the struggle to find alternative childcare options.) Now, when the country is starting to reopen the rug is being pulled out again – Your daycare is closing its doors.
It was inevitable. We all learned the valuable lesson that childcare is essential for families and for the broader economy, but in the wake of the crisis, some businesses would not be able to sustain the financial loss. So, what do you do now?
Did your daycare center or preschool close without notice?
Many parents that are essential workers don’t have the option to work from home. Parents who need emergency childcare should take immediate steps to find care.
- Step 1 — Search
Is there a Cadence Education school in your area?
- Step 2 – Call
Our Directors can tell you if they have immediate availability for your child and go over how we reopened our schools with an abundance of coordination, and caution.
Did you receive some notice to find alternative care for your child?
Many parents have been juggling multiple things since March and choosing a new early learning center for your child may seem a bit daunting, especially during a pandemic.
- Step 1 – Call and talk to the School Director
The Director sets the tone for the whole school. A quality school director will take the time to talk with you about your new situation and your family’s needs.
Directors should be happy to answer any question you have, both before you sign your child up and throughout your time there. Speaking with the Director will allow you to see how comfortable you feel with the person on the other side of the phone.
Be sure to ask about the tenure of the teachers and staff and to get a sense for how comfortable you will feel leaving your child for the day. Use your gut, your maternal/paternal instinct, your parental instinct, your 6th sense… or whatever you call it!
The Director should also be able to answer any questions you have about the items listed in the steps below.
- Step 2 – Learn about Safety and Coronavirus
Review the business’ updated Health and Safety Guidelines. A large-scale study conducted by Yale University found that childcare is not associated with the spread of the Coronavirus. Even with some studies revealing promising data, you should choose a center that is using an abundance of caution. Choose a school where the primary concern is safety for all people entering the building and is taking every precaution to prevent potential exposure or spread of COVID-19. If those expectations have been met, ask the Director about immunization requirements, emergency procedures, and about sign-out / pick up processes.
Many schools are not allowing in-person tours or visits at the moment. Some schools are offering virtual tours. Ask for a private tour, or after-hours tour, to check out exits, smoke detectors, or any other safety concerns you might have.
- Step 3 – Ask About Licensing and Accreditation
Ask about the licensing and accreditation for the school. Childcare is licensed by each state. If the facility has no license, you should avoid leaving your child there. State standards are in place to protect children.
- Step 4 – Look for Reviews and Recommendations
Check the reviews online. Look at Google, Yelp, and Facebook to see how other parents feel about the school and its programs. If something looks off, ask the Director. There is no better substitute than going to the source.
Wrap-Up
Your child’s daycare closing can be a big disruption. Finding high-quality childcare that offers a safe and healthy environment will take a little work, but it’s worth it. Clearly define your family’s needs and reach out! You can determine if our center meets your expectations by using the 4 steps above. Then, when you have gathered your research, you can make a decision that will benefit you, and your family, and help your child to thrive.