The coronavirus outbreak in the US (and around the world) has prompted local and federal governments to close schools and non-essential businesses to save lives. This measure, however, does not take into consideration the needs of the many people who work in essential businesses. Because daycare centers and schools are closed, many parents working essential jobs are struggling to find childcare during working hours.
Fortunately, however, there are some San Diego Daycare centers that can remain open to service essential workers and their families. There are also certified and licensed individuals caring for smaller groups of children in their homes. Below are some criteria to keep in mind as you search for the right childcare provider in the San Diego area.
Experience and Training
Taking care of a child requires a special skillset, and taking care of more than one child requires even more experience and training. Before leaving your child with a daycare center or in-house provider, find out what kind of experience and training they’ve had. If a person has gone to health and safety training and obtained state licensing or certifications, that is a good sign that they are well-qualified for the job.
Location
During the coronavirus pandemic, citizens are asked to keep their travels to a minimum. Other than going to and from work, you don’t want to have to travel too far to get your child from daycare. So, look for daycare centers or in-house providers located near your home or place of business.
Hours of Operation
Depending on your job, you may not work the typical 9 to 5 shift. As such, you’ll want to find a childcare provider in San Diego that offers early morning or late night hours to accommodate your schedule.
COVID-19 Preparedness
In these scary times, your child’s safety and wellbeing are a top priority to you. Therefore, you should hire a daycare provider that not only knows about COVID-19, but that also takes extra steps to protect your kids. This includes having a clean and sanitized space for children, using proper hand-washing techniques, and a having procedures ready in the event that someone in the daycare center falls ill.
Number of Children
Though children are less likely to contract the coronavirus and also less likely to pass away from it, you can never be too sure. As it stands now, the government recommends gatherings of no more than approximately ten people to prevent the spread of the virus. So, when looking for childcare providers in San Diego, find out how many children they’re already caring for. If you’d prefer someone with fewer children, it is probably best that you hire an in-house daycare provider rather than enroll them in a childcare center.
Activities
You want your children to be able to enjoy themselves while in daycare, so be sure to inquire about the activities offered at a certain location before you make your final decision. Though they may not be able to do kid-friendly things like go to a state park or the San Diego zoo, a good childcare provider will have other things to keep your kids occupied. This can include arts and crafts, games, online learning, or outdoor play (in a confined backyard or schoolyard).
Safe and Happy Environment
Before deciding on the best childcare in San Diego, parents are advised to inspect the environment. Check to see that the space is clean, free from hazards, and secure. Check out the area where the children spend most of their time. Is the environment fun and inviting? Do the other children seem happy? Do the staff seem to get along with the kids? The point of all of this is to see to it that your children are in an environment where they will feel happy and secure.
If the closing of schools and daycare centers in San Diego during the coronavirus pandemic has left you without a place that provides reliable care for your kids, there is still hope. There are daycare centers and in-house childcare providers in the San Diego area that are dedicated to making the lives of essential workers just a bit easier. Simply use the guidelines provided above to find the best childcare provider for your kids.
