Uncertainty still looms on reopening of day care centres

It appears as though a phased approach is being taken regarding the reopening of government day care nurseries.

As restrictions have eased and persons are back to work, uncertainty continues to loom as to when these establishments will resume service, four weeks after the announcement of the re-opening of nurseries and preschools around the island.

Information reaching this paper however indicates that when the public nurseries reopen, it will not be business as usual.

This as parents are being advised that a smaller number of children are to be accepted in an effort to ensure social distancing and other protocols advised by the Health Ministry are met.

“We are being told that around 20 to 25 children will be allowed at first, which is less than half of the numbers which attended before the closure,” one parent told The Barbados Advocate recently.

Already having filled out readmission forms a few weeks ago, she said a few nurseries have held orientation for parents whose children will be allowed in the first phase.

The mother, who has already returned to work, expressed hopes she will soon receive a call from her child’s nursery in St. Michael, as she currently relies on a few relatives and friends to babysit.

One nursery worker, who confirmed smaller numbers will be accepted when these facilities reopen, indicated there were concerns with the carrying out of certain health protocols, stressing it was unrealistic to believe children at such a young age would be able to understand the need for social distancing.

Under the protocols, “a bubble-like environment” is to be created where children will be restricted to individual groups and children and their caregivers must stay in their group with downtime, playtime and mealtime taking place within the specified groups. Each of these groups will have assigned toys, which will be cleaned and disinfected after use.

The guidelines also say, “As much as practical, these groups are not to mix, occupy the playground or any other space at the same time.” (JMB)