Choosing childcare that feels like a good fit can be challenging even in “normal” times. And the coronavirus has introduced a number of new concerns for families considering childcare right now — especially if you’ve been home with your little one(s) for nearly a year or more. If you’re in this position, you might find yourself wondering what’s safe, what’s not, and just how to make the best choice for your family when it comes time to return to the office. What’s right for one family might not be right for another — so while we can’t provide any easy answers, we can offer some tips on what to keep in mind as you consider your options. You should consider:
What is the coronavirus risk in your area?
Numbers vary widely across the U.S. You can follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for national updates and follow local government and health authorities for information more specific to your area. (If you live outside of the U.S., stay informed by listening to your country or regional health authorities.) These numbers are influencing how many childcare providers are available and may impact your choice.
What is your child or your family’s risk?
Is anyone in your family at higher risk of serious illness from the coronavirus? Do you care for or are you regularly in contact with any other loved ones who are high risk?
What are the childcare provider’s policies as they relate to the coronavirus?
If you’re sending your child back to a childcare provider they attended previously or choosing a new one, you’ll want to know how that provider plans to keep your child, staff, and other community members safe. For example, you may want to know how many children and staff will be in a childcare space together or interact with each other over the course of the day, if social distancing will be practiced or encouraged, or if personal protective wear (like masks or face shields) will be worn by children and staff. You may want to know how and how often toys and learning materials, surfaces, bathrooms, and common spaces will be disinfected and how events like mealtime or naps will be handled. You may even want to ask if and how the childcare provider will screen children or staff for illness and what will happen if someone gets sick. Some of these policies may vary based on the age of your child, but you should make sure you understand how the childcare provider plans to be operating during this time, what your child’s day will look like, and if you’re comfortable with those specifics.
And if you would prefer in-home childcare — like a nanny or babysitter — you should similarly discuss what your family is comfortable with to make sure that you find someone who is a good fit for your family. You should plan to honestly discuss concerns specific to the coronavirus — like what sorts of behaviors both your family and the childcare provider have been engaging in during the pandemic (Have you all been social distancing and wearing masks? Seeing friends or family members? Going out in public regularly?) and the risks you are and are not comfortable with (Would you want your child to visit a playground or have a playdate? Would you want to make sure that both you and your care provider limit your social circle?) — alongside normal expectations for the position (like pay, hours, routines, and such). As you discuss these specifics, make sure that you’re both on the same page when it comes to what you’re comfortable with and what you expect of each other going forward.
What are your options?
Some families might know they want to send their child to a daycare provider, and it may be as simple as choosing between a few providers in their area and weighing those provider’s policies. Other families might decide to consider alternative options like having a family member watch their child, or deciding to start working at home and having an in-home provider over a few days a week for extra help. And still other families might decide they’re not comfortable with any childcare option until the coronavirus risk is lower in their area.
Parents often feel pressure to make the “right” decision for their children. But in situations such as this, the choice can feel that much more loaded, the stakes even higher. Keep in mind that if you’re feeling stressed about these choices, that’s normal — many parents are feeling like there are no “good” options right now. Instead, try and focus on what options you do have and what’s best for your family right now. And if you have questions about what’s safe right now or what might be best for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s healthcare provider with questions. We know you’re doing all you can to care for your family and being thoughtful about tough decisions, and that’s something we hope you can feel good about.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team, February 2021.
Sources
- Katherine Harmon Courage. “Day Care, Grandparent, Pod Or Nanny? How To Manage The Risks Of Pandemic Child Care.” NPR. NPR, August 21 2020. Retrieved Sept 30 2020. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/08/21/902613282/daycare-grandparent-pod-or-nanny-how-to-manage-the-risks-of-pandemic-child-care.
- Anya Kamenetz. “What Are Parents Doing For Child Care? Here Are 3 Options (With Trade-Offs).” NPR. NPR, July 31 2020. Retrieved Sept 30 2020. https://www.npr.org/2020/07/31/897164159/what-are-parents-doing-for-child-care-here-are-3-options-with-trade-offs.
- Datta Munshi. “Is it safe to send my child to child care during COVID-19?” American Academy of Pediatrics. American Academy of Pediatrics, June 30 2020. Retrieved Sept 30 2020. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Is-it-safe-to-send-my-child-to-child-care-during-COVID-19.aspx.
- “Guidance for Child Care Programs that Remain Open.” Centers for Disease and Prevention. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, July 23 2020. Retrieved Sept 30 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-childcare.html.
