By Lyonel Doherty
How does one operate a child care centre during a global pandemic while trying to practice social distancing?
Very, very carefully.
Little Wonders Childcare operator Diane Gludovatz said running such an enterprise during a pandemic is emotional for sure.
“I had emotional meetings with my staff,” she stated, adding that some of them wanted to be home with their own children.
“So, I laid off six of my nine staff and decided to keep our school age program and our 3-5 centre open for essential service workers only.”
Gludovatz said she has six clients registered right now, with two to three children coming per day.
With a big sigh of relief, she reported receiving approval for temporary emergency funding through the Ministry of Children and Families.
“Thank God! That should cover all of my operating expenses, letting me stay open for those that need it.”
Gludovatz said it appears she has the only licenced centres open at this time in Oliver.
The truth is, it would be easier to close, she stated.
The ministry has been sending her sanitation protocols regularly, but she’s always one step ahead of them.
Besides the basic cleaning each day (bathrooms, floors, etc.,) they clean and sanitize all of the toys, surfaces, outdoor and indoor equipment.
“The place smells like an indoor pool,” she pointed out.
Gludovatz said they must have strict guidelines for families to follow, for example, taking their child’s temperature and signing a checklist every day to ensure their children are well.
The centre is open to anyone who has to go to work and has no alternate care, with preference going to essential services.
“The joy is in knowing we are providing a service for those who desperately need it. I know it’s only a couple of nurses and RCMP, but if we weren’t here for them, then they wouldn’t be able to go do their very important jobs.”
So that’s what keeps her going 10 hours a day.
Gludovatz admitted that social distancing is next to impossible in a childcare centre. However, they stress a “hands off, body off” policy.
“We wash their hands so much the poor things are getting all dried out!”
They give the children constant reminders to cough or sneeze into their sleeves (and they are all pretty good at it).
The kids are seated two to a table instead of six, and during circle time they are seated in their own chairs apart from each other.
“We just keep encouraging them to stay distant from each other as much as possible.”
But she believes having a normal routine and being able to socialize is very helpful, especially for the children.
For more information, visit www.southokanaganqualitychildcare.com.
