Communicable Disease Plan

Nurture Communicable Disease Plan
Effective: April 2022
Reviewed: November 2022

Communicable disease plans focus on reducing the risk of transmission of contagion from communicable diseases (including Covid-19). These include ongoing measures of prevention and may include temporary measures of prevention, as public health guidance changes frequently. 

Environmental Practices:
WorkSafe Signage

• Signage is posted at each entrance requesting clients, their children and visitors to not enter the workplace if they are experiencing symptoms of illness. Staff, families and visitors are encouraged to perform a daily Health check before attending daycare each day. 

Hand Hygiene 

• Alcohol based hand sanitizer is available via installed dispensers at each entrance. Parents are asked to use hand sanitizer before signing the attendance and/or entering the centre
• Handwashing upon arrival is encouraged by visitors, staff and children

Cleaning & Disinfection 

• High-touch surfaces including toys, materials, flooring, furniture and cots are cleaned and disinfected daily by staff using commercial disinfectant 
• Garbages and receptacles are emptied daily 
• Staff are required to wear single use disposable gloves when assisting with diapering and toileting, and follow regular health and safety procedures when disposing of PPE
• Shared surfaces in the bathroom are routinely disinfected after each use  

Ventilation & Air Circulation 

• Nurture is equipped with an HVAC system which is used during all days of operation. 

Laundry

• Regular laundering practices are in place for reusable hand towels, cloth bibs and cleaning cloths.
• Bed sheets for children are provided by families and are placed in a separate bag in children’s personal cubby hanger. Bed sheets are brought home and washed every Friday by families. 

Personal Practices: 
Health Awareness

• Children, staff and visitors are asked to stay home and not enter the workspace if presenting symptoms of illness

Masks & Face Coverings

• Disposable masks are available for visitors and staff, but are not required. Please ask a staff member if you would like a disposable mask. 

Hand Hygiene 

• Regular handwashing practices are implemented throughout the day for both children and staff using soap and water
• Alcohol based hand sanitizer is readily used to supplement handwashing  when soap and water are not accessible (ie: outside) 
• Hand washing signs are posted in the bathroom and kitchen

Respiratory Etiquette 

• Children are encouraged to cough and sneeze into their elbow, sleeve or tissue and dispose of appropriately, following with proper hand hygiene
• Due to the developmental nature of infants and toddlers, staff are required to assist with symptom management, e.g. nose wiping. Upon assessment of symptoms, staff may be required to call for early-pick up if symptoms persist or the child's symptoms worsen. Staff must wash or sanitise hands immediately after assisting a child with nose wiping. 
• Staff and visitors are required to practice adequate respiratory etiquette in shared spaces

Covid-19 Exposures/Cases

• Reporting of any potential Covid-19 exposures/cases that affect the Nurture community are to be directed to management.

Vaccinations 

• Up-to-date vaccinations are recommended and encouraged

Food & Beverage 

• Families of Nurture bring in individual water bottles and lunch boxes for their children. Food sharing is not allowed at Nurture between children or staff. Children’s water bottles and lunch boxes are returned home each day to be cleaned by parents. ​

Administrative Practices: 
Health Awareness

• Routine health awareness/assessment plays a significant role in the prevention of communicable disease 
• Assess regularly whether you/your child are exhibiting symptoms of illness to ensure you/your child are not entering the workplace/centre while sick. This includes, but is not limited to Covid-19 symptoms​

Nurture’s Responsibilities 

• Nurture will ensure that visitors and staff entering the centre are aware of their responsibility to practice Health Awareness. This will be achieved through visible signage and reminder emails/letters to families/staff sent periodically
• If a child puts a toy in their mouth, staff will take the toy and clean it before it is handled by another child. Bins for “toys to clean” are provided in each classroom and washed at the end of each day. 
• In the event a child becomes sick while at Nurture, they will be separated from others in a comfortable, safe and supervised space as they await pick-up by their parent/caregiver. 
• In the event a staff becomes sick while at Nurture they will be separated from the group to await pick-up, or will leave the centre and return to work once symptom free
• Spaces, materials and items touched by the symptomatic individual will be cleaned and disinfected prior to being used by others 
• Nurture will follow best practice in minimising the risk of contagion in the group care setting by asking for children to be picked up early when deemed necessary due to persistent symptoms of illness 
• Nurture does not require a health-care provider note (doctor’s note) to confirm the health status of any person, except those required to support medical accommodation as per usual practices (e.g. allergies, asthma, etc.)