Kispiox Headstart COVID-19 Policies

Culture and Language

The culture and language component allows our children to experience their cultures and learn their languages. Activities give children a sense of belonging and an identity as a First Nations person.

Education

The education component promotes life-long learning with activities that encourage a child’s readiness to learn. Activities also focus on the physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual and social development needs of children. Community members, including Elders, are involved in helping with early literacy activities, such as printing and recognizing sounds and words.

Health Promotion

The health promotion component encourages children and families to have a healthy lifestyle. Programming promotes physical activity, such as playground activities and traditional games. Staff promote self-care, such as helping children to brush their teeth, and encourage appropriate assessments for children (for example, vision and hearing testing).

Nutrition

Nutrition is an important part of healthy living. Good food can improve an individual’s health and poor or inadequate food can undermine health. Good eating habits established early can lead to better health throughout life.

Sudden Closure Policy

Dear Families,

This policy is intended to keep children, families and staff safe during this unprecedented time due to COVID-19. Given the ever-changing pandemic conditions, situations may arise that require immediate temporary closure of the program(s).

Before closing the program(s) the manager will communicate with Chief and Council and/or Board of Directors and seek their direction. If a decision to close the program is made the below procedures will be followed.

Policy

In the event of an outbreak or staff shortage our program(s), and if all other options have been considered, will close temporarily to maintain requirements set out by public health agencies and BC Child Care Licensing Regulations.

Procedure

If the program experiences a circumstance that requires them to close, they will do so promptly, take the necessary precautionary steps, and inform families and public health.

Circumstances

The circumstances that require sudden closure include but are not limited to the following:

  1. One or more laboratory confirmed COVID-19 case(s) in the program(s)
  2. COVID-19 outbreak in the community
  3. Staff shortages of more than 2 regular staff [edit number relevant for your program]

 

COVID-19 Closures

For confirmed COVID-19 cases the program will:

  • Contact families by phone to inform them
  • Close and post notification on the door
  • Follow public health recommendations for closing and re-opening after outbreak
  • Keep families informed about remaining closed and/or plans for re-opening

Staff Shortage Closures

Under current conditions we expect to have increased staff absences. Program managers will consider all other options possible before making the decision to close the program(s) due to staff shortages.

For staff shortages the program will:

  • Contact families by phone to inform them
  • Close and post notification on the door
  • Inform families of plans for re-opening