https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 19 May 2026 14:11:50 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2916114 Wed, 03 Jun 2020 14:18:06 +0000 periwinklebee 2916114@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@petitenoisette: Thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2916087 Tue, 02 Jun 2020 20:41:55 +0000 petitenoisette 2916087@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee They released the phase two guidelines, did you see them? <a href="https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-releases-detailed-guidelines-for-the-phased-reopening-of-child" rel="nofollow">https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-releases-detailed-guidelines-for-the-phased-reopening-of-child</a></p> <p>The masks seem to be highly encouraged but not required which I was happy to see. And they acknowledge the need to see a caregivers face for development. Anyway I was encouraged and these are just for phase 2 so we’ll see what happens. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915063 Thu, 07 May 2020 00:35:47 +0000 crazydoglady 2915063@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's so strange because many daycares in my state (CA) are open because they are considered "essential." They are talking about starting school here at the end of July, but I honestly don't see that happening. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915051 Wed, 06 May 2020 16:21:18 +0000 autumnleaves 2915051@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: Our daycare has stayed open this whole time and I just started to send my 4 year old again. The teachers and kids are not wearing masks - that is not a requirement for our state. I had and still have mixed emotions about sending my son back but I felt comfortable observing how they have been operating the past 2 months incorporating new requirements and they have been so good over the years. The unknown is so hard but my son seems less anxious since going back. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915047 Wed, 06 May 2020 15:05:17 +0000 Anagram 2915047@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We haven’t tried going an entire day, but my kids have successfully worn masks for 3-4 straight hours, when we go hiking, and all we do for snacks/water breaks is sanitize hands before taking off the mask. Then we eat, drink water, then sanitize our hands and put the masks back on. We also have them sanitize if they accidentally grab/touch something. So I feel like my kids would adjust okay. </p> <p>My little trick (since I have girls with long hair), is i put their hair in a high ponytail and tie their mask to their ponytail. They can’t take it off without adult help. </p> <p>I made them from a YouTube tutorial, and they have a pocket for a filter. Basically one side of the string it attached so you put it on file a necklace or lanyard, then tie the top strings up above your ears, and fit the metal wire on the bridge of your nose. I just used 2 pipe cleaners for the nose piece. Pretty convenient for kids, because they can’t take it off easily and they can’t really fall off since the bottom piece goes around the neck. </p> [attach=2976/20/q9xeja.600x450.56483471-732A-49FD-B3DE-9ECA0D3E043C.jpeg] [attach=2976/20/q9xejc.337x600.BAC155F6-B6E1-4F6B-890D-4D831BE11E80.png] [attach=2976/20/q9xejd.450x600.C7E6CDDD-016E-4173-A0C5-FE539C0432E1.jpeg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915043 Wed, 06 May 2020 14:27:39 +0000 Bluemasonjar 2915043@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our daycare just sent a notification that they will re-open on May 11th with strict guidelines in place for those that choose to return. Sharing for reference as the rules are clearly different based on location at this point.</p> <p>- All employees and children 3 &amp; up will have masks available. These masks will be encouraged throughout the day.<br /> -Infants will not wear a mask but they will each have a shirt/smock to wear in the classroom that can easily be changed throughout the day as needed.</p> <p>We are going to keep the boys home for now since DH is furloughed. A neighborhood lady just made a mask to fit my 4 year old. I am picking it up today and want to do a trial and see how he does wearing it around the house. I can't see him keeping it on all day and definitely not keeping his hands away from his face. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915035 Wed, 06 May 2020 13:33:27 +0000 periwinklebee 2915035@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was talking today with the teachers and assistant director for teacher appreciation day, and they are really the sweetest people ever. On top of that, my son insists on sleeping with a book the teachers made the kids when they moved up a classroom and all he's wanted to do today is read it over and over and say "i miss teachers" "I miss friends", "I want mama take me to THAT playground" "I want mama take me to THAT buggy ride." I know that so many people are going through the same thing (or MUCH worse). But ugh, I'm just imagining when things hopefully do go back to normal, driving by daycare everyday on the way to work and feeling guilty we gave up the slot</p> <p>@ElbieKay: yeah, I also think I'd feel a bit less worried about my social toddler if his baby sister was a bit older and more interactive, so so sweet that your girls have such a special twin bond </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915029 Wed, 06 May 2020 10:51:09 +0000 ElbieKay 2915029@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have 21mo twins that I was planning to start at a preschool next Jan when they are 2.5. I will probably keep them home longer if the alternative is to wear a mask all day. In fact I might even homeschool my son if he is expected to wear a mask all day in first grade. I just hate the thought of it so much. Maybe I will adjust. I guess I have the summer to think about it.</p> <p>But, my girls have each other plus an older brother. They are already interacting with each other in ways that my singleton never did at this age. They negotiate sharing (to varying degrees of success!). They have conversations. They steal each other's food. Etc. etc.</p> <p>It would be a harder decision if I had an only child. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915027 Wed, 06 May 2020 09:40:06 +0000 periwinklebee 2915027@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you all so much for the thoughtful comments :heart: :heart: I love hellobee</p> <p>Before this, we definitely felt that group care was the best for our son, just because he's a complete extrovert and loved it. And it's in super short supply in our area, so I don't know when we'd get a slot back, but at this point it's just super hard to swallow.... I might still consider it for my toddler just because he is such a social kid, but the costs of having a toddler in daycare and a nanny for the baby would be significant... </p> <p>At the Q&amp;A we had both the director of our center and the director of the larger group of affiliated centers. She said she has been in constant touch with the early education council that regulates centers and also on the committee determining regulations for the emergency centers still operating. They understand that children will "constantly take off masks, share them, and flush them down the toilet." But the governor has said there will not be an exception to the masks rule for daycares, so we will all just have to adjust. Of course, if it's a disaster, maybe the policy changes. But we have to sign contracts now for next school year, based on what we know now.... </p> <p>Sorry for everyone struggling with what childcare will look like as we move forward... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915019 Wed, 06 May 2020 09:03:20 +0000 graceandjoy 2915019@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Man, I haven’t even thought this far. My 3 year old already misses preschool so I feel like it would be doing her a disservice by suddenly switching to having a babysitter/nanny. Though I’m in NY and we are nowhere near reopening. The big question is probably my littlest; whether we will send him or figure out something else. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915018 Wed, 06 May 2020 08:49:15 +0000 karenbme 2915018@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ugh, I didn't think about not seeing faces either. I had been anxious about sending DD (6mo) back, but now I'm thinking definitely no. Our shelter in place order expires on 5/15 and our state appears to be past the peak--at least with the shelter in place order--plus we have a republican governor so it's expected that the order will be relaxed. DH's employer is already talking about bringing people back on site as early as 5/18. I need to have a talk with my boss about what the future of employment looks like at my company. I have a coworker in a key role whose son has severe asthma, and she's been clear that she's not putting him back in care until there's a vaccine, so there may be some WFH with kids flexibility, but I just don't know. Otherwise we're talking about a nanny, but really if we pay someone $15/hr plus taxes I'd be working for essentially benefits and groceries, and I'm not sure that makes sense for me.</p> <p>Has anyone gone through the process of finding a nanny share? I know several people with young kids, but none well enough to feel like it would be natural for our families to share. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915014 Wed, 06 May 2020 08:16:31 +0000 erinbaderin 2915014@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I say this seems difficult to believe I don’t mean I doubt you, I just....can the director be right? I can’t imagine as an adult wearing a mask for the whole day. My son freaks out about the seams in his socks, there’s no way he’s going to keep a mask on his face for 10 hours a day! Even essential workers are allowed to remove the masks for breaks!</p> <p>I would 100% go nanny. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915013 Wed, 06 May 2020 08:13:50 +0000 Becky 2915013@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh wow I hadn’t even thought about facial expressions. I’m really considering seeing if I can continue to work at home when I finish maternity leave in September. I’d be at home twice per week with a 12 week old and a 4 year old, so I would just try to get my in person meetings into the other 3 days. My older daughter would be almost 7 and would be helpful when she gets home in terms of playing with the older sister. I would actually probably try to make it so I have them all home on the same days assuming kids won’t be returning to school full time. I wouldn’t be concerned about kids in the background of meetings. It’s exhausting working and taking care of kids, but an easy trade off when it means reducing our risk of exposure. </p> <p>If you do go back to daycare I agree that I would push back on kids wearing masks, especially for an entire day. That’s simply unrealistic, and it’s not being done in daycares that are currently open for children of essential workers. </p> <p>I would consider a nanny though too. There will be many unemployed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915011 Wed, 06 May 2020 07:56:44 +0000 MrsADS 2915011@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have no freaking clue. I was seriously thinking about quitting my job before this whole pandemic began, so this may be the push I need... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915010 Wed, 06 May 2020 07:56:34 +0000 DesertDreams88 2915010@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cait1: there are about 4-5 designs available on etsy when I checked, possibly more. Less breathable but I plan to buy them if I'm required to wear them as a teacher. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915009 Wed, 06 May 2020 07:11:02 +0000 Cait1 2915009@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a 2 month old we planned to send to daycare in a few months and I’m very, very worried about this as well. I’ve seen “see through” masks created to help people who are deaf and read lips to communicate - it would make so much sense for daycares to use those as well so the kids could see their faces. Not sure how widely available those masks are though.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915007 Wed, 06 May 2020 06:42:15 +0000 Ms. RV 2915007@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh man. I didn't even think about infants not seeing facial expressions. I think when our daycare reopens maybe we'll keep our baby (6 months) home and send our toddler and preschooler. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915005 Wed, 06 May 2020 04:08:03 +0000 DesertDreams88 2915005@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nanny. I'm worried about the emotional impacts as well, as an 8th grade teacher and preschool mama.<br /> We've had grandmacare until age 3.5 and though it's been a strain sometimes on my relationship with her, the kids have benefited deeply from the ongoing consistent loving relationship. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915004 Wed, 06 May 2020 00:40:40 +0000 JJ2626 2915004@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I know I already mentioned this in another post but I would be extremely surprised if the regulator is correct. I do not think preschool-aged kids will be wearing masks. That is just not best practice in terms of public health since masks aren’t recommended if you’re going to be touching it/removing it, which is what a little kid would do. (I work in healthcare). Most state recommendations for child care centers reflect this and in my state (CA), day cares are not requiring or allowing masks (some day cares are open for essential workers). So-I would wait and see and push back on your daycare. These are complicated regulations and I think it’s possible neither your director nor their regulator fully understand. Now, that doesn’t change the issue of teachers wearing them and the problem with reading facial cues for your infant, of course.</p> <p>All that said, we have always had a nanny and I don’t think a lack of socialization is an issue at all for your infant or even all that much for your two year old. Many kids don’t start school until 4. You’re right that my 2 yo DD did still see other kids even with a nanny at the park and in play groups/music class and those may not be an option with Covid. But-as others said, a nanny provides flexibility to allow a level of socialization you are comfortable with as well as more reliable care right now. We were going to start my DD in part time outdoor preschool this fall which may not happen and while I am worried about her not being with other kids, I don’t think it will have long term impacts. But this is all so hard and stressful and I feel for you! Sorry, this was a novel! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915003 Tue, 05 May 2020 23:09:21 +0000 Corduroy 2915003@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: My kids are older but I'm also concerned about masks covering facial expressions. </p> <p>For anyone that has kids in care now with masks I'd be interested in hearing how it's going. </p> <p>I saw somewhere that some doctors were wearing badge-like photos with smiles to put patients at ease. I wonder if teachers would do similar. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915002 Tue, 05 May 2020 22:31:27 +0000 ALV91711 2915002@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This makes me sad. I’m sorry this is a decision you have to even make. To me it seems like a little kid with a mask on would just touch their face more.</p> <p>If I was in this situation, which who knows I could end up being there, I’d try to find a nanny/babysitter. This gives you some control. And it doesn’t have to be fore ever, down the road you could switch back to a centre when things change and you are comfortable with the policies. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915001 Tue, 05 May 2020 22:19:15 +0000 bhbee 2915001@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am not in this situation right now but if I could swing a sitter that I felt comfortable with I would definitely choose that (in fairness, I am biased that way since we chose that for our first’s first year even without the pandemic and went to daycare at 18m). There are of course concerns about either option, and pros and cons to each - but it seems like a sitter provides a lot more flexibility. If things are better, they can socialize with other nannies or attend events at libraries etc - if things are not good they can stay home. Seems pretty likely things are going to be up and down for a while. Of course with an individual you take on the risk of them being sick and leaving you in the lurch, but that may be acceptable now that you know you can do it on a short term basis even if not ideal. And just generally you’d be the ones deciding how things were set up for your kids vs it being decided by a center/government that has to make one set of rules for everyone. I hadn’t even thought about masks inhibiting development for an infant but it makes me so sad :sad: - I’m sorry you and so many have to worry about this.</p> <p>ETA it also occurred to me that with you having an asthma kid, I’d be really concerned about how often the school would have to say he couldn’t be there because of cough, etc. I don’t know how it’s all manifesting for you these days but if they have to crack down on kids showing any illness, it will hit everyone hard, but especially kids with asthma who can keep bad-sounding coughs weeks past being contagious with the original virus. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2915000 Tue, 05 May 2020 22:07:30 +0000 winter_wonder 2915000@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ugh, this is so hard and sad. If I were in your shoes I would definitely hire a nanny. The whole masks are care for little kids just doesn't seem like it would work well. I agree with your point about making it difficult for teachers to be sensitive responders when they can't see a child's facial expression. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/daycare-in-the-covid-era#post-2914999 Tue, 05 May 2020 21:29:52 +0000 periwinklebee 2914999@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There are a lot of things to be concerned about in terms of sending kids back to childcare, but one thing in particular that's worrying me now is masks. </p> <p>We had a town hall with our daycare, and they said the state regulator has made it absolutely clear that all children 2 and over must wear masks all day, and this is a policy we should not expect to go away in 2 or 4 or 6 months but to be there until (if) there is a COVID vaccine that is available to everyone and widely effective to the point where COVID has essentially disappeared. </p> <p>I understand why teachers need to wear PPE to protect themselves. In fact, there was a teacher in a sister center who just came off a ventilator after 28 days, so rightly the risks feel very real. I think it's actually counterproductive with young kids because putting it back on a billion times is just going to spread germs, but anyways... can't change the governor's decision... </p> <p>I worry the most about my infant, because facial expressions are fundamental to child development. Things like social smiling are how they communicate, and they aren't going to get that if caregivers are wearing masks. My heart also breaks at the thought of not being able to come into the building with her and instead just handing her off to a total stranger in the parking lot on the first days (she's never been in childcare before)... </p> <p>Childcare is through my employer, who has subsidized them during the stay-at-home order, and they also basically said the reason they got subsidies to bridge the financial gap is that leadership is anxious for them to reopen. Even though most work is likely to stay remote, people are tired of having small children in the background of meetings, etc. Regardless, I don't think our current situation of two jobs and no childcare is sustainable for the next 18 months or however long it's going to be... </p> <p>Leaving aside what's riskiest in terms of catching COVID (definitely a big concern for us too) IDK what's the less bad option - a daycare experience altered in ways that may significantly affect the quality of care, or hopefully finding a decent babysitter but totally missing out on getting to have social experiences with other kids for the indefinite future (especially for my two year old), as I doubt the usual social experiences that nannies would normally introduce will be available either... </p> <p>Others weighing a similar decision? </p>