Childcare Providers-Essential to Essential Workers

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Just like everyone else, at home childcare givers are in unchartered waters! The Corona Virus has caused us to re-adjust our policy books and contracts. It has caused us to become gamblers of making the right decisions concerning our family and the families of the children in our care


I am part of many childcare groups on social media. These groups are a great source of information, encouragement, advice and most of all, positive support when making a choice that is right for me and my daycare. At the start of the Corona virus, we all bombarded the sights seeking out what each other felt and what they were choosing to do!

From the beginning, I had moments of concern for all involved. I had moments of panic, worrying about the young infants in my care all the way up to the grandparents who picked them up. 

  

Some caregivers immediately shutdown, I can respect that. Other childcare providers went in the opposite direction. These caregivers took on more children in their quest to do their part for essential workers! I can respect that!

I chose to stay open only for the families in my care at the present time. I know my fellow caregivers respect that decision. My decision was based on the fact I know my families, and I can trust their behavior. My parents follow the rules set forth to maintain the safest environment possible for all the children in my care. This is what I felt was right for my daycare children and for my family.

 I am a very fortunate childcare provider. I have great parents who are incredibly thoughtful and able to continue paying for their child’s daycare space.  The financial security this provides frees me up as a caregiver to maintain a safe and healthy environment for those children still attending, and for the children returning. 

I know there are people out there who applaud our efforts to stay open, and those who are totally against it. But, let me gently remind you of this, we are in that catch 22. We have no bail out, unemployment or grants to cover our expenses. Even if we did, we are essential to the essential workers. We know these little ones and we love them. They are our extended family. I know caregivers who have taken on twenty-four hour care (without overtime pay) to keep these children safe and secure with someone they know, love and trust!

When you see someone in the store with lots of paper towels, toilet paper, milk and bread it could be a childcare provider! This is our normal shopping! If you see the disinfectant spray and wipes being saved out for us, please just understand. We can’t get to the stores in time to snag these items! 

Most of all, I want you all to understand how much we love our daycare children and families. Know we are happy to be there for those who need us. We are essential to the essential workers!

Stay Safe! Stay Well! We are in this together!

Teri