Reopening of Childcare Centre during RMCO | Here Are the Important Things You Need to Know

After months of waiting, the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) is over and Malaysians are entering a new phase called the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO).

On 7th of June 2020, the Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin announced this exit plan that will take place from 10 June until 31 August 2020.

With lesser restrictions and the ability to travel interstate, the Prime Minister also announced that almost all social, educational, business and other economic sectors will be allowed to operate in stages, following the SOPs provided.

Back in May, all registered childcare centres such as preschool and kindergarten (TASKA and TADIKA) can start to operate as usual starting 2nd of June 2020.

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For concern parents who are going to send your kids under their teachers or nannies’ care, here are the SOPs that the childcare centre (and you) have to follow; as stated on Women, Family & Community Development Ministry website:

For the Teachers and the Childcare Centre

1. The childcare centre should prepare ample hand soap and water supply throughout the operation. It is better to prepare hand sanitisers as well.
2. Infrared thermometer to check the children’s temperature.
3. Similar to other places, ALL teachers and children should check and record their temperature in front of the parents before the day start, every day.
4. Any children that is showing symptoms or having fever is not allowed to enter.
5. Teachers should monitor the children’s social distancing and the childcare centre’s cleanliness.
   • Use a rubbish bin with lid and throw away all the rubbish at the end of the day.
   • Avoid sharing toys between the children.
6. All teachers should fill up the ‘Akuan Pengisytiharan Kesihatan’ form prepared. If the teacher is showing symptom, he/she is not allowed to work and should inform the management.
7. All equipment should be cleaned after operation hours and all toys should be sanitised after every use.
8. Teachers should teach the children on how to wash their hands properly every day.
9. Teachers and children should always adhere to social distancing even at sleeping and dining area.
10. There should be an isolation room in case any of the children are showing symptoms while waiting for the parents to come and pick them up.
    • Contact the parent immediately if any of the child is showing symptom.
    • IF there is any positive cases from the centre, the childcare centre should be closed down for disinfection. Reopens is subject to approval by Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah (PKD).
11. No group activities are allowed. Instead, focus on individual activities such as singing, solo dancing, storytelling, arts and crafts, “bingo”, “guess who”, and others.
12. Avoid activities that require the children to come and seat together on a mat or carpet.
13. Feeding time:
    1. The cooks/servers should wear face mask or spit-guard when interacting with the kids.
    2. The children/babies shouldn’t use the same plates and utensils when eating.
    3. Make sure everyone is social distancing: 1m.
    4. All chairs and tables should be sanitised.
    5. Individual packaged foods are encouraged.
    6. Teachers/nannies should prepare some fruits and/or vegetables for the children.
14. Shower Time/Changing Diapers:
    1. Shower and change the children’s clothes one person at a time.
    2. Clean the toilet thoroughly after every kids’ bath.
    3. Put the used clothes/diapers into a plastic bag immediately. Close it tight.
    4. Both teachers/nannies and the child should wash their hands after change into new clothes.
15. Sleeping or Break Time
    1. All kids/babies should have their own bed, pillows, and etc. – it is better to label each item with their names.
    2. Keep the child within 1 meter.
16. Going back
    1. Separate the retrieval time of all children. Organise small groups of children (3-5 people) at a time for parents to invite in between 5-10 minutes.
    2. Provide a waiting room for parents/guardians to take their children. Put a 1m marker for guidance when waiting.
    3. Check the temperature of each child, staff, and visitor leaving the childcare centre area.

Disinfection Guideline

For the Parents

IMPORTANT: If your child is a Person Under Investigation (PUI) due to having close contact with the COVID-19 patient, parents should inform the childcare centre and fill up the ‘Akuan Pengisytiharan Kesihatan’ form.

• You are responsible to pick your child up and bring him to the doctor for immediate treatment if you receive any call from the childcare centre regarding your his health.

Precautionary Steps to be Taken

BEFORE Sending Your Child

1. Parents are encouraged to take your child’s body temperature before you start your journey.
2. Make sure your child wash his hands with water and soap before he gets into the car.
3. Put on face mask on your child before he gets off the car.
4. Clean and disinfect surfaces around and in the car such as the door handle, door panel, window, and others.

While AT the TASKA or TADIKA

1. Parents CANNOT enter the childcare centre. You can only drop-off your child to the teacher while you stay inside the car.
2. Parents cannot wait or gather outside the kindergarten.

When Picking up your Child

1. Teacher should check the children’s temperature before the child get into the parent’s car.
2. Parents/guardians should arrive at childcare centre immediately before the scheduled pick-up time to reduce waiting times and avoid meetings.
3. Avoid discussing child issues with other parents/guardians within the centre area to minimise association.
4. Children and parents should shower as soon as they get home before interacting with other family members (avoid touching or hugging)!
5. The clothes worn at the kindergarten should be soaked with soapy water.

Here is how you can wear and put on the face mask on your children properly:

These are some of the important points that parents should know before you send your children back to the childcare centre. In short, all parents, teachers, caretakers, and children should adhere to the new normal SOPs in order to curb the re-emergence of the virus.

Another good news to the parents with primary and secondary school children is, the Ministry of Education has decided to open schools in stages with advice of MOH. While these (good) news are a lot to process, let us patiently adapt to the new normal and wait for more detailed announcement by the ministers soon!