by Makayla Secrist Staff Writer
Thankfully, people do. Daycare providers all over Iowa have continued their service for other essential workers all over the state. These individuals work to care for the young among us that have no way of completely understanding “social distance” and preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Lil’ Tikes Family Daycare, a state licensed home daycare service run by Wendy Jorgenson, has even been able to increase it’s number of kids the home can take on during the outbreak. “Currently we are licensed to care for 16 kids at one time due to the state of emergency,” said Jorgenson. She explains that normally the daycare is allowed a maximum of 12 children plus two school age and two that are only at the daycare part time, “not much difference at all, except now the state is not requiring us to log any part time hours, normally we can use up to 180 hours per month max.”
Surprisingly there hasn’t been any state mandate for an increase of precaution or sanitation of Lil’ Tikes Family Daycare despite the outbreak. Jorgenson however, is making sure her kids and families stay safe in other ways. “We have implemented a new cleaning & disinfecting routine,” said Jorgenson, “Now I literally wash all the pillows & blankets daily. We have always washed all the toys daily as it is.”
Jorgenson not only cares for others children, but she’s taken extra steps to take care of her own family as well, “My family showers two times daily, we never wear shoes inside the house and all the kids in care are required to have a temperature taken before entry now… we are asking our clients to please stay home as much as possible when they aren’t working.”
But like with any encounter with the outside world during the outbreak, there’s no way to really know who is following guidelines, “Then again,” said Jorgenson, “we don’t know and can’t control what others will or won’t do.”
Jorgenson goes on to explain some of the struggle of making sure the daycare remains as safe as possible, “It’s always been a challenge to accept and trust others in your own personal space. However, now we find ourselves going over every conversation, not looking for false statements but making sure things add up. We don’t know where the clients have been or whom they’ve been with. All we can do is take them at face value. It’s sad though when you see on social media how some have gone into “hot spots” just to go out to eat or to see friends, full well knowing they are affecting others with their actions.”
Jorgenson also fears that the govenor will someday soon shut down her daycare work due to the virus outbreak. While understandable to prevent spread of the virus, Wendy Jorgenson, like many others will find herself without any work and bills continuing to come in. “We just keep our fingers crossed and pray constantly,” said Jorgenson.
Home daycare facilities don’t seem to have changed much, but what of the bigger centers like Little Hands Daycare and Preschool?
Jennifer, A representative from the Milford facility was able to speak with Northwind about the recent changes and struggles that have been happening due to Corona virus.
“We are currently providing care for about 32 children,” said Jennifer, “we are having to check each child’s temp when they arrive at the center.”
After their temperatures are taken, the children are then required to wash their hands immediately upon arrival. Parents and guardians are strictly prohibited from entering the building at all. Only the staff escort the children to the facility at drop off and back out again at pick up. Jennifer also said, “No plush toys.”
Jennifer’s main concerns have been about her charges and staff, “Some of my personal challenges during this time is making sure that my staff is still be able to work [and] making sure everyone is staying healthy.”
Thank you so much to the daycare workers and providers during this time. Stay safe and healthy.
Call of the Lake 
Leave a comment