By Michael Joel-Hansen

Re-Open Saskatchewan

Daycare centres ready to accommodate more children as restrictions loosened

Jun 3, 2020 | 8:00 AM

Phase three of Saskatchewan’s re-open plan is set to start June 8.

Part of this plan will see childcare centres able to have 15 kids per a defined building space.

Gail Szautner, executive director of Children’s Child Development in Prince Albert said all four of their centres have been getting calls from parents who are heading back to work and they expect to see more kids at their facilities.

“There’s parents phoning, of course a lot of the children are coming back, because there were parents who were laid off, because their place of work had closed now they’re coming back on June 8,” she said.

Szautner said the warmer weather will be helpful in keeping children in smaller groups as staff will be able to take kids outside. They also keep children in smaller groups based on a number of factors, staff as well will only have contact with one group of kids.

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

12h ago

National

Ottawa to remove 30% investment cap for Canadian pension funds

15h ago

Budget woes

Golf and curling centre faces grim season without financial boost

19h ago

“We won’t be at full capacity as of yet, we will see how things all play out,” she said.

In speaking to parents, so far Szautner said none have expressed any concerns to her about safety. She explained Children’s Choice facilities have a number of precautions in place, which includes having kids wash their hands before coming in and taking their temperatures.

“[Parents] see we’re doing what we can do right,” she said.

Jodene Demorest director at P.A. Childcare said the restriction ease won’t lead to any big changes on their end. She explained they are changing how parents pick kids up and making sure things are set up so parents don’t go into the play areas.

“Just to reduce the number of people,” she said.

Demorest said they have been getting interest from families looking to use their services again. She added they are prepared to accommodate the extra kids.

When it comes to concerns from parents about safety, Demorest said she has talked to parents about the safety practices they have put in place to protect against COVID-19.

“I think that reassures them and gives them some sort of comfort level,” she said.

–

Lead image cutline: Daycare centres in Saskatchewan will be able to accommodate more kids starting June 8. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn