We are in a time of uncertainty in the world right now, COVID-19 is something we have never seen before and is making everyone uneasy and worried. On Wednesday, March 25th 2020 Governor Tim Walz ordered a “stay at home” for all Minnesotans and went into effect Friday, March 27th at 11:59 pm. Many are out of a job because of this and only essential workers are able to still go to work. Some of those include grocery stores, gas stations, child care facilities, and hospitals. But what is it like to be one of those essential workers during all of this? I am a child care worker so I still need to go out every day and be in contact with others. These past couple weeks have not been easy for us and each day is a new difficult task.
We need to stay open so those parents who also have essential jobs are able to go to work and still make money for their families. But this also has many of us worried that we are going to get sick with being around so many people for long periods of time. And we do not want to get any of the younger children sick as well. But staying open is very important and until the government tells us we can not be open and hopefully that does not happen. Outside of the daycare, many of the children are not able to be with their friends and hang out with anyone and have to stay home. Being at daycare they are still able to have those human interactions needed for little kids to learn and grow. Although this is a very hard time for everyone I am very grateful I am still able to work and do what I love to do.
We are taking every precaution to make sure our staff and the children are healthy and safe when they come into the facility. We have them wash their hands as soon as they get there and right before they leave as well. Us as teachers wash our hands when we come in as well and make sure we are not going to work if we are sick so we do not spread anything. Sanitizing the toys more often and making sure they are not coming in close contact with each other. Doing everything we can to keep everyone safe and healthy during this time. What we need right now in the world is to support and be there for one another. We will get through these hard times and come out stronger and greater than ever.