Safety Protocols

Updated : January 7, 2022

BGC Kawarthas Child Care Service Protoco l (Revised 24Jun22)

COVID-19 Policies and Procedures (Revised 16Mar22)

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy (NEW 09Sep21)

COVID-19 Return to Club Attestation

Proof of Vaccination - Participants and Visitors  (NEW 30Sep21)

Update Dec 1, 2021 - Click here for an update letter to families on Screening and Winter Break Travel.

Our first priority is to deliver high-quality programming while keeping all children, families and staff safe. With that in mind, the Club has adopted procedures to meet government guidelines. The Clubs’ Programs and Services Protocol is located on our COVID-19 Updates Webpage. It offers detailed information on

• PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
• SCREENING
• ILL CHILDREN / INDIVIDUALS TO THE CLUB
• ARRANGEMENTS FOR ILL INDIVIDUALS
• ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING AND DISINFECTING
• TOY AND PLAY MATERIAL CLEANING AND DISINFECTION PRACTICES SECTION
• HAND HYGIENE BEST PRACTICES
• FOOD PREPARATION
• USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
• COMMUNICATION TO FAMILIES
• STAFF TRAINING
• VISITORS
• SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES
• GUIDELINES FOR CLUB TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

In the meantime, here are a few of the important components:

• COVID-19 response plan to be implemented if a participant, parent/ guardian or staff are exposed to COVID-19;
• Screening- All children, youth, staff, and visitors shall be subject to screening or confirmation of self screening upon arrival at the Club program facilities.
• Daily attendance records are always part of the program and will be revised to support contact tracing by the Health Unit if needed;
• Cleaning- our facility has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected; cleaning protocols will meet or exceed provincial standards;
• Drop-off and pick-up of program participants will be designed to facilitate physical distancing.

In addition, the procedures below have been established:

• Outdoor programming will be encouraged as much as possible;
• Groups will have specific room and equipment assignments with no crossover;
• Supplies and equipment that cannot be easily disinfected will be removed;
• Hand hygiene will be encouraged and education will be provided;
• Supervisors will be in place to monitor physical distancing, safety, quality of programming, hand hygiene, support staff and other related needs;

Return to Operations FAQ

How can you ensure my child’s safety while attending programs?  

This is a vital question and one the Club takes very seriously.  The Club received Public Health approval to offer in-person programming after reviewing our COVID-19 protocol and policies to support a safe environment. 

What if my child has a symptom or flu-like symptoms?

Based on Public Health guidelines, our staff are monitoring children throughout program hours for any change in wellness.  

If a child becomes ill while in a program, they will be isolated in a designated room where they are monitored from a physical distance of 2 metres.  Caregivers will be called to pick up the child.  All items that they touched will be cleaned and disinfected.  

Staff and Supervisors will continue to follow and seek advice from local public health on any further steps up to and including temporary closure of the centre and possible additional quarantines. 

Please refer to the Clubs’- Program Services Protocol SECTION 3: ILL CHILDREN / INDIVIDUALS TO THE CLUB and SECTION 4: ARRANGEMENTS FOR ILL INDIVIDUALS on the Clubs’ COVID-19 Updates Webpage

Will staff be wearing masks?  

Staff will be mandated to wear a mask when they are implementing screening procedures, when leading a camp or childcare group inside, and when caring for a sick child.

Will children need to wear masks?  

Face coverings (non-medical masks) will be used if physical distancing of at least 2-metres cannot be maintained. Consideration will be given to participants when face coverings are not tolerated due to by underlying health, behaviour issues or beliefs.  The families should provide masks for their children. The Club will have extra masks available for children. Children will not be required to wear masks when participating in outdoor activities.

 Will subsidies be available?  

Families registering for licensed childcare and/ or authorized recreation programs i.e. camp, PA days, After School Care can contact the City of Kawartha Lakes to apply for fee subsidy. Information is also available on the City of Kawartha Lakes website under Child Care Fee Subsidy. Applications for Club subsidies will be accepted according to the normal process. 

How will you ensure that food preparation is safe?  

Kitchen staff will be the only employees permitted into the kitchen during program hours, unless in the case of an emergency. Kitchen staff will follow regular public health and food handling policies and procedures as well as increasing the sanitizing of kitchen materials, surfaces, carts, etc.  

What will you be doing to ensure the facility is clean and disinfected?  

All supplies and equipment that cannot be adequately disinfected, such as pillows and stuffed animals, have been removed from the program area.  All high touch areas, such as doorknobs and light switches, will be cleaned and disinfected at a minimum, twice daily, and as often as necessary (e.g. when visibly dirty, or contaminated with body fluids).  All low touch areas, such as walls and floors, must be cleaned and disinfected at a minimum once daily and as often as necessary (e.g. when visibly dirty, or contaminated with body fluids). Cleaning staff will wear appropriate PPE and use approved products. Cleaning and disinfecting logs will be maintained in all areas. 

Can people use the playground, basketball courts and other outdoor facilities?  

 After Club program hours, if the public is accessing the outdoor facilities, they should follow Public Health guidelines regarding physical distancing and City of Kawartha Lakes noise regulations. 

What it the City of Kawartha Lakes (CKL) COVID-19 testing process? How do I access my results? Please refer to the Clubs’- Program Services Protocol Appendix J: Support for Individuals/Families with Symptoms of COVID-19 for information on the CKL COVID-19 testing process- COVID-19 Updates Webpage