Health and Safety at WCP

If you are joining us for the first time, you are probably wondering some version of: "Is this a safe place for my kid?" and "What happens when real life happens?"

WCP is a cooperative playgroup. We are not a daycare and we are not aiming for perfection. We are aiming for warmth, common sense, and clear norms that work for families with little kids.

Supervision

Caregivers always stay with their children at WCP. You are responsible for your own child, and you know them best.

That said, co-op means community. Other caregivers will keep an eye out, redirect when they see something, and help when it is needed. Nobody expects you to do it all alone, but your child is ultimately in your care the whole time.

When to stay home

We trust parents to use good judgment. The goal is simple: protect the group while keeping it practical.

Please stay home if your child has:

• Fever
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• A suspected contagious illness (or you have been advised by your pediatrician to stay home)
• Symptoms that make it hard for your child to participate comfortably (for example: they are clearly miserable, exhausted, or need one-on-one care the whole time)

If you are on the fence, a good question is: "If every family came with these symptoms, would playgroup still feel okay?" If the answer is no, it is a stay-home day.

If something is going around

When a contagious illness comes up (hand-foot-mouth, stomach bugs, head lice, etc.), we communicate through the WhatsApp group. If your child has been diagnosed with something contagious, please let the group know so other families can watch for symptoms.

We are not asking for medical details. A simple heads-up like "just a note, we had hand-foot-mouth this week" is enough. The goal is awareness, not alarm.

If something is spreading, we may increase cleaning or remind families about handwashing. We will keep the tone calm and practical.

Weather and cancellations

Playgroup may be cancelled for severe weather (snowstorms, dangerous cold, etc.). Cancellations are posted in the WhatsApp group. If you are unsure whether playgroup is happening, check there first.

We encourage sunscreen for sunny days. Bring it already applied or pack it in your bag.

Handwashing and hygiene

Handwashing is one of the simplest things we do, and it helps. We encourage it:

• On arrival
• After bathroom use or diaper changes
• Before eating

We wash hands together before snack time, so it becomes part of the routine rather than a chore.

Cleaning and shared toys

We are a playgroup with shared toys and lots of hands on everything. That means:

• We do basic, regular cleaning and try to keep surfaces reasonable.
• We do not promise a germ-free environment, because that is not real.

If there is something going around, we increase cleaning where it makes sense. Parents can place toys in the yuck bucket when they need cleaning (for example, after being mouthed), and the Snack role cleans those toys.

Snacks and allergies

Snack time is part of many families' routine, and allergies are real. Here is how we keep it simple:

• If your child has an allergy, please tell us when you arrive (or whenever you feel comfortable). You can say as much or as little as you want, just enough for us to help.
• We can support with practical steps like:
  • Choosing a spot that feels comfortable for your family
  • Helping keep certain foods separated
  • Reminding kids to keep food at the snack area (when that is the norm that day)

We keep snacks nut-free. Because families may bring their own food, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free space. But we can be thoughtful, responsive, and kind. And we will take your concerns seriously.

If you have a specific request (e.g., "please don't open nuts near us"), just ask. We will do our best to accommodate it and communicate it clearly.

Diapering and bathrooms

Diaper changes happen in the main room at the diaper station (a pad on a table). We keep extra supplies on hand in case someone forgets.

If you are new and need help finding the bathroom, just ask your Day Coordinator.

First aid and injuries

A first aid kit is kept in the closet. Ask your Day Coordinator if you need it.

If a child gets a bump or scrape, the caregiver handles it (with help from others if needed). For anything more serious, we will call 911 and contact you immediately if you have stepped away. Emergency exits are marked at the main entrance and on the south corners of the building.

When kids act out

Toddlers grab toys. Sometimes someone gets too physical. We do not shame kids for having feelings, but we do prioritize safety.

Our basic approach:

• We stay close when things are escalating.
• We redirect early when we can.
• We separate and reset if a child is hurting or repeatedly trying to hurt others.
• We keep the tone: calm, firm, kind.

If your child is the one having a hard moment, you will not be judged. If your child is the one who got bumped, you will be supported. We are all on the same team.

For more on how WCP handles tough moments, see Big Feelings at Playgroup.

Come see for yourself

Ready to visit? Schedule a free trial visit and see how it feels in person.

Have a specific question about health or safety? Get in touch.