March 12, 2020
Dear Parents and Families of Start Smart Learning Center:
As you know, COVID-19, more commonly known as Coronavirus is present in Pennsylvania. In recent days,
several organizations across the state have cancelled or postponed events due
to coronavirus concerns. We, too, have been closely monitoring the situation. At
this time, we will remain open. It has always been and will continue to
be our goal to be as transparent as possible regarding day to day operations. We
know how important it is for parents to work, and we want to be able to support
you to continue to be able to do that without interruption in care.
As per Governor Wolf’s announcement yesterday, March 12th all childcare facilities in MONTGOMERY
COUNTY were instructed to cease operations effective today, March 13th
for a two week period, at which time the situation will be readdressed. If the
virus gets to Cambria County, or surrounding counties it is very likely that we
will be given the same directive.
As a result of the virus and in an effort to decrease the spread of disease we are reinforcing and/or implementing the following policies at Start Smart Learning Center.
We will not be able to accept any child with ANY symptoms of cold or flu etc. until
they are 100 percent symptom free for 48 hours.
If any family member is experiencing ANY symptoms we will also ask
that you keep your child home. At this point since so little is known, If you
feel you need to ask if symptoms will be allowed, keep your child home.
No outside items will be permitted at the daycare, unless they are
necessary for caring for the child while in our care. We will allow lunches,
snacks, bottles, drinks. No other items will be permitted to be brought into
the center (i.e. toys, car seats, bookbags, diaper bags).
We will limit any and all visitors from entering the facility effective
Monday, March 16th. Only staff will be permitted in the childcare
area of the center. We will meet you at the door to accept your child, we will
assist them in taking their coat and shoes off and putting their things in
their cubbies. All children will wash their hands immediately upon entrance. Of
course parents continue to be welcome at our center, but to prevent the spread
of any potential disease we ask that you remain outside of the first inside
door.
If a child is experiencing any symptoms, we will contact you to
pick them up and you will be required to do so within one hour. The child will
then be placed in isolation from other children at the center until their
departure. A doctors excuse will be required to return, and the child must be symptom
free for 48 hours.
If we note any symptoms at drop off we will have to turn you away,
you will not be able to leave your child in our care if they are experiencing
any symptoms of cold/respiratory illness.
We are not making exceptions for any symptom of illness,
regardless of duration or severity. Again, this is for the safety of the
children in our care, staff providing care, and for the families that the
children will be going home to.
What steps are we taking?
We have reinforced our stringent policies regarding cleanliness and
continue to maintain a clean, safe, sanitary environment that exceeds
guidelines in place by licensing organizations and health departments,
including the CDC.
We will be sanitizing all surfaces that people touch with
increased frequency, using disinfectants certified to kill coronavirus.
We continue to emphasize and train employees to follow our strict
handwashing policies, which include requiring employees to wash hands at least
every 30 minutes for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water. We also require
them to wash hands after using the restroom, after touching their face, before
and after preparing and handling food, etc.
We are ensuring restrooms are stocked with hand soap and have hand
sanitizer in our facilities for children ages 24 months and up.
We are requiring employees to stay away who are not feeling well
and constantly monitoring staff throughout shifts to ensure they are healthy
and suited for interaction with children.
IN the event of a customer or staff person being diagnosed as
positive for COVID-19, or notifies that they have been in close proximity of
someone who has, we will escalate all procedures to sanitize our facilities and
re visit our plans to continue operations safely.
If we are forced to close, we will notify you as soon as we are
made aware of this and will keep you updated via Kinderlime throughout the
entire process. If you are not registered on the app please do so ASAP, contact
Liz with questions regarding this.
We are in constant communication with the local, state and
national authorities and are staying informed, aware and protected to the best
of our abilities. We are committed to thriving now, and in the future, and are
blessed with wonderful clients who are our greatest priority. Our focus remains
today, as it does every day, on all of those who allow us to share in providing
the best care possible for our children.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me directly
at elizabethhogue@outlook.com.
Thank You,
Elizabeth Hogue
Owner
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