COVID-19 Health & Safety Measures

 

The safety and well-being of all staff, children, and the families at The Village Children’s Center continues to be of utmost importance to us. We always commit to taking all precautions toward keeping children and staff safe and healthy, including the current COVID-19 outbreak. In an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus and to keep everyone safe, The Village Children’s Center will implement safe practices per guidelines provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. 

Modified Drop Off & Pickup Routines:

Taking children's temperature daily at the front door using a touch-free thermometer. Teachers will also be required to take their temperature each morning before reporting for work. Children or teachers with a fever of 100.4 degrees or above or other signs of illness will be sent home.

Health & Hygiene:

  • Teachers must wear a mask or other facial covering at all times. We also encourage children to wear facemasks, if possible. But will not be forced.

  • Children and Teachers will practice cleaning hands frequently and for 20 seconds with soap and water.

  • The Village Children’s Center will practice hand washing upon arrival to the program, before meals and snacks, after outdoor play, after using the bathroom, prior to going home, after nose blowing or assisting a child with blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing.

  • Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the areas.

  • Cover cough and sneezes with tissues, throw tissues in the trash, and clean hands with soap and water.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks 

Social Distancing:

While the general public has been asked to socially distance by keeping 6’ of personal space, this concept cannot realistically be applied to children, especially in a group care setting. Because of this, the CDC and CCLD recommend that all childcare centers focus on maintaining small groups, with consistent children and staff in each group, to limit the possible exposure and spread of illness.

  • The preschool yard, Fellowship Hall and classrooms will be used for circle time, activities and games to keep children at a safe distance apart.

  • Children will have their own caddy with their names on it and supplies, (i.e. crayons, markers, scissors, play-doh in a zip lock bag, etc). 

  • To further emphasize social distancing, classroom activities will focus on opportunities for individual play and solo activities, such as fine motor activities (i.e., drawing, coloring, cutting, puzzles, and other manipulatives). Toys and manipulatives used will be carefully selected to ensure they are easy to clean and sanitize after each use.

  • During snack and lunch, children will be spaced out as much as possible and sometimes lunch or snack will be eaten outside.

  • During nap times, children’s cots will be spaced out as much as possible, placing children in head to toe position. 

Cleaning:

  • Throughout the day, teachers will clean and disinfect items and surfaces used frequently.

  • Tables, toys, and outdoor equipment will be washed with soap and water after each child has used it.

  • Toys that cannot be cleaned and sanitized will not be used and will be stored away.

  • Changing pad and toilets will sanitize after every use. 

  • Children’s books and paper are not considered high risk for transmission and do not need additional cleaning or disinfection procedures, LACDPH.

  • Our professional cleaning crews will clean and disinfect the school every night after the school is closed. 

Sick Policy:

Children will be monitored for signs or symptoms of COVID-19 daily. Children will be asked to stay home or return home if any of the following applies: 

  •  Have a fever of 100.4 or higher. 

  • Have had a fever of 100.4 or higher or other potential symptoms of COVID-19, such as shortness of breath or persistent dry cough, within the last 72 hours.

  • Have come in contact with others who have COVID-19. 

 If an enrolled child or employee tests positive for COVID-19:

  • Children who develop signs/symptoms of COVID-19 while at the program will be immediately separated from others and the program staff will contact the family member and/or emergency contact to pick the child up. 

  • Sick children will be watched by their room teacher or can be left with the Director until they can go home. The preschool office and the outside bathroom facing the parking lots will be designated for sick children or staff.

  • The local public health department and the Department of Children and Families Bureau of Early Care Regulation will be contacted. The Village Children’s Center will follow their guidance for next steps.

  • The Village Children’s Center will post and notify families of any confirmed staff or child cases of COVID-19. 

If a staff member or child has symptoms of COVID-19 or is in close contact of someone with COVID-19, they can return to The Village Children’s Center if the following conditions are met: 

  •  If an individual has a fever, cough or shortness of breath and has not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, they can return to the center no sooner than 72 hours after the fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms get better. If the person’s symptoms worsen, they should contact their healthcare provider to determine if they should be tested for COVID-19. 

  • If an individual is diagnosed with COVID-19, they must remain out of the program for a minimum of 7 days after the onset of first symptoms. They may return under the following conditions: 

    • If they had a fever: 3 days after the fever ends without the use of fever-reducing medication AND there is improvement in their initial symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath) 

    • If they did not have a fever: 3 days after they see an improvement in their initial symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath) 

  • If a teacher is out sick, other teachers or the Directors will fill in as an alternate staffing plan to account for shortages. 

Throughout this critical time, we remain committed to providing you with frequent and transparent communication. In the event that there is a confirmed or suspected case that requires home isolation, we will notify our families and staff immediately. Additionally, we ask for the same transparent information from our families and staff in return.

Non-Essential Visitors 

  • To prevent the spread of COVID-19, all non-essential visitors will be prohibited from entering our facility until further notice. This includes will include all prospective family tours, registration appointments, preliminary employee interviews, etc. which will all be done virtually.

  • Therapists who are currently working with children will be allowed to enter our facility (after temp check and hand washing) and will have a designated area away from other children to conduct their therapy session.

  • Enrichment programs and all other special guests, non-essential visitors, etc. will be restricted until further notice. 

We ask our families to help by:

  • Children with signs/symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been exposed to others with COVID-19 will be asked to stay home.

  • We encourage families to practice frequent hand washing at home. 

  • Taking their child’s temperature either before coming to school or upon arrival and keeping children at home if they are sick. 

  • Making a visual inspection of the child for signs of illness which could include flushed cheeks, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, fatigue, extreme fussiness or red rashes on skin.

  • Parents will remain outside during drop-off and pick-up. 

  • Please remember to stand 6 feet apart from other families if they arrive at the same time for drop off and pick up and please wear a mask. 

Our health and safety guidelines are most effective if they are implemented at The Village AND at home. We kindly ask that our families and staff hold themselves to the highest health and safety measures outlined by the CDC to ensure we minimize the risk that COVID-19 poses to our community. We thank you for your support, understanding, and seriousness in this matter.

Sources:

·       CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-childcare.html#pickup

·       CCLD: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing