F.M. KIRBY CHILDREN'S CENTER
OF THE MADISON AREA YMCA
Dear Kirby Families,

In an effort to maintain essential child care services for our community, and in accordance with the Madison Borough Health Department, we plan to continue operations at the F.M. Kirby Children’s Center as regularly scheduled. We will also offer full-day programming for our kindergarten-5th grade students, effective March 16. If you are interested in Kirby full-day programming, contact Director of Child Care Services Karen Fusco at kfusco@madisonymca.org.

As the situation is rapidly evolving, we continue to receive guidance from the Department of Health and NJ Department of Children and Families. Our priority is to provide a safe environment for children and students that supports our community.

What you can do: Please use the hand sanitizer when entering and leaving Kirby. Please cover your cough with your elbow or a tissue (and then throw the tissue out) and keep children home when they are not feeling well. We will continue to be guided by the directives from the CDC and the New Jersey Department of Health. For the most current information from the CDC, click here .

What we are doing: We thoroughly clean the Kirby Center multiple times a day. Please see Nurse Kristin's column below for details on our cleaning protocols. The health and safety our of students, families and staff are always our first priority and we want to be vigilant and proactive in our approach to COVID-19.

Click here for the most up-to-date information on the Y's website on COVID-19.

With gratitude for your continued support,

Karé
UPCOMING EVENTS

Ongoing: Registration for Summer Day Camp online and in person at the Family Center. Join us for Quest Camps for preschoolers through 11th graders.

March 17: Member registration begins for Spring and Summer programs at the Family Center. Click here to see the Kirby-only preschool classes. Our summer session begins June 22. Spring and Summer Registration is encouraged online .

Before- and After-School parents: Please remember you can ONLY register for classes that take place on any day, between 4 and 5:45PM to utilize Kirby bussing.

April 6: Spring Session begins at the Family Center.

April 10: No extended care.

April 6-10: Our part-day program (LBK Toddler, Talking Tots, LBK Preschool, Kirby Kindergarten and Young Fives) are closed for Madison Schools Spring Break.

April 6-10: Kirby Drop-In Day for kindergartners through 5th graders. Enjoy a full day at Kirby while schools are closed. Click here to register. 
ANNOUNCEMENTS

St. Hubert's Wish List: Our Before- and After-School Program students are going to visit St. Hubert's over Spring Break. Help us fulfill their wishes by donating items off their wish list by April 10. Click here for the items.

REMINDER: No parking in the Bus Zone: Even if the buses are not in the Bus Zone, it is still designated a no parking zone. If there is an emergency, cars cannot be parked there.
CURRICULUM SPOTLIGHT
WITH KAREN FUSCO

Given the rapidly evolving and heightened concern about COVID-19, it is important to take a moment to consider the impact the coverage of COVID-19 is having on our children. Realize that they talk about it among themselves and they are concerned. Click here to read more on traumatic events, the media and your child.

In response to COVID-19, Project Community Pride of the Madison Area YMCA is offering extra support services. Project Community Pride is a counseling and support program for children, teens and families in Chatham, Florham Park and Madison. Click here to read more.
NURSE KRISTIN'S CORNER

Please take the time to read the letter regarding coronavirus that was posted on the clipboards last week. As a reminder, the Kirby Center has always practiced and will continue to practice the below cleaning protocols:

  • Children’s hands are washed whenever they enter the classrooms, after coming in from outside, before eating, and after bathroom use and diaper changing.
  • Toys in infant and toddlers rooms are taken out of play once a child has mouthed them. All toys are washed and sterilized throughout the day and at the end of every day.
  • Children are taught how to cover with their elbows when coughing or sneezing and are encouraged to use tissues when needed.
  • Children are supervised to make sure they are washing their hands correctly and thoroughly.
  • Tables are cleaned with soap and water and a bleach solution before and after eating.
  • Teachers are aware that the best way to ensure clean hands is to use soap and water which is available in every classroom.
  • Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout Kirby including in the gym, in hallways near exterior doors and next to adult bathrooms.
    
In addition, on Tuesday, March 10, I placed hand sanitizer bottles inside each classroom on the counters near the doors. Parents and visitors are encouraged to use the hand sanitizer when picking up and dropping off children.

As public conversations around coronavirus (COVID-19) increase, children may worry about themselves, their family and friends getting ill with COVID-19 . Click here for a link from the CDC to speak effectively with your children to alleviate fears and concerns they may have.
Our Paving the Way Campaign supports our Capital Campaign to expand the Madison Area YMCA. Make a difference in the life of your family, and the community as a whole now and for years to come. Together, we can leave a legacy for future generations. With three lines per paver, honor your family, friends, or consider donating in memory of someone special.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
As members of the Madison Area YMCA, many of you are already receiving Y communications. Please do not "opt out" from any of these emails as it will automatically opt you out of receiving Kirby Center communications such as THIS parent e-newsletter.
 F.M. Kirby Children's Center | 973-377-4945 | Email | Website