From the Nurses Desk;
Important Information
 Tiny Tots Health Policies
re; COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Dear families and staff:
As you may have heard, over the weekend additional cases of  coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 ) have been confirmed in King County, including one related death. Our hearts go out to those personally affected.
In an effort to minimize the spread of the disease the following policies will be enacted:
All ill children will be sent home . If your child is showing any signs of illness, they will be sent home. All sick children must be picked up before one hour has passed so have a plan ready. Keep them home yourself if they are at all ill. This is to stop the spread of illness, we apologize for any inconvenience, but the safety of all must be considered.
If you keep your child home, please call and let us know. We need to track the health of the children in order to protect everyone.
Handwashing is mandatory . All those who enter Tiny Tots will be required to wash their hands.   
At this point all sites are open , however you must be prepared for Tiny Tots to close. Should a student attend a school that Tiny Tots serves we will evaluate if one or more of our sites need to close. If we have one confirmed case; Tiny Tots will close.

When to seek medical evaluation and advice
While the number of cases is increasing, the vast majority of the illnesses around the world are mild, with fever and cough.  If you or a family member has symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular medical provider.  Public Health recommends not going to the emergency room unless there is a critical need.  Public Health also recommends seeking medical advice if you are over 60 and have an underlying medical condition.
How to prevent the spread of  coronavirus disease 2019   (COVID-19 )
Coronaviruses, including COVID-19, spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) via coughing or sneezing. It may also spread by touching a surface or object with the virus on it. The same good health habits that prevent other viruses like the flu, also prevent the spread of COVID-19 and decrease the risk of getting sick:
·         Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, with 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available.
·         Cough into a tissue or your elbow (not your hand), then throw tissue away and wash your hands.
·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
·         Avoid contact with people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
·         Keep students at home if they are running a temperature or they report not feeling well or appear weak or ill.
·         Consult your healthcare provider if you or your child has health conditions that put you at increased risk.
Live our Values
Our community values are tested in times like these. We must continue to be united and support each other  as  coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 )  becomes more widespread.  In schools we will continue to demonstrate compassion and care as our greater community navigates this global health situation.
We are aware of reports that some of Asian students have been targeted and discriminated against in connection to COVID-19. This is unacceptable and contrary to our values of racial equity and social justice. At Tiny Tots we are committed to welcoming, safe, and inclusive schools, and we do not tolerate hate speech or acts of discrimination. Help us  prevent discrimination or stigmatization by sharing accurate information. COVID-19 infection is not connected to any race, ethnicity, or nationality.  Misinformation about coronavirus disease 2019 can create fear and hostility that harms people and makes it harder to keep everyone healthy. Public Health Seattle & King County has provided  resources  to address and prevent discrimination
Stay Informed
This is a rapidly evolving situation. The district continues to follow the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Public Health Seattle & King County in our response to COVID -19, including decisions to close schools and whether students or staff would need to be quarantined. As soon as new information becomes available, we will let you know.
We all have a role to play in keeping students, staff, and families healthy and safe. You can help by staying informed, practicing good hygiene, and staying home or keeping children home if they have been running a fever or are exhibiting signs of a fever. For up to date information and additional resources including how to stay healthy visit our coronavirus disease 2019 webpage  https://www.seattleschools.org/district/calendars/news/what_s_new/coronavirus_update
Additional guidance provided from the CDC on prevention, planning, and how to respond to coronavirus disease 2019 can be found here:
Want resources to share with your children?  Here’s an informative graphic resource from NPR:  https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus
We know families, staff, and students are worried. We are committed to keeping you informed and working with you to keep our school communities safe. 
And Remember Keep your Child home if they are Sick

If your child is coughing, vomiting, feverish or any of the other symptoms listed below KEEP THEM HOME.
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If you have any questions or need to consult with me I can be reached at (206)723-1590 or jboles@tinytotsdc.org . In an emergency you can call my cellphone (206)518-1921.

Thank you for being a parent at Tiny Tots Development Center, “where loving care comes first”
Jacqualine Boles | 206-518-1921