Dear Covenant Child Development Center families:
Governor Cooper announced on Wednesday that our state will move into a modified Phase Two, meaning child care centers can re-open to all families under specific guidelines. We are excited to welcome you back on Tuesday, May 26 (following the Memorial Day holiday).
I thought it might be most helpful to share information in a frequently-asked-questions format.
Q: My child is at an age that means a transition to the next room. How will that be handled in light of classroom restrictions?
A:
We will transition our infants on an as-needed basis. Older children who are ready to transition will do so together in August. Some three-year-old children will be moved into the fours' classroom to help even out group sizes.
Q: The guidelines state that one person is to drop off and pick up each day. What if my family cannot manage that because of our work schedules?
A: The state strongly recommends that one person handle both pick-up and drop-off. If this is not feasible for your family, you may designate one person in the morning and a separate person in the afternoon. Those picking up and dropping off may not be in high-risk categories.
Q: I see the hours of operations have changed. Why? Is this permanent?
A: The state has issued many new requirements. One new rule restricts the combining of children in separate classrooms, which is how we stretched our day and still adhered to proper ratios. When this restriction is lifted, we will return to our normal operating hours.
Q: Why is there a scheduled drop-off and pick-up time? What if we miss our schedule or run late?
A: The drop-off and pick-up times are staggered to allow our staff enough time to deliver your child to the classroom. Due to state regulations, only staff and children are allowed inside the doors. If you arrive outside your window, you will be helped in a secondary priority. As soon as we have time, we will assist you. This is to be respectful of those who have arrived on schedule.
Q: I'm not ready to send my child back to the center. Can I continue to pay 50 percent tuition if I choose to wait?
A: We will hold your child's spot for the month of June at 50 percent tuition. You can choose to return either June 15th at 75% tuition or July 1st (at 50% tuition for June). If you are choosing either option you must notify me via e-mail by Monday May 25th so I may adjust your tuition for June.
Q: Are teachers being tested for COVID-19?
A: Teachers are not being tested unless their doctors recommend otherwise. Teachers are being asked the same screening questions as children at the start of each day:
- Do you or do any of the children you are dropping off have a fever (100.4 or higher), cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea?
- Have you or any children you are dropping off had any of these symptoms since last time you were last here?
- Been in contact with anyone with fever (100.4 or higher), cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea since the last time you were here?
- Potentially been exposed to COVID-19 or have reason to believe so?
- If the answer is yes to any of these questions, the staff person / child will not be allowed to enter.
Q: Is the school going to close again in the future?
A: We cannot predict what the future brings. We will follow all state and federal guidelines in accordance with the operation of child care facilities.
I hope these answers help to resolve uncertainties and give you a better sense of what to expect. Please reach out if you have additional questions or concerns.
Stay safe,
Chris
Chris Callaway
Managing Director
