Friday, September  4, 2020

Here’sour updated Afternoon Carpool Protocol

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Drop off needs to happen by 9am - breakfast is served at 9am and we don't have the manpower to monitor the door past this time.

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Parents of infants needing to hand off a child must wear a face mask.

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Toddler and older children need to walk up to the door alone, parents need to stay behind the orange tape line.  Please be sure your child is ready to exit the car when you arrive (completely dressed, not eating, shoes on, etc.)

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Due to increased traffic at drop-off/pickup, we ask that you enter the driveway slowly and please refrain from using cell phones

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If possible, please pull all the way to the "pull up to here" sign when dropping off and/or picking up.

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Children need to enter doorways single file, so there will be an X where children will stand to wait their turn to enter building.

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Pickup -  Call the center to let us know you are on your way and the staff will bring children to the orange line.

If we don't get a call and someone drives up behind you that did call, you may be asked to drive around the building to avoid causing a traffic jam.

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Anyone who picks up before 4:00, please continue the present protocol to pick up using the 930 North Blvd. entrance.

If you are in Room 101 (2 year old Room 1), 103 (Toddler 3), and Infant Room, you will continue to use the present protocol at the 930 North Blvd entrance whether you pick up before or after 4:00 since your child's room is closest to the North Blvd entrance.

If your child is in any of the other classes and you pick up between 4:00 - 5:30, you will begin picking up n the gym, and you will no longer need to call the office.  The following procedures will be in place:

You will park in the America Street Parking Lot.​

You will need a mask to enter the building through the double glass doors near the America St. Conference Center.  

Please use the hand sanitizing machine for your  hands upon entering.

Please walk to the intercom system at the ELC entrance in the Gym and buzz to give your child's name.

Please use the markers to maintain safe distancing while waiting for your child.  

Once you receive your child, please follow the signage to exit out the Adult Building back to the America Street Parking Lot to maintain one way in/one way out.  

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TRAVEL:  Please discuss all travel plans with Director

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Friday, May 15, 2020

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Here’s a summary of what we're doing to keep our teachers and families safe in the center:

• Additional teacher and staff training. We’re training all of our teachers and staff on the enhanced precautions and preventative measures to keep everyone safe and healthy.

• Protective equipment. All teachers will wear masks. Infant, toddler and two's teachers will also wear smocks in the classroom (laundering @ the end of every day).  Infants and toddlers should have multiple changes of clothes in the center.

• Handwashing, regular disinfecting. Children will wash hands upon arrival.  Teachers and children will be washing hands every 2 hours, at a minimum.  Disinfecting surfaces, doorknobs, sink handles, light switches, toys, etc. will happen on an hourly basis.

• Continued closure of family-style dining. We’ve stopped our family-style dining practice to reduce the spread of germs at mealtime.  Teachers will be serving all food in the classrooms.

• Water fountains.  Water fountains will be covered and water will be available to children through the use of dispensers and one-time use paper cups.

• Nap time adjustments. Children will continue to rest in alternating head-to-toe positions and be situated 6 feet apart whenever possible.  Bedding (along with any personal items) will continue to be sent home weekly for laundering.

• Social distancing. We’ll continue to practice social distancing as much as possible. Group sizes are limited to 10 persons to a room; 5 for infant rooms. To minimize potential exposure, children will continue to keep distance from children and staff in other classrooms.  This includes outdoor play time.   We will utilize the gym (when work is completed) and/or the Ory Parish Hall since outdoor time will be limited. All spaces will be cleaned between groups. Children and staff must pass singly through all entry and exit points.

• Stay home if sick. If your child has had a fever or trouble breathing, we ask that they stay home until they’ve been symptom-free without medication for at least 72 hours. If you choose to keep your child at home, just call your center and let us know.

• Enhanced health screenings. Teachers and children will have their temperature checked at arrival and again mid-day.  If you have any information about your child's health (new bruise, scratch, etc. )to share with a teacher, please send an email to elc@firstmethodist.org.

• Drop-off and pick-up protocols. Families are asked to assign one family member for drop-off and pick-up to minimize exposure to multiple people if at all possible. To protect our most vulnerable community members, we ask that grandparents do not drop off or pick up children unless absolutely necessary.

• Drop off needs to happen by 9am - breakfast is served at 9am and we don't have the manpower to monitor the door past this time

  • Parents of infants needing to hand off a child must wear a face mask.

  • Toddler and older children need to walk up to the door alone, parents need to stay behind the orange tape line.  Please be sure your child is ready to exit the car when you arrive (completely dressed, not eating, shoes on, etc.)

  • Due to increased traffic at drop-off/pickup, we ask that you enter the driveway slowly and please refrain from using cell phones

  • If possible, please pull all the way to the "pull up to here" sign when dropping off and/or picking up.

  • Children need to enter doorways single file, so there will be an X where children will stand to wait their turn to enter building

• Pickup -  Call the center to let us know you are on your way and the staff will bring children to the orange line. If we don't get a call and someone drives up behind you that did call, you may be asked to drive around the building to avoid causing a traffic jam.

• TRAVEL:  As per our Health Consultant, if you choose to travel out-of-town with your family, you will be asked to stay at home for at least 14 days before returning to the center until further notice.

If the current situation changes and it becomes necessary to update our procedures, we will notify you.  Thanks again for your patience and understanding as we implement these procedures while the number of children increases.  Our goal is to minimize disruption, while at the same time keeping you, your family and our staff healthy as well.

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Tuesday, April 28, 2020 @ 5:30 P.M.

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Dear Parents,

Thank you all for being so understanding and patient during this most trying time.  The ELC continues to operate for children of essential workers. We hope you have been enjoying the resources and contacts from staff as much as possible. We have all been enjoying hearing back from you!  If you need any help specifically, please do not hesitate contact us and we will do our best to assist you.

Even though the Stay-at-Home Order is still in effect, there were some “loosening of restrictions,” and we are slowly hearing from parents who are being called back to work.  As soon as you can, please call and let us know when this is a possibility for your family.  Due to our reduced staff numbers, it will take careful planning to let as many children back into the center as possible, while following the new protocols for childcare centers. We’ll look at gradually returning to our normal hours as staff are hopefully able to return to work.

We are also continuing to plan for summer camp, again anticipating new guidelines and a possible earlier opening than originally planned due to schools being closed.  We feel confident we will have the space to divide the children into small groups to adhere to safety protocols while providing entertainment for children.  If you haven’t contacted us yet, please let Ms.Tammy know if attending is a possibility, again, so that we can plan for staffing and supplies sufficiently.

It’s been quiet the last couple of weeks in regards to news from the Dept. of Education; however, there will be a call  on Thursday afternoon.  We will definitely pass on any necessary news.  You can always go to the dept’s website, www.louisianabelieves.com, for their updates regarding early childhood and Covid 19.

Attached I have included an updated list of protocols the center is following.

Thanks again--- hugs to everyone and stay safe,

Pam

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Coronavirus Health and Safety Measures

Here’s a summary of what we're doing to keep our teachers and families safe in our essential centers:

• Additional teacher and staff training. We’re training all of our teachers and staff on the enhanced precautions and preventative measures to keep everyone safe and healthy.

• Protective equipment. We will continue to use gloves as usual.  Infant and toddler teachers will also wear smocks when in the bathroom with children.

• Handwashing, regular disinfecting. We continue to follow the most up-to-date guidance to ensure that our center is as safe and clean as possible.

• Continued closure of cafeteria dining. We’ve stopped our dining room practice to reduce the spread of germs at meal time.

• Social distancing. We’ll continue to practice social distancing as much as possible to reduce risk. Group sizes will be no larger than 10, including outside time.

• Stay home if sick. If your child has had a fever or trouble breathing, we ask that they stay home until they’ve been symptom-free without medication for at least 72 hours. If you choose to keep your child at home, just call or email the center to let us know.  

• Enhanced health screenings.  We'll continue with our daily health checks as well as teachers and children will have their temperature checked upon arrival to the center.

• Temperature checks. Staff members will continue to perform temperature checks on teachers and children at drop-off. They will use gloves and a no-touch infrared thermometer.

• Drop-off and pick-up protocols. Families are asked to assign one family member for drop-off and pick-up to minimize exposure to multiple people. To protect our most vulnerable community members, we ask that grandparents do not drop off or pick up children if possible.  Children are to be dropped off and picked up at the front door (North Blvd); we ask that parents please stay a safe distance from the door.  Please remove infants from carriers and hand to staff at the door until further notice. Also, if you call before you pick up, we will have your child ready for you at the door.

• Nap time adjustments. Children will continue to rest in alternating head-to-toe positions and be situated 6 feet apart whenever possible. Bedding along with stuffed toys and personal items will continue to be sent home at the end of the week for laundering to help combat germs in the center.

We’ll continue to do everything in our power to protect you and the children in our care. For those on the front lines of this crisis, we are profoundly grateful for you and your colleagues.

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Friday, March 27, 2020 @ 3:00 P.M.

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ELC Families,

We are all looking forward to the day when we can put the COVID-19 crisis behind us.  It is a trying time for our communities, families, business and schools.  We continue to pray for those fighting to find cures, those who are working to keep people healthy, and for those who are affected by the virus.

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For the week of March 30 – April 3, the ELC remains open to provide excellent childcare for those people who are essential to the care and wellbeing of the people in our community.  The current stay at home order expires on April 12.  Hopefully, we will know better when we will be able to return full operation.  The ELC committee will continue to meet to discuss any future actions and  we will keep you posted of any changes. Again, If you get a chance, please thank these wonderful church members who have given their time and energy to assist in tackling this very difficult task.

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The ELC staff  will continue with the protocols that are in place. These protocols are working well and we feel confident children are in a safe and loving environment.

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ELC will continue in the long-standing tradition of providing the best care and educational environment for your children in Baton Rouge.  As always, we thank you for trusting the ELC with your children.

You all are in our prayers.  Please continue to pray for ELC Leaders and Staff.

Pam & George

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Sunday, March 22, 2020 @ 7:45  P.M.

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Dear Parents,

Wow, just as soon as I think I’ve come up with a viable plan, things change.   As you are aware, the Governor issued a stay home order effective at 5pm on Monday, March 23.  While the order does not require early learning centers to close, the order effectively shuts down most businesses, with the exception of the medical field, food, public safety and other essential services as defined by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.   ELC stands ready to help with all families who fall into this category.  Once we learn the need of our ELC families we will diligently staff to meet the need.

Please review the Governor's order and contact the ELC office by 1pm on Monday to let us know if you fall into an essential service position and will need childcare.

For all other families, the ELC will close at 8 am - 5pm on Monday until the stay is lifted or we receive further direction from the State.  We have a 9am call with the Department of Health we will post on our website, elcbr.com if anything changes.

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Friday, March 20, 2020 @ 3:30 P.M.

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Dear Parents,

Thank you all so much for your patience and understanding as we work through this trying time.  There have been many thoughtful discussions and deliberations this week while trying to make the tough decision of how long we stay open.  At this time, we have decided to remain open for at least another week, unless otherwise instructed by city, parish or state officials.

That being said, our staff has begun to dwindle, and protocols rightfully have gotten tougher to keep everyone safe and healthy.  At this point in time, we are unsure exactly how many staff persons will be available Monday morning.  In an effort to serve as many children as safely as possible, center hours will undoubtedly be reduced so all staff can work a straight 8 hour shift as well as make sure the center is sanitized at the end of each day.  This will also allow our staff  to have a little more time to care for their own families at home.

As I have answered individual questions this week, the ACH draft will run Monday March 23rd as scheduled.  I'm sorry to say we will have to continue to collect tuition.  We as church employees, do not qualify for unemployment benefits since the church utilizes a waiver from paying that tax.  We will take it draft-by-draft, but for now we need to keep paying our employees so that we can still have a functioning center at the end of this crisis.  I surveyed over a dozen centers in our area and the general consensus was - we stay open as long as we possibly can and will continue to collect tuition even if we close.  The ELC committee  has also been discussing this issue on a daily basis.  If you get a chance, please thank these wonderful church members who have given their time and energy to tackle this very difficult task.

Our new protocols (click on past updates below to read about our new protocols) are working very well, and we feel very comfortable we are keeping everyone safe at this time.  As long as enough staff are present, we feel we could serve more children than we did this week; we just can't operate at full capacity.  If you are in a situation where you need care on even a part-time basis, please email us over the weekend and let us know what days are needed.  As long as we can keep the total number for each day manageable under the new protocols (no groups larger than 10, including staff), we will do our best to meet everyone's needs as much as possible.

Look for an email on Sunday after we have had a chance to plan staffing according to your responses- also, our hours will be posted on the website (most likely 8-4pm) - where Kamille and Tammy have been posting resources for children.

Again, you are all such a wonderful set of parents to serve; we appreciate the notes and words of thanks.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.  We'll get through this - we have not only hard workers around here but lots of huge hearts!


Pam

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Tuesday, March 17 @ 3:00 P.M.

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The ELC will be open on Wednesday, March 18th following the same guidelines and protocols  as today.  Please send children only when absolutely necessary.  Thanks again for all your patience and appreciation of our staff !!

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Also, we have created an Academic Resource page for all of our age groups for your access.  Click here to access.  

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Monday, March 16 @ 4:25 P.M.

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Dear Parents,

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Thanks so much to all of you who have been answering emails and offering help.  This is an absolutely trying time for all of us.  We have been on conference calls every day since Friday with the Dept. of Education and the Dept. of Health.  Our next call is tomorrow at 1:30 pm.  The ELC Advisory committee also met again to today to address the issue of when and how do we make the call to close the center.

On all calls this weekend, we were told to strongly urge parents to keep children home unless absolutely necessary.  They even went so far as we should be prioritizing services to children of nurses, doctors, first responders, etc. and only those who are working directly with this crisis.

A number of suggestions were put forth, including limiting staff to only those with no underlying health conditions or live or care for someone with underlying health conditions.  To help with this, ratios and group sizes are being adjusted so that we may continue with reduced staff.  They have also reduced the minimum age of staff we could hire from 18 years to allowing 16 & 17 year olds.  This is only temporary until we get through this crisis.

We spent the day working from the email responses & calls to reconfigure classrooms so we can remain open and stay within the adjusted ratios and a safe group size with our reduced staff.

We have also derived a number of new protocols:

Student Drop off will be at the North Blvd. entrance only.  The front door will be propped open. A staff person will be at the door to receive your child.  Each child's temperature will be taken and if it is under 100.0 degrees, we will sign him/her in.  Children upstairs will go directly to the hallway bathroom to wash hands and then be taken upstairs.  Parents will not be allowed inside the building to limit the traffic flow and keep the car traffic moving to limit the back up on North Blvd.  Please have your child here by 9 am.  We will not have enough staff to police the door throughout the day.  Please talk to children beforehand about the change in this routine. There will undoubtably be some children upset, but this is a mandated change in protocol.

Only one group will go outside at a time.  We will alternate using the playground and gym to reduce the group sizes.

There will be no tumble time until further notice.  For Pre-K and Kindergarten, we will attempt to have a virtual Spanish Class, and Sirena will visit each class individually for chapel lessons.  All field trips, Easter Egg hunts, parties that include parents are suspended.  

There will be at least 3 feet of space between mats at naptime.  All surfaces will be wiped more frequently.  All meals will be served in individual classrooms.  All hallway bathrooms were steam-cleaned over the weekend and will be wiped down after each group use.  Please help children practice the correct handwashing technique at home - it will be on the website if you need it.

For pick-up, especially for children upstairs, please call the office and let us know what time you are arriving so that we can get your child downstairs to make the process easier. Again, staff will sign them out and take them to your car.

Please do not be offended if we call regarding your child's health condition.  State officials were adamant on the calls this weekend that we do not accept children who have been ill recently -the 24 hour symptom free has now been changed to 3 days during this time.  We were told to send children home if they developed any issues, even if it's a simple runny nose.

Again, these decisions are fluid and can be changed at any time with a moment’s notice if we receive instructions from State Offices.  While we are open tomorrow, there is no guarantee we will be open the remainder of the week.  We are however, reassessing each day to make the best decision possible for children, families and staff.  The issue of tuition is being also being addressed by the committee and the church as will come up with a plan in the near future.Please keep checking your email or the website - elcbr.com for the most current information.

Thanks again for your understanding and patience during this trying time.

Pam

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Friday, March 13 @ 5:15 P.M.

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Dear Parents and Staff,

As you are likely aware, on Friday, Governor John Bel Edwards took the unprecedented step of closing all public schools and halting any gathering of more than 250 people until April 13, 2020.  This action was taken in order to minimize the further spread of COVID-19.  The ELC Committee met Friday afternoon to consider the Governor’s proclamation and its impact on the ELC.  The protection of our staff and the children and families that we serve, as well as the safety of our larger community, remains our top priority.

While the City, State and National response to COVID-19 rapidly changes, at this time, the ELC Committee has elected to close the ELC on Monday, March 16, 2020 for additional staff training and school cleaning, and reopen on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, subject to the restrictions listed below.  Please note, however, that this decision may change or may be modified as circumstances warrant.

We are asking that each parent notify the ELC office by response to this email whether you intend to keep your child at home through April 13, 2020.  In the event that we have staff shortages, we need to ensure that we can maintain the student-teacher ratios mandated by our license.

On Monday, March 16, 2020, the staff will be meeting to discuss procedures to implement to allow our students and families to practice social distancing as much as possible.

Once the ELC reopens on March 17, 2020, the following policies and procedures, at a minimum, will be in place:

1. If you are able, we request that parents not bring their children to the ELC.  For example, if you are a stay-at-home parent, your place of employment is closed, or if you have alternate child care available, we request that you not bring your children to the ELC.

2. Children who have traveled internationally, to the West Coast (California, Washington), to the greater New York area, to the greater New Orleans area, have taken a cruise or reside with or have had close contact with someone who has traveled to these areas must self-quarantine for 14 days.  Parents are required to notify the ELC immediately of all travel with the last 14 days and keep the ELC apprised of upcoming travel plans before departures.

3. The ELC requests everyone consider cancelling any personal or business travel plans for the next 30 days.

4. Visitation, class parties and upcoming field trips at the ELC are suspended immediately.  Parents, grandparents, etc. will not be permitted to visit classrooms during the day.  For example, a parent or grandparent may not visit a class to read to the class.  While we intend to celebrate Easter in some fashion with the children, celebrations will be limited to teachers and children.

5. Children who have a fever of 100 degrees or more and exhibit upper respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, etc.) must remain home for 14 days.  Similarly, children who reside with or have had close contact with someone who experiences a fever of 100 degrees or more and exhibit upper respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, etc.) must remain home for 14 days.  If either of these situations arise, parents should notify the ELC immediately.

The ELC will continue its enhanced cleaning protocol and children will wash their hands regularly.  Please remember to have your child wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water upon entering the classroom. Hand sanitizer will also be available at our entrances.  The ELC will also utilize social distancing as much as possible to limit the interaction between students and staff.

Again, we must reiterate that the response to the COVID-19 virus is constantly developing.  While our plan is to remain open while the public school system is closed, circumstances may arise on short notice which require us to close the ELC.  Therefore, it is imperative that parents read email communications from the ELC.

Friday, March 13  @ 1:30 P.M.

Dear Families,

We wanted to let you know that we are having an emergency ELC Committee meeting at 3:45 this afternoon to discuss the Governor's Declaration closing all public schools from Monday, March  16 - April 13th.  Please check your emails this afternoon for an update.  Lastly, we also created a coronavirus link on our website with our communication updates and helpful links.

Thursday, March 12

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Dear Parents,

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Our entrances to ELC all have hand sanitizers – the only entrance without a wall dispenser is the North Blvd. entrance – we will have a pump bottle on the buffet for your use.  We have enhanced our cleaning protocol so that door handles, stair rails, etc. are cleaned more often.

The ELC is not considering closing its doors to children at this time.  Our main concern is being able to keep the necessary sanitizers available in order to keep our environment safe and germ free.  As the situation seems to be changing rapidly, please know we are doing our best to stay informed.  There are a number of resources being sent to the ELC, I have attached the links I have received.  Please be diligent in reading ELC emails in the near future to stay informed.

Please be sure children wash their hands (for 20 seconds- have them sing a song to time it)  upon arrival as usual and often throughout the day.  Remind them to cover their coughs (with their elbow, not their hands).  See the link below about talking with children about COVID-19.  Many of you have older siblings in other area schools – if you receive any information you feel we may benefit from, please feel welcome to share with the ELC.

As always, if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact or visit the ELC office.

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