Coronavirus Update

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Dear Parents,

As promised, here are some excerpts from the latest CDC guidelines sent to us from LDOE, including the latest “exclusion” chart. If you notice there will be a 10 day isolation/quarantine period since young children are unable to wear masks correctly and consistently. I have only included the ones that have changed since our last posting. You can view the guidelines in its entirety at this link.

https://www.louisianabelieves.com/docs/default-source/covid-19-resources/office-of-public-health-guidelines-for-child-care.pdf?sfvrsn=19659b1f_8

Please remember to try to social distance when in the building as much as possible, and use the single entry and different exit as we have done in the past. If you enter through the gym door, please exit through the door near the aquarium if you drop off/pick up downstairs or the end of the hallway/elevator if you drop off/pick up upstairs.

Thanks once more for adhering to these protocols as we work through this surge.

2021 -2022 School Year Guidelines

Additional teacher and staff training. As LDOE continues to provide updated guidance, all staff will continue to receive updated training on the enhanced precautions and preventative measures needed 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 downstairs will wash hands upon arrival. Children going upstairs will use hand sanitizer before using the stairwell. 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.

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.

Physical distancing. We’ll continue to practice physical distancing as much as possible. 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 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 48 hours. If you choose to keep your child at home, please call the center and let us know.

Covid Testing. If someone in your home is awaiting Covid test results, please keep your child(ren) at home until you receive the test results. If the test is positive, please see the “How to Respond to Covid-19 Exposure” flow chart located on the website.

Enhanced health screenings. Teachers and children will have their temperature checked at arrival and throughout the 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.