| COVID-19 |
Rest assured that The Children's Workshop has always, and will always, put your child's health and safety first.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
Early Education in a pandemic is, by necessity, extremely different than what we were used to in our daily operations. However, what will never change is our mission and commitment to spark creativity, joy and a love of learning in each child.
GENERAL GUIDANCE
Protecting the health and safety of our school community remains the top priority at The Children’s Workshop. We reopened our doors under new, restricted regulations that are designed to meet or exceed the child care recommendations put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other state specific safety protocols. Taking every precaution to prevent potential exposure, or the spread of coronavirus and other infectious diseases, every decision we make prioritizes the health and safety of our staff and the children we care for.
Family Communications
We are working closely with the CDC and state and local health departments to respond as quickly as possible to their latest guidance and will continue to update our families as soon as possible via our parent communication app, brightwheel.
It is important for TCW staff and our families to communicate often and be transparent with one another. Please voice concerns or questions you have with your school director as soon as possible.
Classroom Crews
Every classroom has a stable, designated “classroom crew”. These groups are stable in that the same group of children are with the same provider(s) each day, minimizing contact and the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Travel Restrictions
Because travel increases your chances of getting infected and spreading COVID-19, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick. Please click here for guidance on travel from the CDC.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Click here for guidance from the CDC on symptoms, testing, prevention and more.
In response to the COVID-19 health pandemic, TCW has implemented the following protocols:
Health and Temperature Screenings
Before entering the school building, a trained TCW staff member checks everyone for fever of 100.4 F, or above, with a no-touch, infrared thermometer. They also screen for other signs of illness using the COVID-19 Screening Tool provided by the RI Department of Human Services (DHS) and RI Department of Health (DOH). A visual inspection of each child is conducted for signs of illness, including flushed cheeks, rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, fatigue or extreme fussiness.
Upon arrival, parents/guardians must check their child in through the brightwheel app on their phone, and complete a touchless COVID-19 questionnaire in order to complete the screening procedure and clear their child for entry into the school building.
Children and adults who have a fever of 100.4 F or above, or other signs of illness, will not be permitted in the building. Parents/guardians should consult with their child’s pediatrician for further guidance.
“Curbside” Drop-off & Pick-up
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our principal objective is to facilitate safe drop-off and pick-up procedures, designed to minimize viral transmission. All families and staff are required to abide by the TCW Drop-off and Pick-up Policies to ensure that we remain in compliance with CDC recommendations and updated DHS regulations during these times.
High risk people, such as those 65+ years of age or adults with serious underlying conditions, should not pick-up children. If possible, we ask that you designate one parent, or authorized caregiver, to always drop-off and pick-up your child(ren). Staff will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times during drop-off, pick-up and while completing the health screening and temperature checks.
Children who are cleared for entry into the school building arewalked to their classroom by a trained staff member (infants are carried).
Limiting Access
At this time, parents and other family members are discouraged from entering the building. Only TCW staff, and certain pre-approved essential service providers, will be allowed in classrooms after successfully clearing the Health and Temperature Screenings. All vendors and deliveries will not be allowed past the school front lobby.
Masks
All teachers and TCW school staff wear cloth face coverings at all times. As it is not mandated by state, local or licensing authorities, TCW does not require children to wear masks while in our care. However, if you decide to send one in, we will do our best to encourage your child to wear it.
Potential or Confirmed Exposure
Anyone with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in their household must remain out of our schools for 14 days. Confirmed cases must receive medical clearance to return.
ENHANCED CLEANING, DISINFECTING & SANITIZING
TCW understands that frequent and thorough handwashing is a primary means of infection control and has always enforced a strong Handwashing Policy.
Regular cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing is also vitally important to maintaining the health and safety of our students, their families and our staff. Our guiding principles for cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing are:
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Normal routine cleaning with soap and water will decrease how much of the virus is on surfaces and objects, which reduces the risk of exposure.
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Disinfection using EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19 can also help reduce the risk of viral transmission.
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Frequent disinfection of surfaces and objects touched by multiple people is crucial.
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When EPA-approved disinfectants are not available, alternative disinfectants can be used (for example, 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions).
The Children’s Workshop follows NAEYC accreditation standards, CFOC national standards and CDC recommendations for the cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection of educational facilities for children. Click here to review our cleaning policies with additions for COVID-19, sanitizing toys and disinfecting bedding.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
We are honored and excited to be with your child during this public health crisis. We take the health and safety of your family and our educators very seriously. We understand that all of our families are feeling stress and adjusting to abrupt change; we are here to partner with you to make your child’s life as peaceful as possible during this time of turmoil. In response to the COVID-19 health pandemic, we have updated enrollment forms and prepared a Family Orientation Presentation that each family must review prior to their child(ren) returning to, or starting, our program.
Enrollment Forms
A parent/guardian must fill out the form completely, sign it, and submit to enrollment@childrensworkshop.com prior to the first day of attendance. Information on this form must be kept current.
Click here for the infant & toddler enrollment form.
Click here for the preschool & school age enrollment form.
Family Enrollment Policies and Procedures
We have always been diligent about maintaining the health and safety of every member of the TCW family – students and staff alike. Please take a moment to review the extra precautions we will be taking during the COVID-19 pandemic by clicking here.
