SLCC PARENT CV UPDATE #2

RE: SLCC Staying Open, Staying Clean, and Taking Steps to Limit Risk

Dear SLCC Parents,

As you are probably aware, government offices, businesses, and schools are taking dramatic steps in order to combat the spread of Covid-19/Coronavirus. SLCC is closely monitoring these changes. The Colorado Department of Health has issued a strong directive that child care centers remain open at this time, and that they take any and all practical steps to increase social distancing and cleaning/sanitization practices in order to minimize transmission of the disease. The SLCC board considers the health of your children, our staff, and the health of our community at large a top priority, and is doing everything possible to keep everyone safe during this time.

In conjunction with government offices, schools, and businesses across the state, SLCC is responding to what Colorado Springs mayor, John Suthers, has just declared a “State of Emergency” for our city. In our organization, one adjustment we will be making is to temporarily adjust our business hours, to minimize the risks associated with the spread of Coronavirus. Our board has decided that the best course of action at this time will be to reduce our operating hours, beginning Wednesday, 3/18/2020, to 8 am to 5 pm. This means drop-offs must be after 8 am, and children must be picked up before 5 pm, stating Wednesday. We recognize that this change in operating hours will cause some parents difficulty regarding work schedules, however, we are certain that this decision best serves everyone in our center and community at large.

Here are the 4 main reasons we have made this decision:

1. It allows us to implement a “one adult/teacher exposed to each classroom” policy. In this new schedule, a teacher will be singularly responsible for their classroom for the entire 9 hour period the classroom is open. This will greatly decrease the potential for COVID-19 transmission.
2. Reducing overall hours frees up extra time to spend on cleaning and disinfecting our facilities.
3. It allows children to be here during warmer parts of the day. This means we can be outside for the most possible hours. Please note that spending time outside is a critical strategy in mitigating the spread of this disease. Please remember that children need to bring 3 layers each day (shirt, sweatshirt, jacket).
4. This model of social distancing will likely enable us to stay open additional days/weeks.

As we have previously mentioned, it is possible that any day, the state may require child care centers to close. In addition, we are still monitoring the safety issues and may choose to shut down the centers independently. 

The above steps will further reduce/mitigate risks. However, a critical additional measure is required of all parents and staff: no child or staff who is exhibiting any cold/flu symptoms can be in our center during this time. If your child is exhibiting any cold/flu symptoms, do NOT bring them into the center. The staff will not allow them to be dropped off.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility regarding this issue. Again, if you have any questions or concerns regarding this change, please contact our parent hotline via call/text @ 719-203-1044, or via email @ parents@springsoflife.org.