SLCC STAFF CV UPDATE #2

RE: New Operating Hours Starting Wednesday, 3/18/2020

Dear SLCC Staff,

In order to make adjustments in our organization to minimize the risks associated with the spread of Coronavirus, we have 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. These are the hours we will be open for parents to have their children in care, though staff can possibly work beyond these hours doing cleaning, cooking, etc. This change will be communicated ASAP to all parents via email, text, and our blog page. You may receive questions from parents about this new policy, so please be sure to understand the reasoning for this decision and remind parents that this will start Wednesday, 3/18/2020.

Here are the 5 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, having only a half-hour lunch break (if desired).This will greatly decrease the potential for COVID-19 transmission.
2. Reducing overall hours frees up extra time to spend 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 vast majority of their hours in the center. Please note that spending time outside is a critical strategy in mitigating the spread of this disease. Please remind parents that their children need to bring 3 layers each day (shirt, sweatshirt, jacket).
4. The lower total staff hours means that staff who are concerned about contracting the virus will have the freedom to stop working sooner.
5. This model of social distancing may possibly enable us to stay open longer.

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 bottom line is that, starting Wednesday, every lead classroom teacher’s schedule will change to 8-5. We are looking for group-lead teachers who are willing to commit to holding down classrooms in this new schedule. For younger, healthy staff, this is a great way for you to serve at this time, because your personal health risks are relatively limited.

The above steps will further reduce/mitigate risks. However, you must be sure to continue to send home children exhibiting symptoms (and not allow them to be dropped off into care). Additionally, do not come to work if you yourself are exhibiting any symptoms.