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Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

  • 1.  Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 03-31-2020 02:42 PM
    I fear people think that child care programs will "just re-open" and everything will be fine.
    One challenge is to think now about what will it take to reopen child care centers and family child child homes?
    We will need some collaborative, strategic thinking about this. At a minimum, we need to "plan to plan."
    First thoughts about the challenges: - How do we help plan for what we know will come:
    • Programs will need financial support - some group/association/local or state agency/experienced large child care programs, etc. should have a plan to reach out to child care programs/small businesses and help them access available financial resources now, a month from now, when the announcement is make that it's to stop quarantining.   - some group ... will have to help small child care businesses make a new financial plan for the immediate future.  Staff are likely to be financially challenged, etc. etc.
    • Programs may need help with staffing.
    • Programs will need to address staff's emotional needs - everyone will likely be grieving for someone or something.
    • Programs will need to plan how to bring a traumatized children back into the program.
    • Programs will need to have a communication plan with parents.
    • Programs will need to sanitized spaces, etc.
    • Families enrolled in child care programs that are closed will need to find child care that is available/accessible and affordable
    • etc., etc., etc.
    What are  your first thoughts about collaboration ???

    ------------------------------
    Rosemary Kendall
    Co-President
    NVAEYC
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-01-2020 07:34 AM
    Good Morning,
           I am the Executive Director at a local childcare center in Harrisonburg VA. Friday the 13th was our closing day and I took 2 weeks with my staff to clean and sanitize the entire building. We use another 2 days just to talk and create a plan so we could re-open on March 30th. I will attach the plan we created.                                                                                       Only 2 of our staff are on unemployment the others are standing strong on the front line.
           Our fear was if we stop serving we will not have a center to come back to, because the funds are just not available.  We serve 98.9% VDSS clients who can't afford to pay while we wait and see what will happen.
    Our classroom have a whole new look, each child has a 8 foot square that is equipped with a shelf with loose parts, art supplies, a doll every item they might want in a much smaller quantity. 
    I am attaching pictures.  We are in the honeymoon stage but the children are having a great time exploring their own personal centers and space.

    ------------------------------
    Angela Rouse
    Executive Director
    Roberta Webb Child Care Center
    Harrisonburg VA
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-01-2020 09:31 AM
    Thank you so much for sharing this.  My center is still open for now.  We are in rural Iowa and went from 65 kiddos to approximately 7 per day.  I am very interested in your plan if you wouldn't mind sharing it.  I am trying to put some strategies in place for the future should we stay open or have to close.
    God Bless you and your staff for all you are doing for children and families. Stay strong!  Angie

    ------------------------------
    Angela Mapes
    Kiddie Karrasel Academy, Inc.
    Le Claire IA
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-01-2020 09:40 AM
      |   view attached
    Yes, Angela I am happy to share our plan. I will send it in the attachment feel free to reach out by phone. 
    Angela Rouse
    Executive Director
    540-434-8699

    ------------------------------
    Angela Rouse
    Executive Director
    Roberta Webb Child Care Center
    Harrisonburg VA
    ------------------------------

    Attachment(s)

    pdf
    COVID 19 uodate 1.pdf   85 KB 1 version


  • 5.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-01-2020 10:43 AM
    Angela, Thank you so very much.  This will be very helpful.  I sincerely appreciate it.
    Angie

    ------------------------------
    Angela Mapes
    Kiddie Karrasel Academy, Inc.
    Le Claire IA
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-01-2020 11:00 AM
    Has your state/area recommended that children to be 6 feet apart?   What ages do you serve currently?  We have infants - age 12.  This would be so hard to do with two year olds and infants to keep them so far apart.  UGH!   Your plan is very well done and thought out.   Thanks again for sharing.  I'll share any resources I get as well. Angie

    ------------------------------
    Angela Mapes
    Kiddie Karrasel Academy, Inc.
    Le Claire IA
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-01-2020 11:30 AM
    Anytime

    ------------------------------
    Angela Rouse
    Executive Director
    Roberta Webb Child Care Center
    Harrisonburg VA
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-08-2020 10:22 AM
    How are you sanitizing and how often the outside play equipment? What does the outside play environment look like? Swings? equipment? How do you keep the kids apart outside?

    ------------------------------
    Jennie Brandon
    Director
    Antler Care
    Edmond OK
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-08-2020 11:00 AM
    Good Morning,
          We have been just wiping all the equipment in between each group going out to play with bleach and water. The classrooms are staggered so time for the bleach to dry. Hope that helps our floater is the one doing this.

    ------------------------------
    Angela Rouse
    Executive Director
    Roberta Webb Child Care Center
    Harrisonburg VA
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-07-2020 02:05 PM
    Thank you for sharing!

    ------------------------------
    Lisa Houghlin
    Director
    Sacred Heart Preschool
    Louisville KY
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-11-2020 11:19 AM
    Good morning Angela-
    Thank you for sharing.  I am curious, how many children do you have in each room?

    Be well,
    Lisa Houghlin

    ------------------------------
    Lisa Houghlin
    Director
    Sacred Heart Preschool
    Louisville KY
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-01-2020 12:43 PM
    Hi Rosemary,

    We have been sounding the alarm in Texas for the past 3 weeks and the response from the Health and Human Services Department, Childcare licensing and our elected officials has been dismal.  We have stressed that multiple centers are closing statewide as well as in our local county, due to decreased attendance and decreased revenue to pay employees.  There response has been, but we need  to you guys to stay open for the "essential workers", at the same time they are closing public schools and other public venues due to the concern over the spread of the virus.  It's like they think we are this special unicorn and we should continue to take the risk of staying even though our workers and students would still be at risk for catching the virus.  It's crazy how little respect and understanding or concern for how our businesses operate.

    After 3 weeks of struggling to stay open we have finally closed and most likely now will be closed until May 4th.  It's scary because we don't what is going to take to be able to reopen after 5 weeks of being closed or if there will be enough a client based left to support us being open.  We are in the process of applying for the 7A Cares Act, however it will still be awhile before we receive any money.  So yes we all definitely need a plan for moving forward after all of this is done.

    Best of Luck

    Tim Kaminski
    Gingerbread Kids Academu
    Richmond, TX

    ------------------------------
    Tim Kaminski
    Director/Owner
    Gingerbread Kids Academy
    Richmond TX
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-06-2020 04:38 PM
    I am the Professional Development Coordinator for deaeyc and have been thinking about what early childhood professionals are going to need when all their doors re-open and how we can support them. I think you are right on when you state that we need to "plan to plan". When this is all over, programs are going to need a great deal of support for their staff, the children, and themselves. I am wondering if other states have thought about this and what their plans are?

    ------------------------------
    Carmen Gallagher
    Frederica DE
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-21-2020 01:27 PM
    I am the executive of a program that serves a major university and hospitals located in Atlanta, Georgia. The college is remaining closed through the summer months. The medical experts and scientists on my board are reluctant to reopen the school. I, too, am reluctant but am working on a plan for once we reopen. Are there any members of the community who are directors, and leaders of schools that serve colleges, universities, or hospitals. If so, how are you handling reopening? Particularly if you are in an area hit hard (or with rising numbers) by COVID-19. Do you have a projected reopening date? If so, when? Are you planning only to serve front-line workers? I am eager to learn from each other.

    ------------------------------
    Natalie Feagin
    The Clifton School
    Douglasville GA
    ------------------------------


  • 15.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-21-2020 01:48 PM
    Hi Natalie,

    I am from Texas and I operate two primary locations one with a capacity of 140 and one with a capacity of 90.  However we also have 5 after-school programs on the elementary campuses of our local school district.  Those programs have been closed since the beginning of March and the district does not plan to reopen until the Fall.  When the schools first closed, we made our two primary locations available for the after-school students to come to as full day students, however the parents didn't want to pay the difference between the half day and full day so no one took advantage of that.  Two weeks later we closed due to a significant decline in attendance and revenues at both the other locations.  We were closed for 3 weeks and are just now opening back up.  We are now under new state orders that we can only provide services to essential workers and a limit of 10 people total in each of the classrooms.

    The only way we were able to reopen is that we received the PPP funds last week and which we will use to cover the payroll over the next 8 weeks.  However, so far we have only had about 40 students between the two primary programs agree to start coming back.  If that doesn't improve over the next 8 weeks there will not be enough revenue coming in to support another payroll cycle beyond the funds of the PPP program.  Also in April and May is when we would normally pre-register for the next school year for the after-school programs.  We always counted on the registration funds to give us a bump going into the summer, but parents we have spoken to are not willing to make any commitments for the Fall until after the summer as they are concerned the schools may not reopen then.

    Texas is suppose to let more people start going back to work next week, so we are hoping that will make a difference in attendance going up.  It's hard to make plans for 3 months down the road with so many unknowns.  If we come up with a plan at some, I will post it on Hello.

    Best of luck.

    Tim Kaminski

    ------------------------------
    Tim Kaminski
    Director/Owner
    Gingerbread Kids Academy
    Richmond TX
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-22-2020 10:36 AM
    NAEYC has posted a link on their website to information from the American Academy of Pediatrics which may be helpful to those who are currently open or are developing plans to reopen.  

    https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/guidance-related-to-childcare-during-covid-19/

    The NAEYC webpage where this link can be found also has a number of other resources that people may find helpful:

    https://www.naeyc.org/resources/topics/covid-19

    Stay well!  Wash your hands!  Be kind to others!

    :) Kristen

    ------------------------------
    Kristen Kennen
    Early Childhood Education Specialist
    EdAdvance
    Danbury, CT
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-23-2020 08:20 AM
    Thank you all for the information. We are in this together and all the shared information is very much appreciated.

    ------------------------------
    Vilma Oliva
    Sarasota FL
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-12-2020 10:32 AM
    I own a center in Central Texas. We have been open the whole time.  What we are running into know is the 10 max in a room (this is with a teacher) as more and more parents that are essential are returning to their office and we are limited on our space with the lower number.  I hope this is raised in phase 2 or we could loose customers.  They have bee faithful and pay to hold their spot so I am stressed to think of what could occur.

    ------------------------------
    DEDE KNIGHT
    DIRECTOR/OWNER
    THE PLAY YARD PRESCHOOL
    Salado TX
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-22-2020 07:55 AM
    Hello Natalie,
    I am from NY and I operate a center located on the grounds of a VA hospital. Let's me begin by saying this has been the most challenging part, full of varying emotion and uncertainty.  We based our decisions on the need for our service in conjunction with the guidance of the CDC and Governor instruction.  We initially tried to stay open bc we were encouraged to do so since we are classified as "essential"  in doing that our enrollment tumbled and the revenue wasn't enough to support staying open. The following week we decided to align with the CDC and joined the stay at home order put in place, we did that for 3 weeks 3/23-4/14.  On April 15th, we decided to reopen to provide some relief to "essential workers only" in need of care, truth be told this plan is quickly back firing reasons being: we did not receive PPP funds to support our not for profit program, finding staff comfortable enough to resume working for minimum wage, and the state reopening date keeps getting pushed back,  just to name a few.  I was faced with a lot of challenges. I advise that you check to see how many families need essential care at the moment before deciding to reopen. Also make sure your Governor doesn't continue passing back the date like mine has making my profit/loss gap even larger, had I known that he was going to push the date again I wouldn't of reopened.  Each center has it's own unique situation, but I would be sure you have the enrollment before reopening, I would also align it with your state's reopening date. We currently have a state order that all staff need to wear face masks, not children. We also staggered check in and out times, each family has their own time slot and lastly we take temperatures of each child and staff upon arrival.  
    It is very difficult to plan for the upcoming school year, I agree with Tim there is just to many unknowns at this time, but I wish you all the best and hope the early childhood field with get the support they need during this pandemic.  
    Best of Luck,

    ------------------------------
    Eileen Scerra
    Executive Director
    Montrose Child Care Center
    Montrose NY
    ------------------------------



  • 20.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-23-2020 08:13 PM
    Related to this conversation... I am looking for any guidelines states have put together for reopening child care.  I would love to have you share them with me if possible.  I am helping to develop guidelines for Wyoming.  

    Thanks

    ------------------------------
    Betsy Carlin
    EC Consulting
    Wilson WY
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-22-2020 11:55 AM
    1. How soon do you think we should able to go back to work?
    2. Should we still wear masks
    3.Should we teach the children why we wear mask?
    4.Why doctors wear them?
     
    I will start with answering the questions myself this is myself opinion of my own questions
    1. I think we should be able to go back once a certain amount of people are tested.  Texas is opening up and it is at the dead bottom of the list its below Ca.

    2.I think we should be able choose if we want to wear the masks and all.  I don't think we should be forced to and we should not have to cover the whole mouth.

    3. I think we should share with the children why people wear masks in the first place.

    4. Why its important for doctors to wear masks.

    ------------------------------
    Michelle Fanwick
    Teacher
    Palo Alto Commuity Child Care
    Palo Alto CA
    ------------------------------


  • 22.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-24-2020 03:47 PM
    1. I think when the number of cases and deaths has gone down to the point to where one can safely go to work without a major risk of infection. 
    2. I think everyone should be wearing mask for the safety of other staff members and children due to many "asymptomatic" carriers. 
    3. Yes, we should speak to children about why people are wearing masks. Otherwise, they may be fearful of their teachers who are wearing these "new" unknown items on their faces.
    4. Talking about medical personnel lets children know that wearing a mask is essential for keeping the doctors and others safe from disease. 


    ------------------------------
    Jennifer Illinois
    ------------------------------



  • 23.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-25-2020 01:33 AM
    I'm thinking June

    ------------------------------
    Darla Williams
    Brand
    Darla the Teacher
    Sacramento CA
    ------------------------------



  • 24.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-26-2020 11:00 AM
    I attached a screenshot from our local advocacy group of a list of questions to be answered before reopening.

    I definitely think we need to allow the curve to flatten further and for the rate of new cases to drop drastically before we consider returning, especially in hotspots.  This almost certainly means that a unilateral decision regarding reopening is going to be impossible - not, unfortunately, what people want to heat!  State to state timing is going to be different and even region to region can be tough to gauge.  In our case, the New Orleans Metro area, by necessity, needs to stay shuttered longer than some of the more rural areas and perhaps North LA will be ready to go before Southeastern LA.  I hope that the decisions will be driven by HEALTH concerns primarily. I am very nervous that the economics of the situation will push states and even individual centers to open before we are prepared for all of the ramifications - access to PPE and cleaning supplies; establishment of health protocols; determination of plans to accommodate smaller group sizes, etc. - and it will result in a new outbreak.

    In terms of masks, I think we would be INCREDIBLY IRRESPONSIBLE to consider returning children and adults to a group setting without protections means in place. Everyone needs to be wearing masks, as scary or uncomfortable as that may be, because the alternative is continued spread, which is even more terrifying. With this, we do have a responsibility to help our children to understand the new reality by explaining on their level the danger of sharing space and the way that germs spread.  We need to maintain the stricter protocols for drop off to protect our spaces and our teachers.  Ultimately, our teachers are going to be returning to work with risks similar to those in non-emergency healthcare, so it is our duty to make sure that they are protected to the highest degree!

    ------------------------------
    Holly Dalferes
    Director
    George Cottage at St Martin's Episcopal School
    Metairie LA
    ------------------------------



  • 25.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-26-2020 03:01 PM
    We will be sanitizing toys like crazy, I don't think that is safe for the teachers or children. Before we go back we have to find a way that is safe for everyone.

    ------------------------------
    Darla Williams
    Brand
    Darla the Teacher
    Sacramento CA
    ------------------------------



  • 26.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-26-2020 08:00 PM
    I think we might be able to return safely and calmly by the beginning of June, however we don't want to rush things and make the problem worse. I do think it'll be necessary for teachers to wear masks, along with daily temperature checks for all staff members.

    We should also have certain major safety precautions for children and parents as well:
    - Upon arrival all children and parents should wash hands in the bathroom before being allowed into any classrooms
    - Daily temperature checks for both parents and children
    - CDC Guidelines and symptoms posted clearly at every entrance and exit
    - Sign-In kiosk should be disinfected after each use  
    - Daily sanitizing of all toys 
    - Extra emphasis on sanitation during routine daily cleaning 

    It will also be important to explain to children whats going on, and let them know why it's especially important to treat toys, objects, and each other with special care. Certain rules will have to be emphasized (no putting toys in your mouth, no taking toys home, etc.) There should be enough toys and activities for each individual child, the size of groups for any group activities should be reduced (min 2).  We should also try to get children to play with the same set of toys a day and not share them with friends (this will be hard but we might be able to do a "no sharing" theme month). We should make sure to explain the reasons behind the "no sharing" theme, and the importance of washing hands, and avoiding germs. The pepper and soap experiment is a great visual aid of the power of soap against germs. Hopefully by continuing to focus on these things we will see a return to normalcy. 


    ------------------------------
    Elsie Jean Baptiste
    Child Care Provider/ Administrator 
    Columbus OH
    ------------------------------



  • 27.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-27-2020 11:05 AM
    I live in Texas and these are the things I'm planning and preparing to reopen in May.

    1. Maintain small ratios and maintain all groups from mixing and only allow the Teacher(s) assigned to the same group to interact with them. 
    2. Children are to be dropped off and received by admin staff at the door where an assessment of both parents and child will be conducted - temp checks, signs of illness.
    3. All employees are to wear masks when interacting with adults and children outside of they assigned groups - Teacher(s) will not wear a mask when teaching their assigned group of children. Children need to be taught on why wearing a mask out in our society is important; however, I don't believe Caregivers working with young children should be wearing masks because of the social and emotional importance of teaching. I believe it is best to work on containment and allow for the natural interactions in a classroom.

    ------------------------------
    Lorena Counterman
    Director
    Friendswood Christian School
    Friendswood TX
    ------------------------------



  • 28.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-27-2020 03:53 PM
    I think it would not be fair but it's smart to open child center's for the frontline folks. But that would be a ratio number as well. I like how some of you said it's smart to explain why some people where masks such as doctors. Why it is important to cover your mouth and not Cough or sneeze on people. It's great to hear that we should start talking about it at a young age. I think it depends when they really start asking questions and do a few days pretending to be like a doctor and were a mask.

    ------------------------------
    Michelle Fanwick
    Teacher
    Palo Alto Commuity Child Care
    Palo Alto CA
    ------------------------------



  • 29.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-22-2020 03:36 PM
    How soon do you think it's time to go back? What do others think?

    1. How soon do you think we should able to go back to work?

    2. Should we still wear masks
    3.Should we teach the children why we wear mask?
    4.Why doctors wear them?

    I will start with answering the questions myself this is myself opinion of my own questions
    1. I think we should be able to go back once a certain amount of people are tested.  Texas is opening up and it is at the dead bottom of the list its below Ca.

    2.I think we should be able choose if we want to wear the masks and all.  I don't think we should be forced to and we should not have to cover the whole mouth.

    3. I think we should share with the children why people wear masks in the first place.

    4. Why its important for doctors to wear masks.

    ------------------------------
    Michelle Fanwick
    Teacher
    Palo Alto Commuity Child Care
    Palo Alto CA
    ------------------------------

    ------------------------------
    Michelle Fanwick
    Teacher
    Palo Alto Commuity Child Care
    Palo Alto CA
    ------------------------------



  • 30.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-23-2020 02:17 AM
      |   view attached
    I thought this image was helpful for people to understand why we wear masks to protect ourselves from COVID-19.


    ------------------------------
    Amy Gottschamer
    Executive Director
    Googols of Learning Child Development Center
    Lawrence KS
    ------------------------------



  • 31.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-12-2020 03:45 PM
    Thank you. I like the ima. This is a great way to show little ones why it is important that we we are wearing masks.  It teaches the children why doctors wear masks and why it important to wash hands and wear masks. 
    --
    Michelle





  • 32.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-23-2020 11:03 AM
    This is an interesting question. We are mandated closed by the governor and there is not enough need for emergency childcare. We as of right now will not be we to go back until June 28th. 
    As a lead teacher I would like a clear list of rules and regulations.
    I would like a trauma hotline to not only provide for parents but also for workers who may be struggling with the new reality. 
    If social distancing must still occur how do we explain it to toddlers. Can we hug the toddlers or will there be rules against comforting and if there is how will that effect us and our relationship with the kids. 
    I feel like teachers need support to go back especially if the closure will be this long.

    ------------------------------
    Hilary Peak
    Preschool/Toddler Teacher
    Worcester JCC
    Worcester MA
    ------------------------------



  • 33.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-24-2020 02:18 AM
    Thank you for bringing that up. We run an after school program in Queens, New York. Our area has been the most affected by the virus, and our busy streets look like a ghost city. We use public schools for our programs, and summer is coming up. If public schools do open again, how will we know what to do and how to keep our kids safe? We usually have six groups of children under 7 yrs old, and addressing the distance between children is not going to be easy.  We don't even know how to plan and what to plan for our summer camp. Will it open by the summer? Will parents want to enroll children in the program? How can we afford to pay our staff or guarantee they will have a job when they come back if we don't even know what parents are thinking or planning? It's just hard to plan and I hope to follow this post to hear what others are doing.
    We have been doing our virtual classes using zoom for our meetings and recording lessons for our children daily. I hope this will all be over soon.

    ------------------------------
    Tatiana Gomides
    University of Hawaii Maui
    Kahului HI
    ------------------------------



  • 34.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-24-2020 12:37 PM
    I agree with you. I work with a group of teachers but feel the same. We are usually not closed only on certain holidays. How long is this going to go on for. I don't know your age you work wi but I work with the preschool age and all. I feel like we will have to start all over teach them the rules like wash your hands if the parents did not keep that going which I hope they have. It's hard to think. The wether is nice will they even listen or not for the summer months. Hope all goes well.  
    --
    Michelle





  • 35.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-24-2020 02:51 PM
    I had replied a few weeks ago that we had closed our final two locations on March 26th.  We closed due to decreased enrollment, attendance and loss of revenues.  We applied for the PPP on April 3rd and were approved and received our funds on April 7th so we may plans to reopen on April 13th since we at least had enough money to cover payroll for the next 8 weeks.  However later that week, at the last minute the Governor of Texas issued new orders that restricted open day cares to only serving families of essential workers and requiring the parents of those children to fill out a new government form verifying their essential worker status.

    So we had to move our start date from April 13th to April 20th to give us time to get all of the forms collected from the parents and also change our drop off and pick up routines that had been updated that same week by the CDC.

    We just reopened this week and have had to restructure how we operate during the day.  We have 8 classrooms, but have closed the infant room so we are only using 7 and have reduced capacity to 10 people per room including the teachers. We have 2 teachers for the toddler room 12-18 months so capacity for that classroom is 8 students, while the other 6 classrooms have a capacity of 9 students and 1 teacher for a total of 62 students in the building.  We normally have 120 +.  We have changed our normal hours of 6:30 am to 6:30 pm to 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.  We have the staff working two shifts:  We have 8 teachers from 7:00 to 12:30 and 8 teachers from 12:30 to 6:00.  However everyone is still getting paid 40 hours per week as one of the requirements of the PPP is that employees get paid the same amount and time they were getting prior to the crisis.  Our cook comes in from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm and then we have 1 receptionist from 7:00 am to 12:30 p.m and the other receptionist from 12:30 -6:00.   We also have 3 staff that are staying at home for their own safety because they are over 60, but they are still getting paid for a 40 hour week per the PPP requirements.  The reason we have so many people working and paying the ones at home is that the PPP requires you to maintain the same # of employees over the 8 week period in order for the loan to be forgiven.  Prior to this we had 8 hour shifts that overlapped to help cover lunch periods and 2 staff that came in from 10:30 to 2:30 to help cover lunches.

    Since we started back this past Monday we are averaging between 25-30 students which is about the same number as when we closed before.  That number of "paying students" is barely enough to cover the payroll for the 16 staff that are covering the open classrooms.  Without the PPP, we would not be able to be open.  With such a small number of students we are okay on supplies for now, but if attendance increases we will quickly run out of those supplies and everything seems to be at least on a 2 week back order.

    Everyone is adjusting to the new schedule and procedures, such as wearing mask and gloves including the kids 2/12 and older, however things still don't feel right.  We are trying to make everything light and fun for the kids to make it easier to adjust to having a schedule again, but curriculum probably wont resume for a few more weeks.

    We still don't have a plan for what happens when the PPP loan runs out in about 6 weeks.  Even if attendance increases to the maximum number we could have in the building per the current social distancing guidelines, it is still half the number that we had before and will not make up for incredible amount of revenue that we have already lost.  Just keeping our fingers crossed that the government comes up with a second stimulus package in addition to the current PPP which you can only apply for once.

    If you are planning on reopening soon, and have any questions about the information I shared above, or if I didn't cover something you have a question about, please feel free to send me those questions.


    ------------------------------
    Tim Kaminski
    Director/Owner
    Gingerbread Kids Academy
    Richmond TX
    ------------------------------



  • 36.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-11-2020 02:21 PM
    Hi Tim-

    Thank you for all your information.  We have not been given any set guidelines, as of yet, from our State, but have been told we may be able to open for our July Summer camps.  Not knowing what this will look like, your information has been helpful.  Otherwise we follow a school year calendar and are scheduled to start August 12th.  I am wondering if we would still be at a limited capacity then and what other requirements will still be in place.  

    The uncertainty makes my head spin!

    Best,
    Lisa Houghlin

    ------------------------------
    Lisa Houghlin
    Director
    Sacred Heart Preschool
    Louisville KY
    ------------------------------



  • 37.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-11-2020 03:15 PM
    I am also concerned about the masks as well. Will it change? In any way? How does this if we have less enrollment change the staff ? 
    --
    Michelle





  • 38.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-25-2020 09:09 AM
    This is in reply to Hilary Peak:
    You raise some really good questions. One of your ideas - a Trauma Hotline - sounds like a very good idea. As for opening classes with toddlers before the pandemic has lessened enough or is under control medically seems reckless. It is very hard for toddlers to understand why they cannot be hugged as well as the fact that their teachers are wearing masks and gloves. What I have taken away from listening to the doctors discuss the virus, I have taken away the idea that the only children who should be back in childcare in areas of the country where there is widespread outbreak of COVID 19 are those whose parents are on the frontlines, and, even then, I think center care should be a last resort.

    ------------------------------
    Nora Krieger, PhD
    Associate Professor Emerita/Past Chair NJEEPRE
    Bloomfield College/NJ Educators Exploring the Practices of Reggio Emilia
    Highland Park, NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 39.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-27-2020 11:02 AM
    Hi Ms. Holly,
    I agree with you totally ! I teach in Jersey City Dual- Age Group. It is indeed scary to return without a strict protocol in place. I thank you for your openness and clarity along with the detailed summary of vital questions which should be going on as we speak. Millie 🌞🌎❤️

    Sent from my iPhone


  • 40.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-30-2020 02:15 PM
    Another key issue to address while considering re-opening children's programs is pre-testing all staff members before they come back to work. In several of the nursing homes in California, the heartbreaking rate of infection has been traced to dozens of staff members with no symptoms of the corona virus unknowingly infecting the very people they care for. The dilemma, of course, is whether or not our communities have testing available. If not, then we face serious ethical and safety issues.

    ------------------------------
    [Julie] [Olsen Edwards]
    Soquel CA
    ------------------------------



  • 41.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 04-30-2020 02:53 PM
    I totally agree! The children and staff must be free of illness.

    ------------------------------
    Nora Krieger, PhD
    Associate Professor Emerita/Past Chair NJEEPRE
    Bloomfield College/NJ Educators Exploring the Practices of Reggio Emilia
    Highland Park, NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 42.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-06-2020 03:55 PM
    These two CDC links were shared on another post by a member. They may be helpful in this thread as well. These documents from the CDC offer guidance about reopening schools and how to handle sanitizing childcare and other school environments.

    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/reopen-guidance.html
    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-childcare.html

    ------------------------------
    Community Engagement Manager
    Washington DC
    ------------------------------



  • 43.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-06-2020 05:13 PM
    How about traumatized teachers who work with the children? They will need help.

    ------------------------------
    Nora Krieger, PhD
    Associate Professor Emerita/Past Chair NJEEPRE
    Bloomfield College/NJ Educators Exploring the Practices of Reggio Emilia
    Highland Park, NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 44.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-15-2020 09:46 AM
    ​I manage a nonprofit program called Unconditional Child Care.  We help children, families and centers when the child is having behavioral challenges in the classroom through our case-based program.  We also provide training and development along with classroom coaching.   We have been active in our community for the last 27 years and we are currently involved with approximately 190 centers.  All of our services are free of charge to centers and families. Anticipating the challenges that children will face when they return to the classroom we have developed an early childhood trauma training which outlines how trauma can impact children and tools and strategies to build resilience.  Also, we are in the process of developing a self-care training just for child care providers.  I would suggest that it is going to be very important for everyone to understand how trauma and ptsd will impact children and teachers, how to build resilience and the importance of self-care for teachers and child care staff as we navigate these new times.  If you have any questions you can contact me at sfeller@pbfalv.org.

    ------------------------------
    Shelly Feller
    Program Manager
    Pinebrook Family Answers
    Allentown PA
    ------------------------------



  • 45.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-09-2020 02:47 PM

    Hi

    We are planning to reopen our center in couple of weeks.

    I was wondering if you would like to share the following information/guidelines with us-

    -guidelines for teachers/caregivers

    -checklist for employees relating to cleaning/ planning in the classroom as teachers will be starting week before children are back

    Thanks

    Mona



    ------------------------------
    Mona Bhatia
    Onsite Owner/ Director
    KAW-KACT, PA
    ------------------------------



  • 46.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-09-2020 04:40 PM
    How do you feel about this now that children are beginning to come down with a Kawasaki type illness and then when they receive a COVID 19 test, it turns out that they had the disease???

    ------------------------------
    Nora Krieger, PhD
    Associate Professor Emerita/Past Chair NJEEPRE
    Bloomfield College/NJ Educators Exploring the Practices of Reggio Emilia
    Highland Park, NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 47.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-13-2020 09:46 AM

    Is it possible to share your drop-off/pickup protocols? We're considering  not having parents enter the facilities for drop-off to minimize number of adults coming in building, other children being left in cars, etc.  If others have done or are doing outdoor drop-off/pickup, please share.



    ------------------------------
    Marilyn Brink
    Manager, Professional Development and Early Childhood/ NatureStart Professional Development
    Chicago Zoological Society
    Saint Charles IL
    ------------------------------



  • 48.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-13-2020 10:51 AM
    Good morning

    so my center is located in Texas. And state rules currently are put into place that parents are not able to enter the center at drop off or pick up. We must take their temperature and it must not be over 99.6 or we will not be able to except a child. Normally our children are able to bring heat up lunches however during this time we have requested only sack lunches and no heat us to illuminate multiple hands touching lunches. We wash our nap  blankets daily and we have removed most cloth babies Baby blankets and stuffed animals from my house centers.We also are limited to nine students to one teacher in a classroom equaling 10 total. Obviously in the Younger age we will have less students if we need more teachers
    we have an open during this time as we serve a lot of essential parents on a normal day-to-day basis. Because we are only able to provide care for essential workers right now this has allowed us to be able to meet the requirements of the state and not have to close our center. However with our state slowly opening we are hoping that they will open up the childcare room size or childcare is not gonna be available for these parents that are now being able to go back out into the workforce

    ------------------------------
    DEDE KNIGHT
    DIRECTOR/OWNER
    THE PLAY YARD PRESCHOOL
    Salado TX
    ------------------------------



  • 49.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-13-2020 11:32 AM

    Hi
    I will appreciate if you can answer below questions-

    What are the protocols if a child has seasonal allergies, should they come to school until the allergy season is over or they can to school if allergies are controlled through medication?

    How long should the staff/child wait if they show covid symptoms?

    ------------------------------
    Mona Bhatia
    Onsite Owner/ Director
    KAW-KACT, PA
    ------------------------------



  • 50.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-14-2020 09:19 AM






  • 51.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-14-2020 11:22 AM
    The center i am working at when we do go back we are consering going to get the kids from the car for pick up as well.  I am not sure how that is going to work yet.  i have not gone back to working yet.  that is what we might do.  go to the car and get the children so that the parents don't come to the building as well.

    ------------------------------
    Michelle Fanwick
    Teacher
    Palo Alto Commuity Child Care
    Palo Alto CA
    ------------------------------



  • 52.  RE: Looking Forward - what will it take to reopen programs?

    Posted 05-14-2020 02:37 PM
    We have decided that we will not allow parents to enter the center.  We will have them sign in their children outside the main lobby door.  We will be doing temp checks and brief questionnaires to make sure the students are well.  We havenʻt reopened yet, but are hoping that this will be effective.   While parents are waiting to sign in, we plan to have taped off six feet distancing for the line.

    ------------------------------
    Catherine Awong
    Director
    Mililani Presbyterian Preschool
    Mililani, HI, USA
    ------------------------------