Open Discussion Forum

Expand all | Collapse all

Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

  • 1.  Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-14-2020 11:44 AM
    I am the director of a private child development center.  We are currently looking through our parent handbook and are processing through the need to add a section in our policies about school closures due to health reasons (i.e. COVID-19) and what if anything would be required of tuition and refunds if a school closure should happen again.  Have any others organizations private or not thought of adding or are in the process of adding a policy or statement to your policies and/or handbooks concerning future school closures due to health epidemics ?  

    Thanks
    Kathy

    ------------------------------
    Kathy Hobart
    DIrector
    FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CDC DIRECTOR
    Midland TX
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 03-19-2020 12:43 AM
    Department of Children and Families announced Emergency Disaster policy firming Family child care providers 
    pl Review the attachment

    ------------------------------
    MALIKA JAFRI
    Provider
    Mali's family childcare
    Hillside NJ
    ------------------------------


  • 3.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-26-2020 05:05 PM
    No attachment!!!!
    thanks,

    ------------------------------
    Jagruti Patel
    Owner/Provider
    Patel Family Child Care
    Redlands CA
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-28-2020 11:35 AM
    Hello!
    I would love to see a copy of this policy, but the link/attachment does not seem to work.
    Thank you!
    Karen

    ------------------------------
    Karen Watson
    Director, Cranbrook Early Childhood Center
    Cranbrook Schools
    Bloomfield Hills MI
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-14-2020 12:28 PM
    Since our area is prone to Hurricanes and Flooding, we have had a policy that states if we have to close for reasons beyond our control for 3 or more days then the tuition will be half rate for that week.  If we are only closed for two days then the tuition is still the full rate.  We have never had to close for more than a week, so we did not have a payment policy in place for what would happen during an extended closure of two weeks or more or what would happen, if we were open and receiving students, however a parent on their own was choosing not to bring in their student for whatever reason.

    Definitely would like to see what other centers are doing.

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



  • 6.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-15-2020 09:09 AM
    I just wrote a policy this week and added it to our required Emergency Plan.  I have sent it to the owner so that she can decide on the issue of tuition.  Currently, we have been closed since March 23.  No tuition has been charged.  

    As of right now, the plan states that our center has the right to close due to health reasons and put in the plan that we would follow the guidance of CDC, local government and our licensing department which is through the Department of Health.  If you would like, I can email you a copy of what we have so far.  I was unable to attach it to this response.

    ------------------------------
    Cynthia Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education Cente
    Ellisville MO
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-15-2020 09:13 AM
    I would enjoy seeing what it looks like. Thanks!


    ------------------------------
    Paula Hance
    director
    Zion Early Childhood Center
    Hopkins MN
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-15-2020 09:17 AM
    Cynthia,
    I would love to see the wording on that if you wouldn't mind sharing.  

    Shannon

    ------------------------------
    Shannon Facchina
    Owner/Director
    Caring Hearts Academy
    South Hill VA
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-15-2020 09:25 AM
      |   view attached
    Hope this helps.  We are still working on it.  Have a great day!

    --
    Cindy Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education
    636-391-6061



    Attachment(s)



  • 10.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-15-2020 10:38 AM
    Cynthia,

    Thank you so much for sharing.  This document is very helpful.

    THANK YOU!

    Kathy

    ------------------------------
    Kathy Hobart
    DIrector
    FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CDC DIRECTOR
    Midland TX
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-15-2020 10:59 AM
    Great!  I am glad that I can help.  We all need to help each other right now.  I know that it is rough, but it is a start.

    ------------------------------
    Cynthia Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education Cente
    Ellisville MO
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-17-2020 11:33 AM
    Hello Cynthia,

    Could I also get a copy of this?  It would be so helpful.

    Thank you for sharing!

    ------------------------------
    Arianna Lopez
    Executive Director
    The Goddard School Stokie
    Skokie IL
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-17-2020 11:47 AM
      |   view attached
    Dear Arianna,
    Of course.  It is still a work in progress.  I hope that it helps.  Have a great day!

    --
    Cindy Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education
    636-391-6061



    Attachment(s)



  • 14.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 05-07-2020 05:37 PM
    Thank you so much for sharing this. It is very kind of you.

    ------------------------------
    Sandra Rodriguez
    Director
    Beautiful MInds Academy LLC
    Orange City FL
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-15-2020 12:12 PM
    Cynthia, 

    Thank you for sharing.  I have also been discussing possible additions to our policies.
    We did have a disclaimer in our admission agreement that in case of fire, earthquake, or other acts of God, that we would not be required to adjust our tuition. 
    Our last day on campus was March 13th.  We requested tuition in March when we were uncertain as to our return date, but once the return became undetermined, we told parents we would not be collecting tuition for our final 2 payments, unless we were to return to school for those months.

    I'm glad for this forum to discuss these new situations and policies.

    Kim

    ------------------------------
    Kimberly Vandergrift
    San Diego CA
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-15-2020 01:03 PM
    Thank you, Kim.  That is helps!

    ------------------------------
    Cynthia Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education Cente
    Ellisville MO
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 05-09-2020 12:43 AM
    I like this. Thank you for sharing.  I am in the process of making sure EVERYTHING is clearly addressed: Black & White... no more gray...

    ------------------------------
    Kim Parker
    Director
    Pumpkin Patch Preschool
    Wilson WY
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 05-07-2020 05:11 PM
    Hello Cindy,

    Thank you for sharing

    Ms. Banks

    ------------------------------
    TARA BANKS
    Detroit MI
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-15-2020 09:28 AM
    Dear Shannon,
    I just sent it through this site.  If you don't receive it, please let me know and I will email it to you directly.  Thank you.

    ------------------------------
    Cynthia Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education Cente
    Ellisville MO
    ------------------------------



  • 20.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-15-2020 02:49 PM
    Yes please, would like to see this.  Thank you


    ------------------------------
    Mary Lou Rodriguez
    Director
    Fairview NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-15-2020 04:01 PM
    I would like to see it as well.   Thank you, Kim




    --
    Kim Rosholt, TOSA 
    (pronouns: she, her, hers)
    Preschool Education Coordinator
    Kids Place 
    952-738-1036 cell


    ------------------------------
    Kimberly Rosholt
    Kids Place Preschool Education Coordinator
    St. Louis Park Schools
    St Louis Park MN
    ------------------------------



  • 22.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-15-2020 05:21 PM
      |   view attached
    Dear Kim,
    I couldn't send it through your listed email.  I hope that this reaches you.  Thank you and have a great day.

    --
    Cindy Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education
    636-391-6061



    Attachment(s)





    --
    Kim Rosholt, TOSA 
    (pronouns: she, her, hers)
    Preschool Education Coordinator
    Kids Place 
    952-738-1036 cell


    ------------------------------
    Kimberly Rosholt
    Kids Place Preschool Education Coordinator
    St. Louis Park Schools
    St Louis Park MN
    ------------------------------


  • 23.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-16-2020 09:14 AM
    Hi Kim,
    Thank you for your attachment of an example of what a policy around the pandemic emergency closure might look like for us all!  It gives us a starting place and I'm sure that many of us will use it as a template.  I appreciate your time and attention to the example policy!

    ------------------------------
    Becky Slone
    Child Care Aware of Kentucky Quality TA Specialist
    University of Kentucky]
    London, KY
    ------------------------------



  • 24.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-16-2020 09:19 AM
    Dear Kim Rosholt,
    I wanted to follow up to see if you received the Emergency Pandemic Response that I sent yesterday.  i was unable to send it to your email, so I tried through the site.  If you do not receive it, please let me know and I will try and resend it.

    Sincerely,
    Cindy Bohrer

    ------------------------------
    Cynthia Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education Cente
    Ellisville MO
    ------------------------------



  • 25.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-16-2020 12:26 PM
    I received it, thank you so much!

    Kim



    ------------------------------
    Kim Rosholt, TOSA 
    (pronouns: she, her, hers)
    Preschool Education Coordinator
    Kids Place 

     "In the rush to NORMAL use this time to consider, which parts of normal are worth rushing back to."
     -Dave Hollis
    ------------------------------



  • 26.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-16-2020 11:35 AM
    We had also had language in our parent handbook that said in the event of a Pandemic event, we would follow the local/county school closing policy and as with snow/weather cancellations, no time would be made up.

    Would love to see what people create as part of their new handbook information.



    ------------------------------
    Jennifer Reinhart
    Preschool Director
    Emmanuel Lutheran Preschool
    Vienna VA
    ------------------------------



  • 27.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-16-2020 11:05 PM
    Can you please share your policies?
    Thanks

    ------------------------------
    Abeer Samaan
    Director
    Basilica of Saint Mary Montessori Academy
    Livonia MI
    ------------------------------



  • 28.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-16-2020 11:07 PM
    Can you please share your policies?


    ------------------------------
    Abeer Samaan
    Director
    Basilica of Saint Mary Montessori Academy
    Livonia MI
    ------------------------------



  • 29.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-19-2020 06:56 AM

    Hi Cynthia
    I would love to see that too. 

    Thank you
    Lisa Houghlin

    Director, Sacred Heart Preschool
    Louisville, KY



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



  • 30.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-20-2020 09:01 AM

    I am also working on great deal of policy change with our Emergency plan for such closures and illness due to the extreme nature of what we are faced with.  Right now, the CDC is warning this could in fact occur again.  I know several local centers adapting their illness policy.  I would also love to see a copy of your plan as a reference.  Thank you.



    ------------------------------
    Christina Wentzel
    Owner/Administrator
    Little Hands Nursery School, LLC
    Etters PA
    ------------------------------



  • 31.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-20-2020 09:21 AM
      |   view attached
    Dear Christina,
    I have attached the policy to this email.  We are still working on it.  I hope that it helps.  Thank you and have a great day.

    --
    Cindy Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education
    636-391-6061



    Attachment(s)



  • 32.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-20-2020 11:44 AM

    I would enjoy seeing this as well.

    Patty



    ------------------------------
    Patty Sinclair
    Director
    Dr. Franklin Perkins School
    Lancaster MA
    ------------------------------



  • 33.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-20-2020 01:11 PM
    Sorry if this was discussed, but do any of you have a liability waver regarding children getting COVID19 because of exposure while in care?

    ------------------------------
    Paula Hance
    director
    Zion Early Childhood Center
    Hopkins MN
    ------------------------------



  • 34.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 05-07-2020 10:42 AM
    Great Question - We are thinking about this too.

    ------------------------------
    Anne Rothe
    Director
    Key Biscayne Presbyterian School
    Key Biscayne FL
    ------------------------------



  • 35.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-20-2020 01:33 PM
      |   view attached
    Dear Patty,
    I have attached the policy for you.  I hope that it helps.  Thank you and have a great day.

    --
    Cindy Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education
    636-391-6061



    Attachment(s)



  • 36.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-21-2020 10:01 PM
    Thank you!

    ------------------------------
    Abeer Samaan
    Director
    Basilica of Saint Mary Montessori Academy
    Livonia MI
    ------------------------------



  • 37.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-21-2020 08:46 AM
    I would like to see what you have as well.  Thank you   vruwink@swcymca.org

    ------------------------------
    Tracy Vruwink
    Childcare Director
    South Wood County YMCA
    Wisc Rapids WI
    ------------------------------



  • 38.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-22-2020 04:05 AM
    Can I have a copy of what you have. It would help tremendously 

    thanks 
    Diane Lancaster
    JumpStart Christian Academy

    ------------------------------
    Diane Lancaster
    Director
    Jump-Start Christian Academy
    Fulshear TX
    ------------------------------



  • 39.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-25-2020 03:07 AM
    I too would love to see that document. We are currently following CDC policies and injecting policy put in place by Stanford's legal and department that governs children centers and work life balance.

    ------------------------------
    Dr. Marsha Drew-Harris
    Stanford Arboretum Children Center ICRI
    Program Specialist/Assistant Director
    Stanford Ca, USA
    ------------------------------



  • 40.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-25-2020 10:23 AM
      |   view attached
    Dear Marsha,
    I attached the new policy that we are working on. I hope that it helps.  Thank you and have a great day!

    --
    Cindy Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education
    636-391-6061



    Attachment(s)



  • 41.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-25-2020 04:45 AM
    Would love to see what you have

    ------------------------------
    Diane Lancaster
    Director
    Jump-Start Christian Academy
    Fulshear TX
    ------------------------------



  • 42.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-25-2020 10:21 AM
      |   view attached
    Dear Diane,
    I have attached what we have so far for you.  I hope that it helps.  Thank you and have a great day!

    --
    Cindy Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education
    636-391-6061



    Attachment(s)



  • 43.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-25-2020 10:23 AM
      |   view attached
    Dear Diane,
    Here you go.  I hope that it helps.  Thank you and have a great day!

    --
    Cindy Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education
    636-391-6061



    Attachment(s)



  • 44.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-29-2020 08:05 AM
    I would love to see your policy! Thank you for sharing!

    ------------------------------
    Sara Bates
    Director
    First Presbyterian Preschool
    Tuscaloosa AL
    ------------------------------



  • 45.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-29-2020 08:45 AM
      |   view attached
    Dear Sara,
    Of course.  I have attached it for you.  I hope that it helps.  Have a great day.

    --
    Cindy Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education
    636-391-6061



    Attachment(s)



  • 46.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-15-2020 06:37 AM
    I have not yet written the statement, but I do intend on having that added to my handbook.

    ------------------------------
    Shannon Facchina
    Owner/Director
    Caring Hearts Academy
    South Hill VA
    ------------------------------



  • 47.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-15-2020 08:19 AM
    One webinar I was watching said to have the wording along the lines of, You are not paying for ATTENDANCE, you are paying for an ENROLLMENT SPOT.

    ------------------------------
    Paula Hance
    director
    Zion Early Childhood Center
    Hopkins MN
    ------------------------------



  • 48.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-15-2020 01:56 PM
    I am a PDS for our local CCR &R and I actually am working on a zoom training for our providers about this exactly.  In my conversations with many of my providers I have found that not many of them actually have this policy anywhere and certainly not on something that the parent has signed.  In my research I have found that in order for any fee to be charged to the parents during this time,if it is to stand up legally it needs to be in your contract with parents.  Just having it in your Emergency Plan or Parent Handbook is not enough unless the parent has actually signed the document to say they understand the payment policies.  So, if you charge parents for times like this where maybe you have had to shut your doors, you will need that in your contract with parents signature to be enforceable.  Many parents are choosing to pay  anyway, but it is difficult to enforce and probably wouldn't stand up in court.  Tom Copeland is strongly encouraging all child care facilities to put something into their parent contract for situations like this so that you are covered.  

    Blessings,
    Tammy

    ------------------------------
    Tamara Christofferson
    New Provider Support Specialist
    Child Care Connections
    Bozeman MT
    ------------------------------



  • 49.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-16-2020 12:25 AM
    We are the early childhood division of PK-12 independent school, so our parents sign the same enrollment contract as the "big school" parents. We have continued to charge tuition because we are providing distance learning resources and our teachers are still working.  We did, however, refund after care charges and pre-paid holiday care fees for spring break (which was to have been this week).  Now that the governor has called for our schools to remain closed through the school year, we will make a similar refund to parents for the period between the end of school and summer camp and will determine whether we will be able to run a summer program based on the situation within the New Orleans metro area at the time.
    We have a policy in our handbook about school closures (we all do in this area since the Storm!), but it does not specifically allude to health-related closures.  We are planning to update that element before the 20-21 school year.

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



  • 50.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-20-2020 03:03 PM
    I know communities are different all over, but we have a diverse population enrolled in our school and for those that are out of work, there is simply no way they could continue to pay whether it was written in a signed agreement or not. Even those that are still working are having to pay a babysitter to watch their children at home and cannot afford to pay the center too. These are unusual times. On the other hand, we have families that have greater financial resources too, and though they are not comfortable sending their children back anytime soon, generously offered to pay tuition of behalf of those that are struggling financially, to pay for their child to go back or to cover teachers' wages, which we are not able to pay during this crisis. When we closed mid-month our policy was that tuition was to be paid for up to 3 days of unexpected closure. We informed parents that the balance they were owed for the month (since they paid for the month in advance) would come back to them in a credit for when we do reopen. They were not charged for April 1st and after.

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



  • 51.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-20-2020 05:47 PM
    I know that many parents can't afford to pay.  Totally get that and I believe that for  unusual circumstances like this every facility must determine whether or not to enforce their tuition policies or give parents grace.  I just know in my area, there are a lot of facilities that are asking parents to pay at least half and some do not have signed contracts with the parents that state that.  If it is not stated on something the parents signed then they really can't enforce it.  That's all I'm trying to say.  Childcares are hurting just like everyone else.  When parents don't pay, it is hard to pay employees or if you are self-employed, your normal bills.  Tough times for everyone.  I just know a lot of our providers did not understand about the need for a parent contract.  They just had handbooks.  

    Stay safe and well.

    ------------------------------
    Tamara Christofferson
    New Provider Support Specialist
    Child Care Connections
    Bozeman MT
    ------------------------------



  • 52.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-20-2020 06:57 PM
    The most simple way to solve this problem long term is for the Federal or State Governments to to pay each childcare provider a weekly per diem/ per child for each child that is enrolled in their center regardless of parent income status.  This base per diem would need to be an amount that at a minimum would cover the payroll cost and employee benefits for the center based on license capacity and the # of staff required to maintain the ratios per age group.  Parents would then pay the difference between the per diem and what the provider charges for the weekly care.

    At least with the guaranteed per diem, a provider could go through fluctuations like we are now and not lose everything.  There could be policies written that parents do not have to pay their portion during a temporary shutdown for whatever reason, and the center wouldn't have to worry about parents withdrawing because they aren't receiving the services.

    The "per diem" would have to paid for by a Federal or State tax similar to what is collected for public schools or redirecting some current tax dollars towards this program.  If we are willing to collect taxes from everyone for public schools, even those that no longer have students in school, then there shouldn't be an issue collecting a fee from everyone to help pay for childcare.  Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, parents use the public schools as their "childcare" from 7:00-3:00 or 4:00 each day if riding a bus home, starting with Pre-K because they perceive they are not having to "pay" for it.  If childcare is needed in order for people to work, then everyone needs to pay a little something to help make it work.

    If this current crisis doesn't change how we get reimbursed and provide us with some type of guaranteed annual income, then nothing ever will.

    ​​

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



  • 53.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-17-2020 08:50 AM
    We are thinking about adding this:  it would cover anything liability insurance does not cover (with health issue in the center, building issues, etc) We have a communicable disease part of our insurance that if we had to close due to having a case in the center we could make a claim. 
     

    Unplanned Center Closures

    On occasion we may need to close due to circumstances outside of our control (i.e. national emergencies), and without much warning.  During these situations we will initiate an emergency protocol that will impact tuition.  For the first 2 weeks of closing, families will be charged full tuition.  During the first two weeks, families may utilize any vacation credits they may have remaining without providing the 2 week notice.  This is a one-time exception of the two week notice.  For the following 2 weeks of closure, tuition will be billed at 50%.  If the Center must close for 4 weeks or more, a re-assessment of tuition billing will be conducted. 

    All enrollment is maintained during a closure period as long as all commitments to the Center are fulfilled. 



    ------------------------------
    Mary
    ------------------------------



  • 54.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-17-2020 05:42 PM

    As a provider, I believe that you almost have to add verbiage related to such a turbulent event without having to specify Corona, but "In the event of...." 

    Because lso many are experiencing hardship due to quarantine and unemployment, I can't in good conscience charge my private pay parents nor my subsidized parents. 

    i have been able to negotiate a waiver through the Commonwealth of PA to serve first responders and front line professionals, but, they, as well have chosen to wait until they feel comfortable that the curve has been flattened before they return. 



    ------------------------------
    Eric Waters
    Owner
    S.M.A.R.T. Preschool Learning Center
    Harrisburg PA
    ------------------------------



  • 55.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-17-2020 05:44 PM

    I would like a copy of your draft as well. Thank you. 





    ------------------------------
    Eric Waters
    Owner
    S.M.A.R.T. Preschool Learning Center
    Harrisburg PA
    ------------------------------



  • 56.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-19-2020 02:44 PM
    We decided to do distance learning for our preschool.  The first two weeks of closure we refunded our tuition as we prepared what our distance learning would ​look like, platforms we would use, prepared lessons for learning, etc.  When we launched distance learning, we charged 50% tuition to our families.  Since this was all new we wanted to have a "continuity plan" in place to support our approach to this closure, and show our expectations of partnership between the school, the faculty and the families.  i can share that if anyone would like.

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



  • 57.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-20-2020 10:09 AM
    Hi Lisa,
    I would love to see your continuity plan.
    Thank you in advance for sharing that.

    ------------------------------
    Anne Rothe
    Director
    Key Biscayne Presbyterian School
    Key Biscayne FL
    ------------------------------



  • 58.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-20-2020 03:49 PM
    Hi Lisa,

    I am interested in seeing your continuity plan. I own 5 large childcare centers in NorthWest Florida.  All are currently open for essential personnel only. I have not had to layoff any employees although our attendance numbers have dropped dramatically. Our local Early Learning Coalitions have offered assistance for health care workers and first responders and it is not based on income. there are not many childcare centers who are still open and people need us. We have other guidelines for admittance also.

    Thanks in advance, Lisa Drake

    ------------------------------
    Lisa Drake
    Owner
    Kids Discovery International, Inc.
    Ft Walton Bch FL
    ------------------------------



  • 59.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-21-2020 09:54 AM
      |   view attached
    Hello,

    We closed Kids Place in March, when the governor closed schools.  We are open for Emergency Care according to the state (Minnesota) serving tier 1 & 2 families for free.  The school district recently asked our educators if anyone is interested in a volunteer furlough May 1- June 30 with the district continuing to pay for health insurance.  The educators who stay are receiving additional hourly hazard pay.  If school reopens before June 30th everyone would all be called back.  

    I have attached our new Pandemic Emergency Response which someone shared with me.

    Stay healthy & safe,
    Kim

    ------------------------------
    Kim Rosholt, TOSA 
    (pronouns: she, her, hers)
    Preschool Education Coordinator
    Kids Place 
    St. Louis Park Public Schools

     "In the rush to NORMAL use this time to consider, which parts of normal are worth rushing back to."
     -Dave Hollis
    ------------------------------

    Attachment(s)



  • 60.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-24-2020 08:50 PM
    Thank-you for sharing Kimberly.

    ------------------------------
    Karen Harmer
    HI
    ------------------------------



  • 61.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-21-2020 10:17 AM
    Hi Lisa,
     I would love to see your "continuity plan," as our school is doing the same as yours with remote school daily - but without the written home/school plan.
    THANK YOU!!

    ------------------------------
    Hilarie Kay
    Director of Early Childhood Education
    Glen Rock Jewish Center Nursery School
    Glen Rock NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 62.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-21-2020 02:47 PM
    Hi Lisa,
    I would love to see your continuity plan. Thank you for sharing.
    Kerry Lodge
    Director
    Best Beginnings Preschool
    Redmond WA

    ------------------------------
    Kerry Lodge
    Director
    Best Beginnings Preschool
    Redmond WA
    ------------------------------



  • 63.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-22-2020 04:02 AM
    Could I have a copy of your plan as well. Thanks

    ------------------------------
    Diane Lancaster
    Director
    Jump-Start Christian Academy
    Fulshear TX
    ------------------------------



  • 64.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-22-2020 11:37 AM
    Hi Lisa,
    I would love to see a copy of what you created also. Thank you.


    ------------------------------
    Tara Gray
    Director
    Cornerstone Children's Center
    Berkeley CA
    ------------------------------



  • 65.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-23-2020 09:19 AM
    Good morning, 
    I hope you are well.  I would very much appreciate seeing what you have created.  Thanks in advance.


    ------------------------------
    Niloufar Rezai
    Director
    Eastern Connecticut Head Start
    Willimantic CT
    ------------------------------



  • 66.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-23-2020 10:21 AM
    Good morning Lisa,   

    I pray all is well with you and your family.   I, too,  would very much appreciate seeing th plan that you have created.  Thanks so much for sharing!

    Carol Hughes
    Director
    The Willow School 
    Norristown, PA 19401





    ------------------------------
    Carol Hughes
    Director of Operations
    The Willow School
    Philadelphia PA
    ------------------------------



  • 67.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-24-2020 09:06 AM
    I would love to see your continuity plan.
    Thank you in advance

    ------------------------------
    Leslie DesJardins
    Child Care Director
    YMCA of Marquette County
    Marquette MI
    ------------------------------



  • 68.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-29-2020 12:06 PM
    Hello Lisa,

    I would really like to get some ideas for the continuity plan that we are developing. Please share what you may have drafted. Some of the points that we have tried to address in our SOP for resuming activities include staggered start dates, differential timings, smaller and more number of batches, self-imposed lock down, revised sick child policy and more points. Once it takes a bit more shape, I can share that here. 
    Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts on continuity.

    Regards,
    Preethi Vickram

    ------------------------------
    Preethi Vikram
    Shiksha Associates
    Bangalore
    ------------------------------



  • 69.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-29-2020 01:45 PM
    I would love to see what you have come up with.  We are already putting off collecting tuition for the fall until July 1 to see what happens, but nee to start somewhere for a continuity plan.  Thank you.

    Jenny Reinhart
    Emmanuel Lutheran Preschool
    Vienna, VA 22181


    ------------------------------
    Jennifer Reinhart
    Preschool Director
    Emmanuel Lutheran Preschool
    Vienna VA
    ------------------------------



  • 70.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 05-09-2020 01:05 AM
    smart.

    ------------------------------
    Kim Parker
    Director
    Pumpkin Patch Preschool
    Wilson WY
    ------------------------------



  • 71.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 05-08-2020 09:33 AM
    Hi Lisa!  I would love to see you "continuity plan" if you don't mind sharing!
    Thank you,

    ------------------------------
    Jennifer Picquet
    NORTHBROOK PRESCHOOL
    Roswell GA
    ------------------------------



  • 72.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 05-08-2020 09:56 AM
    Lisa, I would love to see your continuum plan as well as what a typical distance learning schedule looks like from the teacher. Are you doing distance learning for only preschool age or all ages? 
    I am trying to scope what distance learning at 50% tuition looks like. 
    My center has been closed. We have not been charging tuition, but because we are teachers and caregivers, each class has been doing some form of remote teaching, but we have not be charging for that. As we move forward, I would like to know what it looks like to be most informed when speaking to my principal or superintendent.

    Feel Free to email me at

    Thank you for everything you do for the children in your area!

    --
    Kim Brewer
    Director/Lead Teacher
    Honeycombs Kids
    Trinity, NC






  • 73.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 05-09-2020 11:46 AM
    Hi! I work for Denver Public Schools. Our distance learning plan for preschool is optional this year. I do one Google Meet  meeting  per language ( English and Spanish) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings, for about 20 minutes. My para also does this in the afternoon ( we switch every week- one week I'll do Literacy and she'll do  Math, and then I'll do Math and she does Literacy). We also use Seesaw ( there's a free trial for two months right now- although they do have a free version). I post 6 activities for students per day, M-F, ( 6 in English and 6 in Spanish). I approve and comment on their responses, as does my para. You can also add specialists, like speech therapists or special educators as teachers so they can give assignments, too. Hope this helps.

    ------------------------------
    Jennifer Monson
    ECE Teacher
    Denver Public Schools
    Denver, Co
    ------------------------------



  • 74.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-29-2020 09:04 AM
      |   view attached
    Good morning!
    Many have asked to see our Online Learning and Teaching Continuity Plan, as well.  i am attaching it here.  

    I would love to know if anyone who is preparing to re-open are doing so with restrictions would share a plan.  Such as temperature checks at the entrance, limited number of students/class, etc.  

    Thank you!
    Lisa Houghlin

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



  • 75.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-29-2020 09:24 AM
    Good morning.  We have tried to reopen a few times, but we are just not getting the enrollment to make it feasible.  We have two plans that we are working on for when we do reopen.  We are trying to keep it inline with the CDC and our local agencies.  We are still waiting to hear more from our local agencies, but here is what we have so far.  

    I would love to hear what anyone else is planning.  Thank you.

    --
    Cindy Bohrer
    Director
    Kids International Early Childhood Education
    636-391-6061



    Attachment(s)



  • 76.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-29-2020 09:43 AM
    THANK YOU, Lisa.
    This is very well written and very helpful.

    ------------------------------
    Hilarie Kay
    Director of Early Childhood Education
    Glen Rock Jewish Center Nursery School
    Glen Rock NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 77.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 04-29-2020 12:53 PM
    Thank you. This is so helpful

    ------------------------------
    Diane Lancaster
    Director
    Jump-Start Christian Academy
    Fulshear TX
    ------------------------------



  • 78.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 05-01-2020 04:19 PM
    Has anyone used UV wands to sanitize your classroom?

    ------------------------------
    Esther Wolf
    Lil Goldman Early Learning Center
    Fort Worth TX
    ------------------------------



  • 79.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 05-07-2020 07:38 AM

    Tuition Agreements: adding a pandemic clause to protect our child care center

    Hi NAEYC community.  I am the director of a small non-profit preschool in San Diego serving children aged 6 weeks to pre-k.  Our center like many others has been closed since March 17th and at this point we do not have a set date to reopen.  We have put our enrollment on hold for the 2020/2021 school year which for us begins on Aug. 31st but need to start moving forward so that our preschool is fully enrolled for the upcoming school year.

    We will be sending out our Tuition Agreements soon and I am wondering if any of you have added a clause or already had one in place that reflects school closure due to a pandemic or some type of unusual circumstance?

    Thank you for your input.

    Kindly,

    Stephanie Larson



    ------------------------------
    Stephanie Larson
    Director
    San Diego Cooperative Preschool
    San Diego CA
    ------------------------------



  • 80.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 05-07-2020 08:06 AM
    Such a good question. . . . 

    Thank you,
    Niloufar

    Niloufar Rezai
    Child and Family Development Resource Center, Director
    Eastern Connecticut State University
    860.465.5270
    860.465.5277 (fax)
    www.easternct.edu/cfdrc





  • 81.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 05-07-2020 09:33 AM
    We have only added on to the inclement weather section, saying "If ZECC should need to be closed due to inclement weather or other acts of God, announcements will be updated on the center voice mail greeting, <local TV station>, and our Facebook page.  Tuition remains the same for the week."

    We also have a long-term leave policy (for families desiring to be out longer than 2 weeks and they have already used all their vacation days) that states families must pay our lowest day enrollment tuition (2 days for Tods, Preschool, and PreK, 3 days for Infants).  
    We have been open since this whole things closed down schools in MN (March 16) and families that were wanting to return after the state reopens but are not attending now have been paying the reduced enrollment.  Just 2 weeks ago we reduced our cost to families not currently here to a flat $100/wk.

    ------------------------------
    Paula Hance
    director
    Zion Early Childhood Center
    Hopkins MN
    ------------------------------



  • 82.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 05-11-2020 12:21 PM
    This is what we have put in our policies for now:

    School Closure Payment Policy

    If the Early Childhood Education Center, (ECEC), at First Presbyterian Church should close for more than two non-scheduled vacation days due to weather, illnesses or federal and/or local mandated closures the Early Childhood Education Center will decrease the following month's tuition per the daily rate per days the school was closed for.  Tuition that is collected is not collected based on attendance but is payment for an enrollment spot.  If we should close for a whole consecutive month tuition will not be collected. 



    ------------------------------
    Kathy Hobart
    DIrector
    FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CDC DIRECTOR
    Midland TX
    ------------------------------



  • 83.  RE: Policy and Handbook Changes due to School Closure for health issues

    Posted 05-07-2020 07:40 AM

    Good Morning,

    I am the director of a small childcare center, that is housed inside an elementary school. We serve families of our school district exclusively, children ages 1-5. We are in the central part of North Carolina; as I begin to start preparing class lists for fall enrollment, I am asking the same question. We do not currently have anything in place, and COVID-19 caught everyone by surprise. I don't think anyone had a plan in place before March 16,2020; but I don't think we can enter August/September 2020 without one. BUt how do you even start creating a clause or a plan for something you know nothing about? Here, in NC, there were literal changes in operations being handed down almost every hour in the beginning. The changes were being given by multiple sections of government or organizations ans we are still receiving new information every day as far as how to operate a childcare center during COVID.

    How many of the adjustments being made during this time to care for essential workers will transfer into our new everyday practice?  I know I haven't answered your question, but I hope you know that we are struggling with the same questions over here on the East Coast.



    ------------------------------
    Kim Brewer
    Director/Lead Teacher
    Honeycomb Kids
    Ramseur NC
    ------------------------------