Dear Families,
We wanted to update you with information we have received from the Virginia Department of Social Services regarding reopening in Phase II.
We are excited to tell you that BLPS will be open and fully operational in the Fall. Below, please find the highlights from the Department of Social Services guidance:
- Group size limit for children under age 4 is 12, including staff. (BLPS group sizes are much smaller than this)
- For children age 4 and above, the group size limit is 22, including staff. (BLPS group sizes are much smaller than this)
- Groups of children may share a classroom as long as social distancing can be maintained and children do not mix between groups.
- Governor Northam's Executive Order does require family members entering the childcare facility to wear facial coverings. The E.O. does not apply to employees or employers, therefore it does not apply to children in childcare or childcare teachers. However, if a teacher will be working in close proximity to a child for an extended period of time, that teacher will wear a face covering.
- Teachers will be trained on program policies and procedures associated with COVID-19.
- Staff will implement strict hand-washing policies and clean/sanitize frequently touched surfaces daily.
- Staff and students will have their temperature taken upon entry each day. Staff or children with a temperature of 100* or higher must be excluded from activities for 24 hours (unmedicated) before they can return.
- We will do our best to limit the amount of supplies that students share.
- Achieving social distancing with young children is a challenge. This is why we will not be combining groups and we will be maintaining the same groups from day to day (including staff).
- Students will eat snack and lunch in their classroom.
For further reference, please see the attached Parent Handbook. If you have any questions or concerns, please reply to this email.
