Parent COVID-19 Update

We have missed you all so much…

we are excited to announce our RE-OPENING DATE OF MAY 18, 2020!

It’s now time to prepare Hilltop House for your child’s return. Follow our journey as we enter uncharted territory. We have implemented new practices intended to protect your children, families and the staff from the spread of COVID-19. I have reviewed the current guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Public Health Department, and the LA County Childcare Licensing Division related to COVID-19. 
To comply, we will adopt the following measures (outlined in the attachment):

1. Adjustment of child to staff ratios 
2. Implement health-screening procedures on arrival
3. Modify drop-off and pick-up procedures
4. Implement physical distancing strategies
5. Temporarily suspend lunch service. (Snacks still provided)
6. Intensify daily cleaning and disinfection

Health Screening, On Arrival:
a) Sick children and staff members are required to stay home.
b) All staff will wear masks when working with a child closely (ie, diapering, bottle feeding, ect.).
c) Children’s mask wearing is optional and mask must be provided by parents.
d) There are no N95 masks approved for young children. CDC recommends Children under the age of 2 should not wear masks
e) Staff temperatures will be taken daily.
f) Children’s temperatures will be taken on front porch before entering.

Visitors:
a) LA County recommends limiting non-essential visitors. Masks, hand washing, and temperature checks will be required for all visitors.
b) Observation though front windows preferred.
c) We consider all our parents essential, however, please limit your visits as
much as possible during this time.
d) Temporary restriction on school tours for prospective families.

Modify Arrival/ Pick-up:
a) All arrivals enter through front door.
b) Gloved/masked staff will greet you and perform child temperature check (by ear), and guide your child inside.
c) Child will remove shoes before entering.
d) Parents are asked to say goodbye at front door.
e) Child pick-up will take place in the backyard (3pm to 5:30pm departure times).
f) Parents are asked to enter side yard and wait at our white wood fence until staff guides child over, all personal belongings will be placed of front porch for pick up.
g) Rainy day/ too hot to go outside pick up will take place at front door – sign will be posted when necessary.

Physical Distancing:
a) Increased space between children when sitting at tables, and storytime.
b) Teacher’s discretion regarding the activity. Children will be outside as much as possible.
c) Children will be rotated between separate activity areas on the playground and during centers.

Breakfast/Lunch Service Suspended:
a) Morning (10am) and afternoon (3pm) snacks will be provided.
b) Parents will provide a sack lunch each day.
Daily Cleaning and Disinfection:
a) Toys that cannot be cleaned and sanitized have been removed. These include fabric toys, stuffed animals and blankets.
b) Items children are likely to place in their mouth, such as plastic food, bowls
and utensils have been removed.
c) Sharing of toys, will be avoided. A container labeled “Soiled” will be placed
indoors and outdoors to facilitate separation of clean and soiled toys. They will be cleaned and disinfected prior to re-use.

Hand Hygiene:
a) All staff, children, parents and visitors will practice healthy hand hygiene.
b) Soap and water for 20 seconds (singing happy birthday song) at each washing is recommended.
c) Children will be encouraged to wash or sanitize more frequently, especially
after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing, and before and after eating.
d) Reminders posted indoors and outdoors

Surfaces:
a) Our playroom, bathrooms, and kitchen will be deep cleaned and sanitized (prior to May 18, 2020).
b) Playroom floor will be steamed and sanitized.
c) Playroom will be cleaned and disinfected more frequently during the day.
Doorknobs, light switches, bathroom sink handles, countertops, toilets, desks
chairs and cubbies will be wiped down to ensure your child’s safety. This is in addition to our new nightly cleaning service (3x per week).
d) Cleaning materials are kept secure and out of reach of children.

Personal Belongings:
a) Sharing toys from home is temporarily suspended.
b) Each child will stow crayons, pencils, etc. in a personal Zip Lock bag.
c) Water will always be available to children. Children over 2 years old, will have access to water station, staff will assist children