IC3 response to COVID-19 Parent Communication 3-15-2020
3/15/20
Dear IC3 Parents,
The closing of the ICSD has prompted many discussions over the past few days and after much contemplation IC3 Administration and the Executive Committee has decided to remain open at this time. We have been in close communication with the Tompkins County Health Department, Office of Children and Family Services, Child Development Council and the TC Deputy County Administrator and those conversations helped inform our decision to remain open. Of course, this is a fluid situation and could change at any time and we will keep you informed of any changes as soon as we know them.
We will be conducting health screenings of all staff and children prior to admittance to the program on a daily basis. This will include checking temperature, signs of respiratory issues and asking about travel outside of your normal day to day travel within the past 14 days.
We are modifying the health policy concerning fever. The policy is now to be out of care for 48 hours after the fever has broken, without a fever reducer. If children or staff are presenting with COVID-19 symptoms they will be asked to go home and contact their health care provider or the Tompkins County Health Department.
We ask all parents to reduce the amount of traffic in and out of the building. If you are able to designate one person to drop off and pick up that would be helpful however, we understand that might not be possible. If you are sick or exhibiting symptoms, you cannot enter the Center.
We will be eliminating visitors, student interns, outside meetings, Mumford the therapy dog and tours. Interviewing of candidates will no longer involve a classroom interaction and all interviews will be conducted in a private office or by facetime or phone.
We will continue and increase our everyday preventative measures to control the spread of COVID-19 and we encourage you to do so by using; frequent, proper handwashing techniques, avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a barrier, routinely cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces using an EPA approved product, staying home when sick and avoiding close contact with people when possible.
We will continue to charge tuition as we normally do, if you’re family has experienced an income change please request an income verification form and we will modify your tuition right away. If you choose to un enroll your child we will waive the normally required 6 week notice. If you determine not to bring your child while we are open but want to hold your space you will continue to be billed at your normal rate.
Again, this is a rapidly changing situation and we appreciate your patience as we navigate through it. We are committed to the health and safety of our children and staff. Thank you for your flexibility and we will be sure to send out any updates as we know more.
Thank you!
Sherri Koski Jeanne Malone
Executive Director Program Director
