Reopening Update

Last updated August 24, 2023

As of September 1, 2020, we have fully reopened. Here’s what we’re doing to maintain the health and safety of children, families, and employees during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (based on current recommendations from Alberta Health Services and on guidance from the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital). In general, we are taking a slightly cautious approach.

  • Vaccination: We strongly recommend that all Educators and family members receive COVID-19 vaccination when eligible to do so, as well as the seasonal influenza vaccine and routine immunisations. All of our Educators have attested to being fully vaccinated, and all employees hired after August 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition ofemployment.
  • Masking: Masking is no longer required within the Hospital, but anyone who prefers to continue wearing a mask is encouraged to do so.
  • Cohorting: We are no longer cohorting, and children from the two rooms may mingle together now. Cohorting will resume in the event of an illness outbreak, for the duration of that outbreak.
  • Health and Illness Policy: Anyone who has symptoms of illness cannot attend the program. This includes parents, employees,and children.
  • Parents must assess their child for symptoms before bringing them each morning. If a child’s temperature is greater than 37.5°C (99.5°F) as measured by mouth or underarm, or 38.0°C (100.4°F) as measured by forehead or ear (ear measurements not recommended for children under 2 years old), the child is considered to be experiencing a fever and must not be brought to the program until the fever has resolved for at least 24 hours without using medication.
  • Children must be feeling well enough to fully participate in program activities (including outdoor play) in order to attend. Parents who request their child be kept indoors will be asked to remove their child from the premises until the child is feeling better.
  • If a child tests positive for covid-19, we ask that the child be kept home for a minimum of 5 days after start of symptoms; strongly recommend/request 10 days after start of illness for children, as continuous masking is not possible within this age group (COVID-19 info for Albertans | Alberta.ca states:

If you have respiratory virus symptoms or test positive for any respiratory illness you should stay home until your symptoms have improved, you feel well enough to resume normal activities, and you are free of fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

  • It is also recommended that you wear a mask when you are around others in indoor settings for a total of 10 days from when your symptoms started.
  • Anyone who is feeling unwell, regardless of whether they have tested positive for a respiratory virus or not, are advised to avoid visiting acute care or continuing care settings except when necessary (for example, to receive emergency care).).
  • If possible, for children whose household family member tests positive for covid-19, we ask that thechild is kept home for 7 days if possible, as continuous masking is not possible within this age group (based on Information for Close Contacts of a COVID-19 Case). We recognise this is not always possible, and reserve the right to inform educators (or parents of children) with chronic health conditions that someone within their cohort is attending under these circumstances so that they can make an informed decision about attendance (for parents) or masking (for educators).
  • Employees must follow the guidance in the linked document: Attending Work with COVID-19 Symptoms or a Positive COVID-19 Test Directive 1188
  • Children and employees who have ongoing medical conditions which present with symptoms that overlap with common signs of illness (e.g. environmental allergies, asthma, IBS, migraine disorder,etc.) are recommended to do a COVID-19 test the first time the symptoms appear. Once the initial symptoms are determined not to be related to covid, the employee or parent should submit in writing a description of what baseline symptoms look like; any new symptoms or worsening of existing symptoms beyond the baseline description will be considered an illness, and will require isolation/exclusion from the program as described above. Please note that a doctor’s statement is not required.
  • Picking up and dropping off: Parents/guardians must use hand sanitiser and are encouraged, but not required to don a non-medical mask (provided at the screening table) upon entry to the building.
  • Physical Distancing: Physical distancing is no longer required, but is still recommended between people from different cohorts and adults from different families, especially if choosing not to wear a mask.
  • Adults may choose to wear masks within the building and/or Centre.
  • Personal Belongings: Children’s personal belongings coming into the program should be kept to a minimum, but comfort objects, etc. are welcome. These must be taken home each evening, ideally, or kept in a designated space (child’s cubby, parent mailbox, blanket bag) overnight, and must be taken home along with the child’s bedding to be laundered each weekend.
    • Please label all personal belongings, including lunch containers, water bottles, outerwear, blankets, blanket bags, etc.
  • Food: Parents are asked to supply all food for their children at this time. The refrigerator and microwave are still available in each room.
    • All food and drink containers must be clearly labeled with the child’s name.
    • If possible, please include any utensils or other dishes your child will need.
    • Educators will follow correct food handling procedures when handling children’s food items (opening packages and containers, warming things up in the microwave, etc.). Educators wash their hands in between handling each child’s food items.
    • While we are not currently preparing or providing snacks, our food handling surfaces and sinks must be maintained, as we are still handling children’s food from home.
    • As a reminder, all food items must be free from peanuts and any type of tree nuts, in any format, due to potentially life-threatening allergies.
  • Activities and Materials: The activities and materials provided for the children’s exploration and learning are no longer limited unless there is an active illness outbreak.

Thank you for your part in helping us keep everyone safe and healthy!