Help is available through Montgomery County for low-income families using qualified full-day child care programs for school-age students:  see attachment below

School-age COVID Subsidy Flyer Eng and Span UPDATED

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) COVID Guidance for Child Cares Jan 2021

RDCA COVID Protocols:

Protecting the health and well-being of our children, families, and staff is always our top priority. Toward that goal, we have implemented additional preventative measures throughout our centers to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  Our employees and families are jointly committed to following the recommended precautions and protocols to ensure the safety of our collective RDCA family and community as a whole.

RDCA continuously monitors the status of the pandemic and any updated information provided by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Office of Child Care (OCC), Center for Disease Control (CDC), Child Care Aware of America, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education.  Based on changing recommendations, our policies and procedures will be modified to include current best practices.

Precautionary Measures:

• Entry into the child care center is limited to enrolled children, RDCA staff, and those essential to building operation and maintenance.
• Visits and tours can be conducted virtually.
• All drop off/pick up will take place outside the building or classroom entrance.           Contactless daily sign-in and sign-out will be done via the Brightwheel App.
• A face mask is required for all adults and children over age 5. Children over the age of two will be encouraged to wear their masks, but will not be forced.
• Daily temperature checks of children and staff are taken. Temperature must be below 100.4◦F for entry.
• Daily symptoms screening of staff and children will be taken using the MSDE Health Screening Form.  An answer of yes to any 2 questions will prohibit entry.
• Staff are trained on recognizing COVID symptoms according to CDC standards. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/index.htm
• Daily communication will take place using the Brightwheel App, email, or phone call in order to maintain the center/family connection.
• Upon entering the building, everyone will be required to wash their hands.           Handwashing will be for at least 20 seconds using soap and warm water.          Handwashing will occur every half hour for staff, and for everyone; before and after eating, after diapering or using the toilet, after playing outdoors, following any contact with bodily fluid, leaving the center, and throughout the day as needed.
• Each child will have separate cubbies, backpacks, or baskets for their personal items. Individual supplies for use at the center will be provided by RDCA. Toys from home are not permitted and only essential items will be allowed.
• Snacks are provided, however, lunch must be supplied from home. Only disposable lunch bags may be used, and food must be ready to serve to avoid cross-contamination and additional contact.  Staff will plate and serve food for each toddler – preschooler.  NO family-style service during the COVID pandemic.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

• All staff will be trained on proper cleaning, disinfecting and infection control based on the CDC and MSDE licensing guidelines.           (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/cleaning.htm)
• Classrooms will be cleaned throughout the day with high touch surfaces cleaned at least every two hours.  An enhanced deep cleaning will occur at the end of each day.
• Bathrooms will be cleaned and sanitized after each use.
• Classroom equipment that cannot be washed will be put away until further notice.

Classroom Environment

• Children will be kept in small groups based on local and state guidelines. These groups of children will remain with the same staff throughout the day.
• All classrooms will remain separated to reduce the number of children in one area and the possibility of viral transmission.
• Children will be spaced 6 feet apart during structured activities – when plausible.
• Cribs and cots are spaced out as much as possible. At least 6 feet apart and children are placed head to toe for naps.
• Equipment is not shared and is cleaned between uses.
• Children will spend as much time as possible outdoors during conducive weather

Outdoor Environment

• Outdoor equipment will be sanitized after each group’s use (bikes, balls, hula hoops, etc.)