Covid-19 Protocol (updated 1/7/22)

Sage Academy will always consider the health and safety of our children and staff our first priority. We are committed to providing a high quality and safe environment for our children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We will continuously monitor the latest developments in and around our community. As more information becomes available, we will adapt and make changes to our safety measures and protocols. We are also following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD), Los Angeles County Health Department, and other government organizations.

In line with safety measures, we are implementing the following protocols and policies in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Masks, Vaccines & Covid Tests on Campus

All staff are fully vaccinated and will be in masks at all times. Weekly covid tests take place on campus for children and staff.

Drop Off and Pick Up Policies and Procedures

Parents are required to wear a face mask during drop-off and pick-up. Children aged 2+ are encouraged to wear a face mask (except while eating or sleeping).

  • Parents and staff will meet outside at a designated area.

  • Parents are required to maintain 6 feet distance from other parents/families.

  • Staff will check in each child one at a time to allow for physical distancing.

  • Parents will sign in via Sandbox app which includes a brief questionnaire regarding the health of the child as well as the child’s immediate family.

  • Staff will make a visual inspection of the child for signs of illness which could include flushed cheeks, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing (without recent physical activity), fatigue, or extreme fussiness.

  • Staff will use a touchless thermometer to take the temperature of the child(ren). Forehead temperature of the child(ren) must be less than 100°F/38°C to be admitted into the school.

  • Parent’s visit should be as brief as possible.

  • Parents should wash their own hands and assist in washing the hands of their children before drop-off, prior to coming for pick up, and when they get home.

  • Hand sanitizers will be near all entry doors and other high traffic areas.

  • Ideally, the same parent should drop off and pick up the child every day. If possible, people with underlying medical conditions should not drop off or pick up children, because they are more at risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Wellness Check for Staff and Children

Sage will implement screening procedures including weekly covid tests (on campus) for our staff and children. This includes a daily health questionnaire (fever, cough, difficulty breathing or other signs of illness within the last 72 hours) that they, or someone in their homes, might have. All individuals will be asked if they have had any exposure to another individual with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases.  We will document and inform everyone of all known incidents of possible exposure to COVID-19.

  • Parents must notify the school if a child has taken any fever reducing medications in the last 72 hours, and must not bring the child to school with any symptoms of illness.

  • Temperature checks for all children and staff will be done each morning and afternoon by using a non-touch thermometer. If a child or staff member has a temperature of 100°F/38°C or higher or exhibits signs of illness, we will follow school procedures for isolation from the general room population, and notify the parents immediately to pick up the child and the staff member will be sent home immediately.

  • The County Public Health Department, Child Care Licensing Department, and parents will be informed if there are any known cases of COVID-19, and Sage will follow guidelines issued by the County Public Health Department.

Prevention, Containment, and Mitigation Measures

Sage will: 

  • Require covid-19 vaccinations for all staff

  • Keep the same children and staff with each group, to the greatest extent possible.

  • Extend the indoor environment to outdoors, if applicable and weather permitting.

  • Arrange developmentally appropriate activities for smaller group activities and rearrange furniture and play spaces to maintain 6-feet separation, when possible.

  • Eat outdoors at individual tables, and maintain separation during meal/snack times.

  • Implement strategies to model and reinforce social and physical distancing and movement as best as possible.

Healthy Hygiene / Hand Washing

  • Signs are posted in restrooms and near sinks that convey proper handwashing techniques

  • Children will be lined up for hand washing with soap and water

  • Faucet will be kept running, so that children do not need to touch the faucet

  • Staff will practice frequent hand washing by singing a song (hand washing should last 20 seconds) and using paper towels to dry hands thoroughly

All children and staff will wash hands at the following times: 

  • Arrival to school and after breaks

  • Before and after preparing food or drinks

  • Before and after eating or handling food or feeding children

  • Before and after administering medication or medical ointment

  • Before and after diapering

  • After using the toilet or helping a child use the bathroom

  • After coming in contact with bodily fluid

  • After playing outdoors

  • After handling garbage

Routine Cleaning, Sanitizing, Disinfecting, Air Circulation

  • Windows and doors (where possible) will be kept open to allow for increased air circulation.

  • On top of our regular daily cleaning, staff will routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects throughout the day (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, classroom sink handles, countertops, shared toys).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Staff will have access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including masks and gloves to prevent the spread of germs. Children are encouraged to wear masks while indoors, and it is the parent’s responsibility to provide a clean cloth mask every day. Parents must wash the mask daily. If the child decides not to keep the mask on, staff can only encourage but will not force the child to wear the mask.

Personal Items 

All personal items should be labeled and will be kept in a separate backpack to ensure personal items are separate from others.

Napping

Napping mats will be spaced 6 feet apart from each other.  They will be arranged with the head of each bed alternately, in opposite directions, to lessen the possible spread of illness between children from coughing or sneezing. All mats will be wiped down and disinfected after each use. Bedding will be sent home each week to be laundered. 

Outdoor Play Time 

  • Outdoor play activity will be staggered to reduce the number of children in the same area.

  • Outdoor time will be extended, weather permitting.

  • Frequently used surfaces will be cleaned as often as possible.

Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic is a challenging and fluid situation. Federal, state, and local orders and guidance may change frequently, therefore our policies and procedures are subject to change accordingly.