COVID-19 Policy updates

UPDATED 9/3/2022

We are no longer requiring that children wear masks, but we will continue to encourage them. The mask will be available to children and staff on demand. 

We are no longer requiring parents to submit their Covid test results.

The CDC’s guidance on quarantine for those infected with Covid recommends 5 days of isolation followed by 5 days of wearing a “high-quality” mask. For those exposed to Covid, 10 days of mask-wearing with a test on day five is recommended instead of quarantine.

You are encouraged to test your child if she/he has the following symptoms:

● Fever or chills

● Cough/Runny nose

● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

● Fatigue

● Muscle or body aches

● Headache

● New loss of taste or smell

● Sore throat

● Nausea or vomiting

● Diarrhea

If your child has a known exposure (direct/first-degree exposure) to a positive case of Covid, the school must be informed within 24 hours. Your child(ren) must stay home for a minimum of 5 days and produce a negative test (a negative test must be done on day five or later of exposure).

If your child is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, even with no known exposure to a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19, you must keep your child home for 48 hours to monitor symptoms. Your child must be fever/diarrhea/vomiting free without the use of medicine for 72 hours before returning to school.

 Children who are sent to school with or develop any of these symptoms will be sent home immediately at the discretion of the MSOW staff. 

UPDATED 7/12/2022

MSOW continues to monitor the rapidly evolving public health situation around COVID-19.

FAMILIES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO CONTINUE TO TAKE THE COVID TEST EVERY TWO WEEKS. FOR EXAMPLE, WE CAN START OFF THE YEAR  WITH A 1ST & 15TH TESTING SCHEDULE. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COVID TEST BY THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.

MSOW will continue to implement our mitigation strategies - wearing masks, social distancing, ventilation, air filtration, etc. How can you help? 

1. Friendly reminder, if your child has or has had in the last 24 hours - a fever, diarrhea, rash, nausea, or vomiting they MUST stay home and be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning to school. This has always been school policy and is unrelated to COVID-19. 

If your child or ANY MEMBER OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD (regardless of vaccination status) has new or unexplained COVID symptoms (fever, cough, loss of taste/smell, chills, aches, headache, sore throat, runny nose, or congestion) even if they are mild, your child must stay home until cleared to return to school by a healthcare provider or your child/household member has a negative COVID test - either PCR or antigen test may be used. 

2. Please monitor whether your unvaccinated child has experienced potential exposure to COVID. For example - unmasked/indoors in group settings (even with groups of friends or extended family at home) or traveling to/from high-risk areas or from outside the DMV, etc.

If your child has been potentially exposed, please have a negative COVID test (either PCR or antigen) BEFORE returning to school.

TRAVEL- DOMESTIC 

If your unvaccinated child has traveled outside the DMV or been potentially exposed to COVID - children MUST have a negative PCR test (this PCR test should occur 3-5 days after potential exposure or return from travel) BEFORE returning to school. Your child should STAY HOME until the negative test results are received.
Fully vaccinated children (only a couple of them) do not need to quarantine after potential exposure or domestic travel but MUST be monitored for symptoms for 14 days. 

TRAVEL- INTERNATIONAL

If unvaccinated children travel internationally, they need to quarantine for 7 days upon their return to the U.S. in addition to getting a negative COVID PCR test, 3-5 days after returning home.

Fully vaccinated children do not need to quarantine after international travel but should get a negative COVID test (PCR or Antigen) 3-5 days after their return. 

Latest CDC/OSSE Update as of August 13th, 2021

Stay home when sick

Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who is required to isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure should stay home and should not enter the school due to the risk of exposing others. This includes staff, children, and visitors.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever (subjective or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, the new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea, or vomiting, poor appetite or poor feeding, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.

Please note that children with COVID-19 infection often present with non-specific symptoms, such as only breathing or stomach symptoms, with the most common being cough and/or fever. • Please be on the alert for signs of illness in children and keep them home if they are sick. • Individuals who are under quarantine (for example due to exposure to a close contact), isolation, or have a COVID-19 test result pending also should not enter the facility.

For persons diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19

• A person who tests positive for COVID-19 should not attend the school and should isolate for at least 10 days and show improvement of symptoms, including no fever for 24 hours.

• A person who is in close contact with someone with COVID-19 (within 6 feet for a cumulative total of at least 15 minutes over a 24 -hour period) should not attend school and should quarantine for at least 10 days.

• Persons who have been identified as a close contact of a person with COVID-19 are NOT required to quarantine if:

  They have had COVID-19 (symptomatic or asymptomatic) within the last 90 days AND do not have any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 infection

Fully vaccinated people who are close contacts of someone with COVID-19 do not need to quarantine, but they should:

• Get a COVID-19 test 3-5 days after the date they were exposed. Isolate if the test is positive.

• Wear a mask in all public indoor settings for 14 days after the date they were exposed.

• Consider wearing a mask at home for 14 days if they live with someone who is immunocompromised.

• Monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days from their exposure, and isolate if they develop symptoms.

Testing for symptomatic staff and children:

• Children and staff that develop symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate at home, consult with their healthcare provider, and seek testing.

• It is recommended that children and staff should get tested if anyone in their household is symptomatic, even if they themselves do not have symptoms (persons who are fully vaccinated should only get tested if they develop symptoms). o DC Health recommends all household members get tested at the same time.

• If testing is not done, it is recommended that the staff member/child stay home while the symptomatic household member’s test result is pending.

• If the result is negative, the child/staff can return to the facility without restriction.

• If result is positive, the child/staff should not attend childcare and should isolate at home and the family can expect outreach from the DC Health

Latest CDC Update as of June 10th, 2021

International Travel during Covid

Do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated. If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC’s international travel recommendations for unvaccinated people.

Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19. However, international travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some COVID-19 variants.

The COVID-19 situation, including the spread of new or concerning variants, differs from country to country. All travelers need to pay close attention to the conditions at their destination before traveling.

CDC will update these recommendations as more people get vaccinated, as rates of COVID-19 change, and as additional scientific evidence becomes available.

Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated people

• Before you travel

  • Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, mask wearing, testing, or quarantine, which may differ from U.S. requirements. If you do not follow your destination’s requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States.

  • Check the current COVID-19 situation in your destination.

• During traveling:

  • Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Travelers are not required to wear a mask in outdoor areas of a conveyance (like a ferry or top deck of a bus).

  • Follow all recommendations and requirements at your destination, including mask wearing and social distancing

• Before you arrive in the United States:

  • All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the United States.

• After travel:

  • Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel.

  • Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.

  • Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements after travel.

Recommendations For Unvaccinated People

If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, take the following steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:

• Before you travel:

  • Get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before your trip.

  • Make sure you understand and follow all airline and destination requirements related to travel, testing, or quarantine, which may differ from U.S. requirements. If you do not follow your destination’s requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to the United States.

  • Check the COVID-19 situation in your destination.

• While you are traveling:

  • Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Travelers are not required to wear a mask in outdoor areas of a conveyance (like on a ferry or the top deck of a bus). CDC recommends that travelers who are not fully vaccinated continue to wear a mask and maintain physical distance when traveling.

  • Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet/2 meters (about 2 arm lengths) from anyone who is not traveling with you.

  • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).

• Before you arrive in the United States:

  • All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID-19 viral test result no more than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the United States.

• After you travel:

  • Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel.

    • Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.

    • If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.

  • If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.

  • Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.

  • Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.

  • Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements.

• Visit your state, territorial, tribal, and localexternal icon health department’s website to look for the latest information on where to get tested.

Latest CDC Update as of May 23rd, 2021

“Although COVID-19 vaccines are effective at keeping you from getting sick, scientists are still learning how well vaccines prevent you from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to others, even if you do not have symptoms. Early data show that vaccines help keep people with no symptoms from spreading COVID-19, but we are learning more as more people get vaccinated. We’re also still learning how long COVID-19 vaccines protect people.

For these reasons, people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should keep taking precautions until we know more, like wearing a mask in indoor public places, avoiding large indoor gatherings, and washing their hands often.”

For the latest information from the CDC, please visit:www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Latest Guidance School Policy

*Updated February 2, 2021

We highly suggest that children and family members be vaccinated against the flu. Though flu vaccine is never perfectly protective and has no activity against Covid-19, it is safe and routinely prevents or reduces the severity of influenza in a large percentage of people. It is vitally important that we take all available steps to reduce the likelihood of serious respiratory illness this winter.  

In the interest of limiting the opportunity for Covid-19 transmission to our school and community at large, we are requesting that parents (including teachers) get tested for Covid once per week. We highly recommend testing monthly as a health practice. We will re-evaluate this schedule once local transmission rates begin to decline.

The health and well-being of our families and staff are our highest priorities. In the interest of limiting the opportunity for transmission to our community, we are taking the following precautionary measures:

Your household must remain out of the school if any member of your household^ has (or has been in close contact with anyone who has):

(a) A suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 (for example – close contact at work, religious service, social gathering); or

(b) Traveled:

·       internationally; or domestically,

·       from any area which is the subject of travel restrictions under applicable state and local guidance.          

14 days after the last potential exposure, your household may return provided these three things have happened:

(a) At least 10 days have passed since any household member first experienced symptoms; and

(b) Symptoms have improved for any household member that experienced symptoms (for example, cough or shortness of breath has improved); and

(c) The household has been fever-free for at least 72 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.   

Please note, depending on the circumstances we may require you to obtain medical clearance before return to the school will be allowed.

HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS:  include individuals who may not live in the household but may be staying there or are otherwise present in the household on a regular basis (e.g. nannies, caregivers, home health workers, contractors, etc.) and includes anyone with pick up or drop off privileges at the school.

CLOSE CONTACT:  is defined by the CDC as (1) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time and can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a health care waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case, or (2) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on). Considerations when assessing close contact include the duration of exposure and the clinical symptoms of the person with COVID-19. 

**MSOW DAILY HEALTH CHECK-IN

Applies to teachers, children, and their household members, which states in part:

ALL STAFF, FAMILIES, CHILDREN, AND THEIR HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS MUST CONDUCT A DAILY HEALTH CHECK BEFORE COMING TO THE SCHOOL.

Should you or any household member have any of the following symptoms, we ask you to remain out that day and notify the school.

o   Fever of 100.4 F or higher, now or in the preceding 72 hours (or would have, but have used fever-reducing medicine)

o   Cough

o   Sore Throat

o   Muscle Aches

o   Difficulty Breathing

o   New Loss of Taste or Smell

CLASSROOM POLICIES - COVID GUIDELINES

• sign in procedures, touchless sign in and temp/health check, parents should be monitoring child's health at home as well, anything over 99.9 should stay at home. 

• hand sanitizer stations inside and outside

• outdoor backyard field for nature hikes and more space

• when transition indoors - temp checks, handwashing - every 2 hours

• Montessori work cycle - children have their own desks

• group gatherings 6 feet apart

• lunch will be spaced apart at separate small tables, one child to a table

**OSSE HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDANCE FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS (MSOW is in compliance):

COVID-19 Recovery Period (Updated Dec 21, 2020)

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) issues this guidance for child care providers currently operating. This document is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health).

This guidance is effective as of December 21, 2020 and supersedes any previously released guidance by OSSE on the topic. This document includes reopening guidance for child care providers issued by the DC Health on Dec 10, 2020 and provides additional guidance on select topics. All provisions as stated throughout are required except those provisions classified as “where feasible” or “developmentally appropriate.” Required activities for child care providers are mandatory in accordance with Mayor’s Order 2020-075, Phase Two of Washington, DC Reopening, Section II.3 (June 19, 2020) and OSSE’s Child Development Facility Licensing Regulations at Title 5-A DCMR Chapter 1. This guidance may be superseded by any applicable Mayor’s order or health mandates from DC Health.

The information in this guidance is divided into two categories: prevention and response.

The prevention information addresses the actions that child care providers must take or should consider taking to protect children and staff and slow the spread of COVID-19. The response information addresses the actions that child care providers must take when a child or staff member becomes sick with COVID-19.

For more information on the District of Columbia Government’s response to coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit coronavirus.dc.gov. The CDC’s most recent, supplemental guidance for child care providers can be accessed here. This guidance will be updated as additional recommendations from the CDC or DC Health become available.

Table of Contents

PREVENTION

A. COMMUNICATION WITH STAFF AND FAMILIES (UPDATED)

B. VACCINES AND HEALTH FORMS (NEW)

C. REOPENING BUILDINGS

D. PHYSICAL (SOCIAL) DISTANCING (UPDATED)

E . DAILY HEALTH SCREENING (UPDATED)

F . NON-MEDICAL (CLOTH) FACE COVERINGS (UPDATED)

G . HYGIENE (UPDATED)

H . CLEANING, DISINFECTION, AND SANITIZATION (UPDATED)

I . HIGH-RISK INDIVIDUALS (UPDATED)

J. MEALS RESPONSE

K. EXCLUSION, DISMISSAL, AND RETURN TO CARE CRITERIA (UPDATED)

L. EXPOSURE REPORTING, NOTIFICATIONS, & DISINFECTION (UPDATED)

M. QUESTIONS?

APPENDIX: PROCEDURE FOR STAFF CONDUCTING PHYSICAL TEMPERATURE CHECKS (UPDATED)

PREVENTION

A. COMMUNICATION WITH STAFF AND FAMILIES (UPDATED)

● Post signs in highly visible locations (e.g., school entrances, restrooms) that promote everyday protective measures and describe how to stop the spread of germs (such as by properly washing hands and properly wearing a cloth face covering ).

○ At a minimum, child care providers must place signage in every classroom reminding staff of cleaning protocols.

● Include messages about behaviors that prevent the spread of COVID-19 when communicating with staff and families (such as on child care provider websites, in emails, and on social media accounts ).

● Educate staff, children and families about COVID-19, physical (social) distancing, when they should stay home, and when they can return to child care.

● Educate staff on COVID-19 prevention and response protocols.

● To ensure a clear and efficient process for communication each child care provider should identify a staff member as the COVID-19 point of contact (POC). This person would be responsible for ensuring the appropriate steps are followed in the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 (See Section L: Exposure Reporting, Notifications, and Disinfection).

B. VACCINES AND HEALTH FORMS (NEW)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DC Health data, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant reduction in childhood vaccine administrations across the country including the District of Columbia and Maryland.

In order to prevent a vaccine preventable disease outbreak in a childcare setting, it is imperative for all children who attend childcare to be fully vaccinated according to CDC and DC Health standards.

● Ensure a policy is in place to adhere to all OSSE licensing standards regarding immunizations.

● A review of immunization requirements can be found here and health forms can be found here.

● A list of pediatric immunization locations can be found here . A search tool to find a primary care center in DC can be found here .

Currently, child development facility licensing regulations require a licensee to ensure that each child attending a facility shall, prior to the child’s first day of services and at least annually thereafter, submit to the facility appropriate, complete documentation of a comprehensive physical health examination, and, for each child three years of age or older, evidence of an oral health examination. 5A DCMR § 152.1. For children aged three and older, OSSE is authorizing, pursuant to its enforcement authority, a 90-day extension to submit

Universal Health Certificates (UHCs), Oral Health Assessments (OHAs), and Medication and Treatment Authorization Forms. As stated above, this 90-day extension for children aged three and older does not affect the requirement for all children to continue to timely receive all necessary immunizations as required by District law. Child care providers must continue to collect timely, unexpired UHCs from all infants and toddlers two years and younger. Both old and new versions of the health forms shall be accepted. Partial UHCs completed via telehealth visits shall be accepted.

C. REOPENING BUILDINGS

Child care providers who are reopening after a prolonged facility shutdown must ensure all ventilation and water systems and features (e.g., sink faucets, drinking fountains) are safe to use as follows:

● Ensure ventilation systems operate properly and increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible, for example by opening windows and doors. Increase in air circulation should be continued after reopening where safe and possible. Do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety or health risk (e.g., risk of falling, triggering asthma symptoms) to children using the facility.

● Flush water systems to clear out stagnant water and replace it with fresh water. This will remove any metals (e.g., lead) that may have leached into the water and minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other diseases associated with water.

Steps for this process can be found on the CDC website and are articulated below:

○ Flush hot and cold water through all points of use (e.g., showers, sink faucets)

■ Flushing may need to occur in segments (e.g., floors, individual rooms) due to facility size and water pressure. The purpose of

building flushing is to replace all water inside building piping with fresh water.

■ Make sure that your water heater is set to at least 140°F.

○ Flush until the hot water reaches its maximum temperature.

○ Care should be taken to minimize splashing during flushing.

○ Other water-using devices, such as ice machines, may require additional cleaning steps in addition to flushing, such as discarding old ice. Follow water-using device manufacturers’ instructions.

D. PHYSICAL (SOCIAL) DISTANCING

The CDC recommends gatherings of no more than 10 people. Ways you can ensure appropriate social distancing at your facility include:

● No more than 12 individuals (staff and children) clustered in one group. One additional adult (13 total individuals) can briefly be added to the group if necessary.

Classes at MSOW will be with max 10 children and two teachers, each classroom.

The Toddlers classroom that has capacity for 16 children will be reduced to 10 children.

○ For indoor activities, this means no more than 12 (or, briefly, 13) individuals in one group;

○ For outdoor activities , each group of 12 (or, briefly, 13) individuals must interact with their own group and not mix between other groups. Each group must have extra social distance (more than six feet) between them and the next group.

NEW:

The children are not allowed to go to the park. They can be outside just to walk around the facility.

● Grouping the same children and staff together each day (as opposed to rotating teachers or children);

● Floating staff members may be used to provide breaks only when:

○ They meet the cloth (non-medical) face covering criteria as listed in Section E

○ They wash their hands prior to entry and exit of the room;

○ Wear a clean smock over their clothes; and o Booties over their shoes as used for infant classrooms.

● No mixing between groups to include entry and exit of the building, at meal time, in the restroom, on the playground, in the hallway, and other shared spaces;

● No large group activities and activities requiring children to sit or stand in close proximity, e.g., circle time;

● Nap mats, cots, and cribs must be placed head to toe, where head to head distance is at least six feet apart;

● Stagger drop-off and pick-up times or implement another protocol that avoids large groups congregating and limits direct contact with parents. Parents will be receiving the schedules to drop off and pick up the child .

● Curb- or door-side drop-off and pick-up of children; and

● No field trips.

Where feasible, child care providers are to:

● Setup indoor and outdoor settings to maximize spacing (six feet at minimum) between individuals, including while at tables and in group and individual activities;

● Install physical barriers, such as sneeze guards and partitions, particularly in areas in which it is difficult for individuals to remain six feet apart (e.g. reception areas, between bathroom sinks);

● Create individually labeled bins and sets of supplies to reduce the sharing of materials between children. For those materials that are shared, child care providers must ensure they are cleaned between each use per Section H: Cleaning,

Disinfection, and Sanitization;

● Restrict all outside volunteers or visitors, except adults approved to pick up or drop off enrolled children or those providing therapeutic services to a child as stated in an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP);

● Convert in-person adult gatherings (e.g. staff meetings) to virtual;

● Close communal-use space such as breakrooms, lounges. If not feasible to close the space, stagger use, ensure strict physical distance between individuals, ensure face coverings are worn at all times except while eating or sleeping, and clean and disinfect between uses; and

● Encourage administrative staff to telework when possible.

More than one group, i.e., 10, or briefly 11, individuals (children and staff) may occupy a classroom if the below provisions and additional required physical distancing measures as stated above are followed:

● Childcare providers may use partitions to separate groups;

● Partitions must be at least 6 feet tall and of solid material with no holes or gaps (e.g., solid barrier or fire-resistant vinyl blankets); (MSOW has installed acrylic partitions between classes)

● Individuals must be at least 6 feet away from the partition on each side;

● To effectively create a barrier, the 6 feet tall partition must extend the length of the area in which children and staff are using for activities. No classroom activities should occur outside the barrier of the partition. The open space at each end of the partition may not be used to congregate but may function as a hallway to be used with appropriate social distancing measures.

● Partitions must align with regulatory safety protocols to ensure it is not a fall hazard, allow for proper ventilation, meet fire safety regulations, and any other safety regulations.

E. DAILY HEALTH SCREENING (UPDATED)

Child care providers must have a procedure to conduct daily health screening upon arrival for children and staff. The screening procedure must:

● Be conducted using appropriate physical distancing measures of six feet and using non-medical (cloth) face coverings as outlined in Section F of this guide;

● ASK: Parents/guardians and staff should be asked about whether the child or staff member has experienced one or more of the following symptoms: These symptoms must be included in the same text message.

○ Fever (subjective or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or chills

○ Cough

○ Congestion

○ Sore throat

○ Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

○ Diarrhea

○ Nausea or vomiting

○ Fatigue

○ Headache

○ Muscle or body aches

○ Poor feeding or poor appetite

○ New loss of taste or smell

○ Or any other symptom of not feeling well.

● ASK: Parents/guardians and staff should be asked if the child or staff member has been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19.

● LOOK: Child care staff should visually inspect each child and staff member for signs of illness which could include flushed cheeks, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing (without recent physical activity), fatigue, or extreme fussiness.

● Any child or staff member meeting “Yes” for any of the above “ASK, ASK, LOOK” criteria in the program’s daily health screen shall not be admitted. Such families or staff shall be instructed to call their health care provider to determine next steps.

● Note: Children or staff with pre-existing health conditions that present with specific COVID-19 – like symptoms should not be excluded from entering the building on the basis of those specific symptoms, if previously evaluated by a health care provider and those specific symptoms determined to not be due to COVID-19.

Where feasible, child care programs may also choose to implement a physical temperature check. In such an instance, child care programs are to:

● Confirm that a student or staff member had their temperature checked at home 2 hours or less before their arrival, and the temperature was less than 100.4 degrees.

○ Upon arrival, the parent/guardian and staff member must show a photograph of the thermometer or verbally confirm that the temperature was less than 100.4 degrees. Parents must send a picture of the child's temperature, and let us know if the child, any household member, has any of the COVID-19 symptoms: Fever, Cough, Nasal congestion, Sore throat, Shortness of breath, Diarrhea, Nausea or vomiting, Fatigue, Headache, Muscle Pain, Poor feeding or poor appetite, Loss of taste or smell, Or any other symptom of not feeling well, same thing for the teachers, one hour before. Note: If you don’t send the text message one hour before with the information required from OSSE you can not leave the child at the Center.

OR

● Physically check the child or staff member’s temperature upon their arrival.

○ For this option, the parent/guardian or staff are to use a thermometer provided by the child care provider and must follow the below protocol:

■ i. Maintain a distance of six feet from the staff conducting the health screen.

■ ii . Parents/guardians are to take their child’s temperature and staff are to take their own temperature.

■ iii . A non-contact (temporal) thermometer is recommended. Forehead, tympanic (ear) or axillary (armpit) thermometers are also acceptable. Oral and rectal temperature checks should be avoided.

■ iv. Thermometers must be cleaned per manufacturer instructions, including between uses.

■ v. Family: The parent/guardian should then check the child’s temperature, after washing hands and wearing disposable gloves.

■ vi. Staff member: The staff member should check their own temperature, after washing hands and wearing disposable gloves.

● If a Staff Member Takes Another Individual’s Temperature:

○ In the event that a child care staff member must take another individual’s temperature at any point, they must follow CDC guidelines to do so safely, including with use of a barrier protection or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as articulated in the Appendix.

Symptoms While at Child Care:

If a child or staff member develops any of the symptoms above during the course of the day, the child care provider must have a process in place that allows them to isolate until it is safe to go home, and they should seek healthcare guidance. For more information, please see Section K. Exclusion, Dismissal, and Return to Child Care Criteria.

Return to Child Care:

To determine when a child or staff member can return to care please see Section K. Exclusion, Dismissal, and Return to Care Criteria.

F. NON-MEDICAL (CLOTH) FACE COVERINGS (UPDATED)

All staff must wear a non-medical (cloth) face covering at all times while providing care. If a staff member is unable to wear a face covering for a medical reason they may be able to get a waiver from OSSE to participate in congregate child care by receiving a written note from their health care provider. Staff without a medical clearance from a health care provider must wear a face covering or should not participate in congregate child care.

Further guidance from CDC on the use of face coverings, including instructions on how to make and safely remove a cloth covering, is available here.

Where feasible and developmentally appropriate, parents/guardians and children above the age of two are to wear non-medical face coverings in the child care setting.

● Parents/guardians should wear non-medical face coverings any time they interact with child care staff, including for drop-off and pick-up.

● Children age 2 and older should wear a face covering, when feasible, and if deemed developmentally appropriate by the parent/guardian and child care provider. Such children must be able to safely use, avoid touching, and remove the covering without assistance. Parents need to guarantee that the child is wearing a developmentally appropriate face mask.

● Use is particularly encouraged in centers with multiple classrooms, in common areas (e.g., hallways, restrooms), at drop-off/pick-up, and any other time in which social distancing may be more challenging Instances when face coverings do not need to be worn:

● Non-medical face coverings should not be placed on children age 2 and younger, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is unconscious or unable to remove the mask without assistance.

● Face coverings should not be worn by children during naptime.

● The benefit of such a face covering is to limit the spread of secretions by stopping individuals from touching their mouth or nose, limiting spread if an individual has COVID-19 and limit individuals from contracting COVID-19 if around a COVID-19 positive person. If children play with their or others’ face coverings or if they are not removed and stored safely, their use should be discontinued.

G. HYGIENE (UPDATED)

Child care providers must follow the below hygiene practices to help keep child care facilities clean and safe:

● Place signage in every classroom and near every sink reminding staff of hand-washing protocols. CDC has signs on how to stop the spread of COVID-19, properly wash hands , promote everyday protective measures , and properly wear a face covering.

● Ensure adequate supplies (e.g. soap, paper towels, hand sanitizer, tissue) to support healthy hygiene practices.

● Teach and model good hygiene practices, including covering coughs and sneezes with an elbow or tissue and washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;

● Hand-washing must take place frequently throughout the day, including:

● At the entrance to the facility;

● Next to parent sign-in sheets, including sanitary wipes to clean pens between uses; (Parents must bring their own pen to sign the attendance sheet)

● Before and after putting on, touching, or removing cloth face coverings or touching your face;

● After going to the bathroom or changing a diaper;

● Before eating, handling food, or feeding a child;

● After blowing or supporting a child with blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing;

● Before and after staff gives medication to a child;

● After handling waste baskets or garbage;

● After playing on outdoor or shared equipment; and

● After handling a pet or other animal.

● If soap and water are not available, and the hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol is to be used.

This should only be used by a child under very close observation from a staff person or parent/guardian and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

● Child care staff that work with very young children are to take additional steps .

While washing, feeding or holding infants or very young children, staff must:

○ Pull long hair off of neck, as in a pony-tail;

○ Wear a large, button-down, long-sleeved shirt;

○ Remove and wash their clothing and/or the child’s clothing if touched by any secretions; and

○ Wash their hands or body if touched by secretions or after handling soiled clothes.

H. CLEANING, DISINFECTION, AND SANITIZATION (UPDATED)

All child care providers must regularly clean, disinfect and sanitize surfaces, toys and materials per District guidance on cleaning and disinfecting and the CDC’s updated guidance for childcare providers :

● Emphasis must be placed on regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces, including but not limited to door handles, chairs, light switches, elevator buttons, toilets, playground structures, and faucets.

● For all cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting products, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for concentration, application method, contact time, and drying time prior to use by a child. Ensure safe storage of all cleaning products. See CDC’s guidance for safe and correct application of disinfectants . Dirty surfaces must be cleaned with a detergent or soap and water before disinfection.

● Toys, including those used indoors and outdoors, must be frequently cleaned and sanitized throughout the day.

○ Toys that have been in children’s mouths or soiled by bodily secretions must be immediately set aside. These toys must be cleaned and sanitized by a staff member wearing gloves, before being used by another child.

○ Machine washable toys should be used by only one child, and laundered in between uses.

○ To the extent possible, toys should be assigned to individual groups to avoid mixing of toys between groups. Toys shared between groups must be cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected prior to use by another group.

● Mats/cots/cribs and bedding are to be individually labeled and stored.

○ Mats/cots/cribs must be arranged head to toe and to allow at least six feet of distance, head to head, between children. Mats/cots/cribs must be cleaned and sanitized between uses.

○ Bedding must be washable and washed at least weekly or before use by another child.

○ Mats/cots may be stacked between uses if they are cleaned and sanitized appropriately before stacking.

● Playground structures must be included as part of routine cleaning, especially high touch surfaces, e.g. handlebars, but do not need to be routinely disinfected.

● Providers must place signage in every classroom reminding staff of cleaning protocols.

To the extent feasible, child care providers should:

● For shared bathrooms, assign a bathroom to each group of children and staff. If there are fewer bathrooms than the number of groups, assign each group to a particular bathroom and, where feasible, clean and disinfect bathrooms after each group has finished.

● Avoid using cleaning products near children, and ensure that there is adequate ventilation when using these products. Children must not participate in disinfection.

I. HIGH-RISK INDIVIDUALS (UPDATED)

Child care providers must notify all families and staff that DC Health recommends that any individual at high-risk for experiencing severe illness due to COVID-19 consult with their medical provider before participating in congregate child care. This includes people with:

● Chronic Lung Disease

● Moderate to Severe Asthma

● Serious heart conditions

● Immunocompromised conditions

● Severe obesity (>40 BMI)

● Diabetes

● Chronic kidney disease

● Liver Disease

● People 65 years and older should be cleared by a medical provider before participating.

● And any parent or staff member who has a medical condition not on this list, but is still concerned about their safety, is encouraged to connect with their medical provider.

Child care providers are not required to secure written clearance from high-risk individuals prior to participating in congregate child care.

J. MEALS

All child care providers must serve meals following the physical (social) distancing and hygiene guidance articulated in the guidance:

● All meals must be served in individual classrooms to avoid large group gatherings, and maximize space between children, during meals;

● Meals must be served individually. If meals are typically served family style, discontinue this practice and, instead, individually plate each child’s meal so that utensils are not shared;

● Children must wash hands before and after eating, and may not share utensils, cups, or plates;

● Staff must wash hands before and after preparing food, and after helping children to eat;

● Tables and chairs must be cleaned and sanitized before and after the meal;

● If handling individual lunch boxes, staff must wash their hands between the handling of each lunch box. Food items should be removed from the lunch box and placed with the child, or plated on separately, and then the lunch box returned to the child’s cubby; and

● Observe all other local and federal food safety guidelines.

RESPONSE

K. EXCLUSION, DISMISSAL AND RETURN TO CARE CRITERIA (UPDATED)

Child care programs must adhere to the below exclusion, dismissal, and return to care criteria.

Exclusion Criteria :

Children and staff must stay home, or not be admitted, if:

● The child or staff member has had a temperature of 100.4 degrees or highe r or any of the symptoms listed above in the “Daily Health Screening” section of this guidance.

● The child, staff member, or any close contact is confirmed to have COVID-19.

● The child or staff member is awaiting COVID-19 test results.

Children or staff with pre-existing health conditions that present with specific COVID-19 – like symptoms should not be excluded from entering the building on the basis of those specific symptoms, if previously evaluated by a health care provider and those specific symptoms determined to not be due to COVID-19.

If excluded , parents/guardians and staff should call their health care provider for further directions.

Dismissal Criteria:

If a child or staff member develops a fever or other signs of illness, the program director should follow OSSE Licensing Guidelines regarding the exclusion and dismissal of children and staff.

● For children, the program director is to immediately isolate the child from other children, notify the child’s parent/guardian of the symptoms and that the child needs to be picked up as soon as possible, instruct to seek health provider guidance, and immediately follow cleaning and disinfecting procedures for any area and toys with which the child was in contact.

● For staff, the program director is to send the staff member home immediately or isolate until it is safe to go home, instruct to seek health provider guidance, and follow cleaning and disinfecting procedures for any area, toys and equipment with which the staff member was in contact.

Return Criteria :

Symptomatic or Confirmed to Have COVID-19

If a child or staff member reports or develops any of the above symptoms, or is confirmed to have COVID-19, the child or staff member must not return to child care until:

● They complete the appropriate isolation period:

○ 72 hours after the fever has resolved without the use of fever-reducing medication (e.g., Motrin, Tylenol) and respiratory symptoms have improved;

AND

○ At least ten days after symptoms first appeared, whichever is later; OR

● They have a negative COVID-19 test, and meet standard criteria to return to child care after illness; OR

● They have been cleared from isolation per their healthcare provider or DC Health instructions.

Close Contact with a Person Who is Positive for Covid-19

If any child or staff member has been in close contact with a person who is positive for COVID-19, then the child or staff member must not enter the facility until cleared by their healthcare provider or have completed their quarantine period of 14 days after the last date of close contact with the COVID-19 positive individual without becoming symptomatic or diagnosed with COVID-19.

Awaiting a COVID-19 Test Result If any child or staff member is awaiting a COVID-19 test result , then the child or staff member must not enter the facility until they test negative. If the child or staff member tests positive, then they should immediately begin a self-quarantine and seek further guidance from their healthcare provider or DC Health Department.

New

NOTICE: In any case that we have to close the Center , because the child or teacher ‘s test result was positive the families should keep paying for that 14 days.

L. EXPOSURE REPORTING, NOTIFICATIONS, & DISINFECTION (UPDATED)

To ensure a clear and efficient process for communication each child care provider should

identify a staff member as the COVID-19 point of contact (POC). This person would be responsible for:

● Ensuring the below steps are followed in the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19.

● Acting as the POC for families and staff to notify if a child or staff member test positive for COVID-19.

Step 1: Reporting to OSSE and DC Health

The facility must follow existing procedures for reporting communicable disease. In the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a child or staff member, child care providers must:

● File an Unusual Incident Report and

● Notify DC Health by emailing coronavirus@dc.gov with the following information:

○ “COVID-19 Consult” in the email subject line

○ Name and direct phone number of the best point of contact for DC Health to return the call.

○ Short summary of incident/situation

An investigator from DC Health will follow-up within 24 hours to all appropriately submitted email notifications.

In the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case, child care providers do not need to automatically close . DC Health will instruct child cares on dismissals and other safety precautions in the event a known COVID-19 individual came in close contact with others at the facility.

Step 2: Communication to Families and Staff

Child care providers must have communication protocols in place that protect the privacy of individuals and alert their families and staff to a COVID-19 case. Communication is to be completed, per DC Health directive and will include:

● Notification to those staff and families of children in close contact with the individual including the requirement to quarantine for 14 days;

● Notification to the entire program that there was a COVID-19 positive case, those impacted have been told to quarantine, steps that will be taken (e.g., cleaning and disinfection), and the facility’s operating status;

● Education about COVID-19, including the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, available at https://coronavirus.dc.gov ;

● Referral to the Guidance for Contacts of a Person Confirmed to have COVID-19, available at https://coronavirus.dc.gov; and

● Information on options for COVID-19 testing in the District of Columbia, available at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testing.

Step 3: Cleaning, Sanitization, and Disinfection of Affected Spaces

In the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case in a child or staff member, the provider must immediately follow all steps outlined by DC Health as well as cleaning, disinfection and sanitization guidance from the CDC, linked here :

● If seven days or fewer have passed since the person who is sick used the facility, follow these steps:

○ 1) Close off areas used by the person who is sick.

○ 2) Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the areas.

○ 3) Wait up to 24 hours or as long as possible before cleaning or disinfecting to allow respiratory droplets to settle.

○ 4) Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person who is sick, such as classrooms, bathrooms, and common areas.

● If more than seven days have passed since the person who is sick used the facility, additional cleaning and disinfection is not necessary. Continue routine cleaning and disinfection.

M. QUESTIONS?

If you have questions relating to this guidance please contact Eva Laguerre, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Early Learning and Director, Licensing & Compliance, Division of Early Learning, Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) at (202) 741-5942 or Eva.Laguerre@dc.gov .

For resources and information about the District of Columbia Government’s coronavirus (COVID-19) response and recovery efforts, please visit coronavirus.dc.gov