Dear East Valley JCC Families,
The wellbeing of our children and those who participate in our programs is of the highest importance to the East Valley JCC. We follow CDC guidelines, as well as Arizona licensing requirements and monitor a variety of additional sources to ensure we maintain a healthy and safe environment for all children, staff and program participants.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has recently declared a public health emergency for the 2019 novel coronavirus. In general, coronaviruses are fairly common and are a frequent cause of respiratory illness, like the common cold. COVID-19, the type of coronavirus that has recently developed in and spread from Wuhan, China, is a new strain.
As we are in the cold and flu season, it is important to make sure that we are all following the suggested guidelines from the health professionals. Each of our classrooms are washing children’s hands throughout the day, washing and sanitizing toys, teaching the children to cough into their elbows, and teaching the children how to use tissues. These are just some of the suggested ways to keep illnesses at a minimum. We will continue to send home any child with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher and have them stay home for 24 hours until they are fever free without medication.
We ask for your help during this season. If your child isn’t feeling 100%, consider keeping them home until they are feeling completely well. Please take home lunch boxes, water cups, bottles, utensils, etc. on a daily basis and wash and sanitize them. We ask the same of our staff and anyone who would normally come to our daily programs for adults. We appreciate all of your efforts for everyone to stay healthy.
Below are links with helpful information and reiterate and reinforce the following good health practices for the Early Childhood Learning Center and our families:
- Please stay home if you are sick.
- Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap, rub between fingers and under nails; and then rinse and dry. Use alcohol (60%+) hand gel if sinks are not readily available.
- Teach children coughing etiquette
- Avoid rubbing your own eyes, nose and mouth.
- Always consult with your medical professional if you have questions
Resources – for the most up to date, accurate information:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html
Travel Procedures for Persons Returning from China:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/from-china.html
Washing Hands:
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/
Taking Care of yourself when you have the Flu:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/takingcare.htm
Thank you for keeping us all healthy!
Rabbi Beyo, Hadassah Baldinger and Pam Morris
