*Updates to policies due to Covid-19 *
A Welcome Break - COVID-19 Policy – Fall 2022
A Welcome Break will continue to follow the guidance for childcare facilities regarding COVID-19 issued by the CDC, PA Dept. of Health, and the Allegheny County Health Dept. Now that all age groups (6 months and up) are approved to receive vaccinations and boosters, some of the 2021-2022 policies can be adjusted. Some will remain the same based on what is safe and practical when working with young children. We will adjust these policies as necessary throughout the year.
Screening – We will continue to take temperatures of staff and children as they arrive. Anyone with a fever of 100.4F or greater or has signs of visible illness will not be permitted to stay at AWB. The child/staff may return after they are fever-free with no medication for at least 24 hours and are symptom-free.
Masks – Face masks will be optional for 2-5 year olds while community spread level risk remains low. Children under 2 will never mask. If community spread increases to medium or high, we will ask children to wear a well-fitting mask (over mouth and nose) in the building as they are able. Children will not wear masks while eating or sleeping. If a child (2-5) is coughing or sneezing excessively, they will wear a mask or may be sent home.
Staff and Therapeutic Support Specialists will continue to mask at all times indoors no matter the spread level to continue protecting children who are not able to be vaccinated. Staff are not required to mask outdoors in low or medium spread, but should be aware of maintaining physical distancing as much as possible.
Vaccinations and Boosters – Staff and children are highly encouraged to get recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses according to their doctor or pediatrician’s advice.
Hygiene and Sanitation – As always, frequent handwashing and regular cleaning will continue to be a significant part of our daily schedule.
Ventilation – We will ventilate classrooms with fresh air as much as possible. We will also go outdoors often. Please send your child in appropriate outerwear and sneakers.
Communication and Transparency – It is vital that we have honest communication with our staff and families to remain open and illness-free as much as possible. If your child or someone in your home or immediate family has symptoms of COVID-19 or has been exposed to it, please inform us so that we can alert staff and other families. Follow the procedures for Quarantine and Isolation.
Quarantine and Isolation – AWB will follow the CDC guidelines for quarantine (exposure) and isolation (sick or positive test.) We will determine whether a classroom or facility closure needs to happen on a case-by-case basis. We will do our best to stay open as much as possible which will include having exposed children/staff stay home, get tested after Day 5, and mask for 10 days from exposure.
The following are the official CDC guidelines for exposure to COVID-19. Day 0 is the date of exposure and Day 1 is the first full day after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.
If child/staff was exposed and NOT up-to-date on vaccination:
If child/staff was exposed and is up-to-date on vaccination:
If child/staff was exposed and HAD confirmed COVID-19 (tested +) in the past 90 days:
If child/staff TESTS POSITIVE for COVID-19:
A Welcome Break will continue to follow the guidance for childcare facilities regarding COVID-19 issued by the CDC, PA Dept. of Health, and the Allegheny County Health Dept. Now that all age groups (6 months and up) are approved to receive vaccinations and boosters, some of the 2021-2022 policies can be adjusted. Some will remain the same based on what is safe and practical when working with young children. We will adjust these policies as necessary throughout the year.
Screening – We will continue to take temperatures of staff and children as they arrive. Anyone with a fever of 100.4F or greater or has signs of visible illness will not be permitted to stay at AWB. The child/staff may return after they are fever-free with no medication for at least 24 hours and are symptom-free.
Masks – Face masks will be optional for 2-5 year olds while community spread level risk remains low. Children under 2 will never mask. If community spread increases to medium or high, we will ask children to wear a well-fitting mask (over mouth and nose) in the building as they are able. Children will not wear masks while eating or sleeping. If a child (2-5) is coughing or sneezing excessively, they will wear a mask or may be sent home.
Staff and Therapeutic Support Specialists will continue to mask at all times indoors no matter the spread level to continue protecting children who are not able to be vaccinated. Staff are not required to mask outdoors in low or medium spread, but should be aware of maintaining physical distancing as much as possible.
Vaccinations and Boosters – Staff and children are highly encouraged to get recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses according to their doctor or pediatrician’s advice.
Hygiene and Sanitation – As always, frequent handwashing and regular cleaning will continue to be a significant part of our daily schedule.
Ventilation – We will ventilate classrooms with fresh air as much as possible. We will also go outdoors often. Please send your child in appropriate outerwear and sneakers.
Communication and Transparency – It is vital that we have honest communication with our staff and families to remain open and illness-free as much as possible. If your child or someone in your home or immediate family has symptoms of COVID-19 or has been exposed to it, please inform us so that we can alert staff and other families. Follow the procedures for Quarantine and Isolation.
Quarantine and Isolation – AWB will follow the CDC guidelines for quarantine (exposure) and isolation (sick or positive test.) We will determine whether a classroom or facility closure needs to happen on a case-by-case basis. We will do our best to stay open as much as possible which will include having exposed children/staff stay home, get tested after Day 5, and mask for 10 days from exposure.
The following are the official CDC guidelines for exposure to COVID-19. Day 0 is the date of exposure and Day 1 is the first full day after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.
If child/staff was exposed and NOT up-to-date on vaccination:
- Stay home and quarantine for at least 5 full days.
- Watch for symptoms until day 10.
- If you develop symptoms, isolate immediately and get tested.
- Wear a mask for 10 full days.
If child/staff was exposed and is up-to-date on vaccination:
- You do not need to stay home unless you develop symptoms.
- Get tested 5 days after your exposure date.
- Watch for symptoms. Isolate and test if they develop.
- Wear a mask for 10 full days.
If child/staff was exposed and HAD confirmed COVID-19 (tested +) in the past 90 days:
- You do not need to stay home unless you develop symptoms.
- Watch for symptoms until day 10. Isolate and test if they develop.
- Wear a mask for 10 days.
If child/staff TESTS POSITIVE for COVID-19:
- Stay home for 5 days and isolate from others in your home. Wear mask.
- End isolation if you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
- Wear a mask for 10 full days. Day 0 is your first day of symptoms after testing positive.
- End isolation at least 5 full days after a positive test.
- Wear a mask for 10 full days.
