ESC Early Childhood Program Pledge Health & Safety Guidelines

Dear Early Childhood Families,

The health and safety of our students and staff is very important. Throughout the summer we have been working diligently with administration, staff, and public health officials to review and develop guidelines related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

As we transition back to school, we are asking for your help in keeping our building COVID-19 free by following our program’s guidelines, pledging to report your child’s illness, and keeping students at home when necessary.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates you may have COVID-19 if you have:

●	Fever or chills ●	Cough
●	Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing ●	Fatigue
●	Muscle or body aches ●	Headache
●	New loss of taste or smell ●	Sore throat
●	Congestion or runny nose ●	Nausea or vomiting
●	Diarrhea

Our best defense against viruses is avoiding transmission. By following the recommendations of the CDC and the Lucas County Health Department (LCHD), we can reduce illness in our schools. We are asking for everyone’s commitment to:

Keep sick children at home. By allowing your child to be at school or placing your child on the school bus, you are assuring the school and other parents that your child is not ill and is fever-free. Staff members will abide by the same protocols related to symptoms, fever, and remaining at home when ill.

Report absences. Report your child’s absence and share possible COVID-19 exposure and symptom information with our secretary so that we can contact and work with the health department. Also, contact your child’s health care provider.

Remind children of the following important health habits:

	Wash hands. Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

	Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Use an elbow if no tissue is available.
	Do not share personal items – pens, pencils, cell phones, electronic devices, laptops, water bottles, drinks, food, or unwashed utensils.
	Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If your child has been in close contact with a person with COVID-19, keep your child at home.
	Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth whenever possible. 	Abide by the district’s physical distancing procedures.

Without question, students returning to school could be at risk of contracting COVID-19. This risk is serious, particularly for persons at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Even with everyone following our program’s guidelines and with all cleaning and social distancing protocols in place, risk will remain. We take our responsibilities to students very seriously, and we will continue to monitor COVID-19 with health officials, implement revised safety protocols as needed, and provide updates to our families.

Sincerely, Amy St. Marie
Early Childhood Supervisor ESC Of Lake Erie West

(See Page 2)

I have read and understand the importance of following the program’s guidelines created in collaboration with the Lucas County Health Department and CDC guidance in reducing the known risks associated with students returning to school buildings.

I pledge to follow the district’s guidelines and join other students, parents, staff, and community members in their efforts to keep our school safe and students healthy.

As a student or staff member, I further pledge to stay home and call in my illness when I have a fever over 100 degrees, have symptoms included in the guidelines, had close contact with a person who has COVID-19, or tested positive for COVID-19.

As a parent/guardian, I further pledge to keep my child or children home if they have: a fever over 100 degrees, have symptoms included in the guidelines, had close contact with a person who has COVID-19, or tested positive for COVID-19; and, I will make arrangements in advance to prepare for this possibility.