Dear ACCC Community,
As the state of the pandemic continues to change we have been working to update our COVID Policy to take suggestions into account as well as respond to updated recommendations from the CDC and local health organizations. As such, we have some updates to share:
Summary
The ACCC COVID Policy Decision Tree has been updated. Please use this for determining required actions when dealing with potential COVID symptoms, a COVID exposure, or a positive COVID case. This updated policy is effective Monday, March 7th, 2022.
Details of change
The ACCC Board voted to implement the updated Santa Clara County Health Department Guidelines for Early Education and Other Programs Serving Children or Youth Decision Tree (dated January 21st, 2022) with 3 modifications to further reduce the risk for our community. The approved modifications are:
1) If you test positive, isolate for at least 10 days for a COVID positive test
2) Remove “Modified Quarantine” language, simply test on Day 3 and Day 5 (not Day 3 through 5).
3) After Quarantine, the Child/Staff must have a negative test taken on the day prior to (or on the day) returning to ACCC provided that the test is taken on or after Day 5.
The updated Decision Tree has some noteworthy differences from past guidance, so please review it carefully:
– Guidance on quarantine for most has been shortened to 5 days;
– Guidance on quarantine duration is based on ability to mask;
– Guidance on quarantine is provided based on vaccination status, with and without the booster, as well as previous COVID infection;
– There is a “no test” option.
Please note that as the pandemic environment changes and health department recommendations are revised, this policy may also change. Our COVID Task-Force and BOD members will be evaluating updated recommendations and voting on policy changes at the next Board Meeting (March 16th, 2022). Feedback from teachers and parents is welcome and will also be considered. Please provide feedback to covid-task-force@ameschildcare.org.
Our current policy will be posted on the ACCC website to make things easier to find. We will also send out an updated set of slides with examples soon.
Policy on Travel
ACCC strongly recommends that all teachers, staff and families follow CDC Travel Recommendations when traveling both domestically and internationally.
Masking
This week, the California Department of Public Health announced updates to the mask guidance for K-12 schools and childcare settings. As of today, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department is still in the process of updating its policies based on this guidance. Additionally, ACCC is required to comply with Federal and NASA Ames requirements. Accordingly, ACCC will be considering updates to its COVID Safety Protocol in the coming weeks. At this time, masks are still required for all ACCC staff/teachers and parents/guardians coming for pick-up/drop-off. ACCC recently distributed some N95 masks to staff. Childrens masks are also available at ACCC.
Reporting
If you or someone in your household tests positive, has symptoms, has close contact with a COVID-19 infected person, or has any other COVID concern, report it immediately to the ACCC Director and Assistant Director (ida.stevens@ameschildcare.org and claire.hung@ameschildcare.org) and follow the instructions provided. When reporting, please provide all relevant information including:
1) date of onset of symptoms
2) date of positive test
3) date of exposure
4) vaccination status for all household members
Notifications
Notifications will be sent out to applicable families/teachers/staff if an ACCC staff member or child is required to stay home (either due to close-contact exposure or positive test).
Testing
The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department endorses and supports the use of at-home testing for all situations in which COVID-19 tests are recommended or required for return to childcare settings. FDA-authorized antigen home tests may be used to return to childcare settings after COVID-19 exposure, quarantine, or isolation in accordance with the California Department of Public Health isolation and quarantine recommendations. There are two types of COVID testing that ideally should be used for specific situations. ACCC COVID policy allows PCR or antigen tests to be used to determine if isolation or quarantine is required.
1. PCR tests should be used when:
– You have not tested positive for COVID in the past 90 days
– You have a COVID symptom
– You are individually made aware of being in close contact with a COVID positive person
2. Antigen tests should be used when:
– You have tested positive for COVID and want to end isolation
– You are a close contact and want to end quarantine
– You have tested positive for COVID in the last 90 days and have a new exposure
All ACCC teachers and staff are routinely being tested weekly on Friday. There are antigen tests available at ACCC if needed.
Reduce Your Risk
We cannot control the number of cases in our community, but we can take steps to reduce our risk of getting and transmitting COVID. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends these steps to reduce your risk of getting and spreading COVID:
1) Get Vaccinated – Everyone 5 or older is eligible for the vaccine. Everyone 12 or older is eligible for the booster. Get a COVID vaccine as soon as you can.
2) Wear a Mask – Masks should be fitted to the face without gaps and should cover both your nose and mouth.
3) Physical Distance – Stay at least six feet away from people who do not live with you to the greatest extent possible.
4) Avoid Crowds – Large gatherings, particularly indoors, should be avoided to the greatest extent possible.
5) Hand Hygiene – Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Friendly Reminders
1) Please remember to wear a mask at all times at ACCC for pick-up and drop-off. This includes the parking lot.
2) Please minimize time at ACCC for pick-up and drop-off. Avoid congregating at ACCC, particularly within the ACCC facility.
3) Please be mindful that you leave a clear walking path in/out of center if you stop along the way. Remember to keep social distancing when outside as well (6 feet apart).
4) Please remember to sanitize your hands upon entering the ACCC lobby (there are pump bottles available).
5) Please remember that parents/guardians are not yet allowed inside classrooms at this time. Wait at the door for your child or pick them up outside on the playground.
COVID Task-Force
The COVID Task-Force (made up of ACCC parents, BOD members, and staff) is continuing to meet to help review the latest COVID CDC and health department recommendations and make recommendations to the Board. This group can be contacted at covid-task-force@ameschildcare.org. If you are interested in joining this group, please send the list an email directly.
Thank you for continuing to keep ACCC as safe as possible by following the safety protocols and getting tested when needed. And, thank you to all of you for your patience. We will maintain our focus on a safe environment for students and employees, and we appreciate all you have done and continue to do to keep our community as safe as possible.
Please reach out if you have questions or concerns and I am happy to help.
Thanks,
Kelley Alwood
Vice-President,
ACCC Board of Directors
Mom of Cora (Apollo) and Mae (Alumni)