youth center

COVID-19 Implemented Measures

USAFA Child and Youth Families

Throughout the week, we have had several families ask questions regarding the health and sanitation of the facilities and changes to our exclusion policy based on COVID 19. However, as you are all aware guidance and directions are constantly evolving. We understand everybody’s concern regarding the safety of their child(ren) and youth. Child and Youth Program management and staff have implemented measures in hopes to mitigate the spread of infection and outbreak within our programs.

A. In addition to our normal stringent cleaning we have implemented the following measures:

All counters, pens and monitors at the front desk are being cleaned and sanitized throughout the day.
Rigorous hand washing procedures are being followed by staff. Children ages 3 and up are being monitored to ensure proper handwashing procedures take place. Staff are helping children ages 2 and under with handwashing.
Proper cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting of activity area and classroom materials, bedding, surfaces and furnishings is happening daily. The custodial crew is conducting deeper cleanings of the facilities during the day and in the evening.
Sleeping children are being placed 3 feet apart and children sleep head to toe. Infant classrooms are the only exception to this because there is plexiglas in between their cribs.
Program clerks are staying on top of children’s and youth immunizations to ensure all immunization are up to date. Any child/youth with missing immunization records will be excluded from care until the immunization is received and documentation is provided to the program.
Children/Youth who develop signs and symptoms of illness while in care are being isolated in a safe and supervised setting until their parent(s) arrive.
The Child Development Center (CDC) is limiting the number of classroom/group configurations to reduce possible cross-contamination.
CDC and Youth Center is strategically utilizing staff who are floaters/breakers within specific classrooms and age groups to minimize potential cross contamination.
The Youth Center staff are diligently reminding youth to wash hands and use sanitizer.

B. How YOU can help

Please keep your child(ren) at home when they are sick or showing signs of illness. Keep them home until they are symptom free for 24 hours without the use of medication.
If your child is showing signs of illness (specifically COVID-19) or if they are send home with signs of illness, take them to the Doctor to get evaluated. Child(ren)/Youth will not be allowed back into any Child and Youth Programs without documentation from a medical professional showing clearance to return to a childcare setting.
Use hand sanitizer located at the front desk prior to signing your child into the program.
Help and remind your child(ren) and Youth to wash their hands upon entering the facilities/classroom and wash your hands prior to signing your child into the programs and entering the classrooms.
If you are exhibiting signs of illness, we request that you do NOT come into the programs and try to make arrangements with your spouse or a family friend to drop off and pick up your child(ren)/Youth.

C. If you need school age care PLEASE ENROLL YOUR CHILD(REN) ON MILITARYCHILDCARE.com FOR CARE REQUESTS.

D. If you currently utilize the Family Child Care (FCC) Program

The decision to close or suspend care will be made by the provider, however we have asked that they notify their families at least 72 hours in advance.

E. In case of a facility closure:

Parents will need to find alternate care options
Work with your leadership and chain of command
It is highly recommended that ALL parents with family care plans (AF 357), ensure they are reviewed and ready to implement.

As of now, we have not received any additional guidance from public health regarding our exclusion policy based on COVID -19. When additional information is received we will share it with all our families.

The management and staff at Child and Youth Programs of USAFA are working diligently to minimize the number people entering our facilities. There is currently a USAFA COVID-19 working group that is continually evaluating additional measures for the CDC and Youth Center to implement. If any of our existing measures change, all families will be notified.