Important Information from LEAP on Our Programs and COVID-19
October 29, 2020
Dear LEAP parents and guardians,
We are excited to restart LEAP in the fall semester. And we are excited to be able to have kids in person for part of every week, for those families that want to be in-person. We are also offering an online only program for families that want to do that. We are combining homework assistance with literacy help and a commitment to fun activities that allow kids to enjoy themselves while learning.
To make LEAP safe for everyone, we are taking a number of steps, these include:
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Requiring masks for all children, counselors and staff;
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Cleaning all surfaces several times a day;
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Maintaining small groups;
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Taking children’s and counselor’s temperatures before they enter LEAP every day;
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Requiring that all our counselors and staff get tested for COVID-19 every two weeks;
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Carefully watching the COVID-19 positive test rates in Connecticut to determine whether it is safe to continue programs (unfortunately Connecticut and the whole country are starting to see increases in the number of people testing positive).
We ask that all LEAP families also take responsibility to make LEAP safe for everyone. This includes:
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If your child is sick or has symptoms of COVID (basically flu like symptoms, cough, runny nose, etc.) or has a fever, do not bring your child to LEAP;
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If someone in your family or another person your child comes into contact with is sick or has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, do not bring your child to LEAP until they have quarantined for a minimum of 14 days and tested negative; and,
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Talk to your child about always wearing a mask and social distancing (if you do not have a mask for your child, LEAP has plenty and we will be happy to give your child one to take home).
We strongly encourage families to take additional precautions as we enter the colder months:
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Consider getting regular COVID-19 tests for your family. It’s free to get COVID-19 tests at Fair Haven Community Health Center. Regular tests reduce your risk of catching or spreading the disease. It takes about 10 minutes to take the test and the results are available in about 48 hours. You can schedule an appointment by calling 203.871.4179. The Center is located at 374 Grand Avenue.
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Consider getting a flu shot. Getting a flu shot does 3 important things: (1) reduces risk that you will get the flu and think you have COVID-19; (2) reduces the risk you will get the flu which can be pretty miserable; and (3) doctors believe it is possible to get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time which could be doubly bad. You can get a flu shot in lots of places, including CVS and Walgreens pharmacies or call your doctor or pediatrician. Almost all insurance policies make flu vaccines free.
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You can learn more about staying safe get more information by visiting:
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The federal Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov
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LEAP’s COVID page: leapforkids.org/covid-19
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Thank you and please stay safe,
Henry Fernandez
Executive Director, LEAP