Dear ECELP Families,
Welcome back! Happy New Year!
I would like to reflect on our journey last year as we often do at this time of year. At the outset of this pandemic when other child care centers and facilities closed their doors, we maintained our commitment to your children and our families through zoom calls and virtual office hours. This practice not only eased your child’s transition back to school when we reopened in June, but it also allowed our teachers to keep working when many of their colleagues across our state and nation were laid off. Your outpour of support for your teachers was heard and felt; we are so appreciative.
While tough times are still ahead, let’s take a moment to reflect on the “wins” from last year.
- Re-opened this summer, providing a safe environment for young children and staff.
- Adhered to strict protocols for cleaning, classroom quarantine, and health exclusions to reduce exposure for young children and staff.
- Maintained high standards for teachers and teaching assistants – 100% of staff earned the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate, with 87% lead teachers holding a bachelor’s degree.
- Transitioned to the ProCare digital platform to streamline check in.
- Adopted the ProCare daily note to include photos with communication about your child’s day.
- Secured federal funding for student families attending the ECELP.
- Maintained NAEYC teacher: child ratios to provide the highest level of care for young children.
- Established the Early Childhood Education Institute, to maximize research on recommended practices in early childhood care and education.
We are so happy to welcome your children back to the center and hope you had a wonderful holiday break. We continue to remain vigilant in our efforts to keep children and staff save as we continue in Phase II. This includes adhering to our combined classrooms in order to minimize the need for bringing in outside personnel into the center, maintaining classroom quarantining, frequent cleaning throughout the day, and health exclusions in accordance with both CDC and LA OPH guidelines. We know that closures are problematic, but we are committed to keeping your children safe and healthy during our current circumstances.
Best,
Cyndi
